Incorporation of Natural Slope Features Into the Design of Final Landforms for Waste Rock Stockpiles

Ayres, Bryan; Dobchuk, Bonnie S.; Christensen, David L.; O’Kane, Michael; Fawcett, Mike

doi:10.21000/jasmr06020059

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Due to known erosion and water management issues, 'traditional batter-and-berm' profiles were not considered. Contemporary landform design philosophy advocates that the development of a sustainable landscape for mine closure incorporates waste landforms that replicate nature (Ayres et al 2006). The replication of mature and relatively stable natural systems reduces the rate and risk of accelerated erosion.…”

Section: Landform Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

Managing the waste rock storage design — can we build a waste rock dump that works?

Barritt¹,

Scott²,

Taylor³

2016

Proceedings of the International Conference on Mine Closure

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For a waste rock dump to be managed both during operations and at closure, a thorough understanding of the composition of the waste is an important requirement. A comprehensive block model should be prepared, with an appropriate materials management and placement plan developed in conjunction with the mining schedule. However, a waste rock dump's success is hinged on such compositional elements being regularly updated through ongoing materials characterisation over the life-of-mine. Failure to undertake this may potentially result in inappropriate material placement and classification for environmental purposes, and unnecessary costs to the mine and surrounding environment. A revised cover system and landform design was undertaken for a base metal mine in northern Australia following reclassification of its waste. The original permitted landform design comprised an extensive protective cover system of non-acid forming waste rock (88% of overall waste), encapsulating the small potentially acid forming waste volume (12% of overall waste). Additional geochemical studies indicated that these ratios were incorrect and as such, the total volume of clean non-acid forming waste available for the facility was further decreased to a fraction of the initial value. A cover system incorporating both the barrier and moisture 'store-and-release' concepts was proposed to limit net percolation into the reactive potentially acid forming waste. In addition, a landform design and extensive surface water management plan was prepared to manage both the high intensity wet season rainfall received at site and the naturally erosive materials available for landform construction. This paper presents the issues encountered during the design stage, which included: a tropical climate; geochemically reactive waste materials; and a surface water management system design, which was to be maintenance free and similar to natural systems in the long term.

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Section: Landform Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

Managing the waste rock storage design — can we build a waste rock dump that works?

Barritt¹,

Scott²,

Taylor³

2016

Proceedings of the International Conference on Mine Closure

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“…The second benefit of vegetation is its ability to maintain the physical integrity of the cover system. One of the most considerable threats to cover systems is the formation of deep gully erosion channels (Ayres et al, 2006). The living plant biomass combined with the decomposing dead plant material provided by the presence of vegetation increases soil stability and reduces erosion (MEND, 2004).…”

Section: Figure 1 Covers and Climate Types (From Inap 2009)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of termites on soil cover system performance

Lamoureux¹,

O’Kane²

2012

Proceedings of the International Conference on Mine Closure

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Little is known regarding the influence of termites on the performance of mine waste cover systems. This paper attempts to qualify the potential effects by reviewing existing termite research and relating it to cover system design and performance. It has been well documented that termites alter soil physically, chemically and hydrologically; however, the results tend to be highly variable. Four key properties relating to long-term cover performance were used to evaluate the effects of termites, namely, soil water characteristics, soil integrity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and soil chemical characteristics/vegetation. Subterranean foraging holes and galleries created by a wide range of termite species tend to increase the rate of infiltration by a factor of one to three depending on termite activity, soil type, and rainfall intensity. However, the effect of termites on infiltration is typically only significant on soils with low hydraulic conductivity. Termites preferentially select finer textured material for their constructions and in extreme cases have been known to burrow up to 55 m in search of moist soils. Preferential selection and movement to the surface of finer textured materials could have an effect on soil water characteristics, and physical integrity. In addition, termites could potentially improve conditions for the development of sustainable vegetation by improving nutrient cycling, aeration, and soil moisture. Cover systems with shallow barrier layers are likely the most susceptible to damage by termites. The hydraulic conductivity of barrier layers could be increased; however, the effect has been found to be overshadowed by the presence of extensive vegetation. The potential usage of barrier layer material for termite constructions would be damaging to long-term performance and emphasises the need for an appropriately designed growth medium for protection. Cover systems that utilise the moisture store-and-release concept may very well benefit from termite activity. By improving conditions for the development of a sustainable vegetative system, termites could potentially improve moisture cycling and physical stability. Similar to cover systems with barrier layers, the preferential usage of finer textured material has the potential to reduce homogeneity and create unplanned pathways for water. Understanding the effects of termites on cover performance and subsequently incorporating them into the design process should increase the over performance of soil covers over the long term. Preliminary termite nest density counts on cover systems may improve modelling efforts if incorporated into the performance modelling process. Current research which examines the chemical, physical, and hydrological effects of termites on soil can be quite variable. Variability makes it difficult to quantify the significance of termite activity on mine waste cover systems. Future research should focus on quantifying termite abundance over the successional life of cover systems for each termite feeding and nesting be...

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“…This is the case given that recent rulings associated with litigation dealing with disposal of mining spoil in valley streams (Bragg v. An improved approach, an ecosystem reclamation approach (ERA) (Fig. 6), might begin with a geomorphic landscape design that would accomplish AOC while creating a landscape that mimics stable, natural, mountain slopes while being cost-effective, attractive, and resistant to surficial erosion and mass wasting (Ayres et al, 2006). Geomorphic designs that mimic natural landforms and drainage patterns and achieve functional and aesthetic characteristics of premined conditions are well established (Schor and Gray, 2007), but not without challenges.…”

Section: Adoption Of the Forestry Reclamation Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable Mined Land Reclamation in the Eastern U. S. Coalfields: A Case for an Ecosystem Reclamation Approach

Burger¹

2011

JASMR

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Abstract. The demand for energy throughout the world grows each day, and coal will be needed to meet a large portion of that demand. Coal mining techniques in the Appalachian and Midwestern coalfields have evolved to mine larger land areas and multiple seams at greater depths. New reclamation methods and approaches also must evolve to minimize cumulative impacts on aquatic, terrestrial, and human resources. Mined land reforestation practices over the past 80 years illustrate the evolution of reclamation in the eastern coalfields of the U. S. Prior to the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), tree planting was synonymous with reclamation. Grassland reclamation became the dominant approach post-SMCRA. As stakeholders of the mining and reclamation process have begun to appreciate the value of forest ecosystems, there is greater emphasis on ensuring land and forest restoration and proper ecosystem functioning on reclaimed mined land. A forestry reclamation approach is supplanting grassland reclamation where forests are the logical postmining land use. Restoring forestland capability, native species, and watershed protection are positive outcomes. However, greater public demand for stream protection, water quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, native wildlife habitat, and human protection may require a more comprehensive ecosystem reclamation approach. In my view, the components of such an approach already have a good basis in science and could be applied through a process of adaptive management in the event such an approach is needed to help the coal industry in the U. S. maintain its social license to operate.

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Incorporation of Natural Slope Features Into the Design of Final Landforms for Waste Rock Stockpiles

Cited by 6 publications

References 11 publications

Managing the waste rock storage design — can we build a waste rock dump that works?

Managing the waste rock storage design — can we build a waste rock dump that works?

Effects of termites on soil cover system performance

Sustainable Mined Land Reclamation in the Eastern U. S. Coalfields: A Case for an Ecosystem Reclamation Approach

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