Table of Contents
Why are tailings toxic?
The rock particles and other chemicals may undergo chemical reactions during storage that generate additional byproducts, such as acid and other dissolved metals that can more easily leach into waterways. Many substances found in tailings can be toxic.
Why are mining tailings bad?
Mine tailings are the materials left over after the process of separating the desired product from an ore. They often consist of fine particles suspended in water, which have the potential to damage the environment by releasing toxic metals, causing erosion and sinkholes, and contaminating soil and water supplies.
What are mine tailings Why are these hazardous to groundwater?
Inherent to the disposal of mining wastes on land is the potential for groundwater contamination due to the leaching of these wastes by rainwater. The rapid release of acid and metals from mining wastes by natural leaching processes, therefore, presents a great potential for the contamination of groundwater.
Are mine tailings hazardous waste?
If not managed properly, this waste can negatively impact the environment and human health in neighbouring communities. Management of tailings facilities is a priority for our Company, the COIs, the general public, and the global mining industry. Mining processes also generate hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
How are mine tailings created?
Tailings are the byproducts that remain following the extraction and recovery of valuable minerals from mine operations. They are generated by a milling process and are a mixture of finely-ground sand-to silt-sized rock particles, water, and processing reagents.
What are the environmental problems with tailings from mines?
Tailings have great potential to damage the environment by releasing toxic metals by acid mine drainage or by damaging aquatic wildlife; these both require constant monitoring and treatment of water passing through the dam. However, the greatest danger of tailings ponds is dam failure.
Why are mines toxic?
Environmental hazards are present during every step of the open-pit mining process. Additionally, like most traditional forms of mining, underground mining can release toxic compounds into the air and water. As water takes on harmful concentrations of minerals and heavy metals, it becomes a contaminant.
How do mine tailings affect the environment?
Mining throws sulphide containing minerals into the air, where they oxidise and react with water to form sulphuric acid. This, together with various trace elements impacts groundwater, both from the surface and underground mines.
Why must mine tailings be stored and disposed of carefully?
Tailings are finely ground rocks and other mineral waste as a result of mineral processing. Due to the way minerals are processed, tailings can contain concentrations of processing chemicals. This can make mine tailings an environmental concern, so proper transportation and disposal are crucial.
Are tailings toxic?
Tailings aren’t “toxic.” They are a natural byproduct to be kept in a lined facility and returned to the pit at closure. All pyritic tailings will be backhauled to the pit for permanent underwater storage. They will present no failure risk and offer no threat to downstream habitat.
What does tailings mean in mining?
Tailings are a by-product of mining. After ore containing an economically-recoverable commodity is mined from the earth, that commodity is extracted in a processing plant or mill. After the commodity of value is extracted from the ore material, the resultant waste stream is termed “tailings”.