Mining Waste
Waste derived from extraction operations and processing of mineral resources. It encompasses materials that must be removed to gain access to a mineral resource, such as topsoil, overburden and waste rock, as well as tailings remaining after minerals have been largely extracted from the ore. Together this constitutes on of the biggest waste streams in Europe[1].
This comprises of a mixture of Inert and hazardous substances depending on the origin of the waste. Effective management of mining wastes is vital as metals and metal compounds can become more available through extraction mineral processing methods that can result in acidic/alkaline production and transportation[1].
The Mining Waste Directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 11 April 2006. DEFRA in 2010 released a guidance document relating to this directive. The aim of the directive is to provide for measures to prevent or reduce as far as possible any adverse effects on the environment as well as any resultant risk to human health from the management of waste from the extractive industries [2].
Mining Waste is stored and/or processed at a Mining Waste Facility[2].
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 European Commission 2019. here Mining waste - Environment - European Commission. Ec.europa.eu.] [online] [Accessed 31 Oct. 2019].
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Defra, 2010. Environmental Permitting Guidance The Mining Waste Directive for the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 Updated May 2010 Version 1.1. London.