Design and Operational Practice to Aid Closure of Mine Processing and Waste Disposal Facilities

Abstract Only - The closure of mine processing and waste disposal facilities is both a regulated activity and a potential source of corporate liability. All facilities must be designed and operated to satisfy relevant environmental regulations; however the authors' experience in preparation, submittal, defense and obtaining regulatory approval for implementation of closure related activities indicates that few are designed, and even fewer operated to facilitate closure. This paper discusses both the conceptual framework for closure oriented design and operation, and several specific design and operational elements that are key to characterizing closure components, and providing data that can be used to defend closure design and implementation. Discussion will be based on experience obtained from case studies, and include:

Mass Stability (static and seismic)
Engineering Characteristics
Operating and Closure Water Balance
Operating and Closure Water Chemistry
Solids Chemistry
Receptor Characterization
Potential of Source to Degrade State Water
Pathway Characterization
Potential for Pathway to Mitigate Discharge
Disposal and Treatment Options for Post-Operational Effluent
Final Closure Designs
Operating, Closure, and Post-Closure Monitoring