Mining waste management: Genesis and possibility of processing

Abstract

Intensive exploitation and processing of copper ore in Basin Bor has led to degradation of large areas of land, deposing huge volumes of solid waste (mining and flotation tailings, smeltiing slag, etc.) and the occurrence of acid mine drainages (AMD's). Characteristics of these wastes, that contain significant amounts of copper and other elements, permanently lead to pollution of soil, water and air. This paper presents and analyzes industrial technogenic wastes from mining industry and metal production as well as ability for their processing.