The primary objectives of this one-year scoping project are to determine the feasibility of extracting byproduct mineral commodities, such as critical minerals, from mine tailings. We plan to analyze the existing data and reports from an active mine sites on the composition of their mill tailings pile, and collect preliminary reconnaissance samples to identify appropriate analytical techniques that will be most useful to this study. The array of techniques considered will span standard and advanced mineralogical characterization techniques.
Waste isolation is a key strategy for mitigating risk from municipal solid waste (MSW) and hazardous waste streams. Conventional covers at MSW facilities are designed for a 30-yr post-closure period where compacted soils and geosynthetics are used to minimize percolation into buried waste. Recently, evapotranspiration (ET) covers have shown beneficial use for MSW management. Evapotranspiration covers encourage infiltration, storage, and transpiration of precipitation to minimize percolation. Such covers may also have beneficial use for long-term waste issues, such as at Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) sites. These sites were covered by a clay radon barrier to create tortuous flow paths that allow radioactive decay and attenuation of short-lived, radon-222 gas. For long-term waste isolation, an ET-radon cover may provide greater resilience by exploiting natural processes instead of resisting them. This update presents a review of the current state-of-the-science regarding ET covers and considerations for long-term applications.
This report summarizes the basic chemistry associated with mineral dissolution, weathering, biotic processes and mixing, all of which may contribute to changes in seepage chemistry during structural transit. This report also provides references, overviews of planning, sampling, quality assurance, and interpretation of seepage chemistry investigations, and examples from successful seepage investigations performed over the past 20 years by Bureau of Reclamation Dam Safety Program professionals. Summary references are also recommended for the reader who wishes to investigate specific topics more thoroughly.
AusIMM, in conjunction with leading experts in the mining industry, has developed the Professional Certificate in Tailings Management. Featuring internationally-renowned tailings experts and case studies, the course will cover geotechnical, geochemical, governance, closure and socio-economic considerations of tailings management. The interactive, online format of the course will provide participants with an opportunity to learn in a community-based environment from wherever they are situated.
The article focuses on how USGS scientists are using cutting edge tools to revisit Mine Waste and Tailings for Resources