Process effluents and mine tailings: sources, effects and management and role of nanotechnology

From National Research Council Canada

DOIResolve DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s41204-016-0011-6
AuthorSearch for: 1 ; Search for: 1 
Name affiliation
  1. National Research Council Canada. Energy, Mining and Environment
TypeArticle
Journal titleNanotechnology for Environmental Engineering
ISSN2365-6379
2365-6387
SubjectMining wastes; Water contamination; Ecological effects; Sustainable management; Nanoparticles
Abstract
Increasing population levels, growing economies, rapid urbanization and changes in consumption patterns have increased the demand for raw materials such as base and precious metals, leading to growing concerns regarding their availability and the global efficiency of the mine supply chain. Mine tailings, consisting of process effluents that are generated in a mineral processing plant, are generally transferred to tailings ponds/impoundments to meet environmental regulations and site-specific factors before discharge. Most mining activities induce an impact on their geochemical environment (e.g., water, groundwater) due to the presence of metal-rich tailing deposits. The need for a comprehensive framework for mine tailings management that promotes sustainable development is therefore becoming increasingly recognized by the mining industry. Therefore, for sustainable rehabilitation and disposal of mining waste, the sources and mechanisms of pollutant generation and their subsequent effect on environment and sustainable treatment methods are critical. This review includes information on different sources of mining waters and its effect on groundwater contamination and ecological effects. The review also encompasses a broad range of mine water treatment strategies available for innovative management of mining tailings with a specific emphasis on the role of nanoparticles in the management of mine waters.
Publication date
PublisherSpringer
LanguageEnglish
Peer reviewedYes
NPARC number23001310
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Record identifier81c812e8-2a0c-4d73-966b-2b0d86cf685c
Record created2017-01-16
Record modified2017-01-16
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