Presentation Description
Passive evaporation has become a frequently-selected post-closure water management AEMA’s 2019 Abstract Book Page 25 mechanism for mine components in arid and semi-arid settings. The primary advantage of these systems is their ability to maintain a closed water management loop. Limitations include potential ecological exposure and changing fluid chemistry in an evapo-concentrating environment which alters the performance of the system over time and may increase risks to wildlife or domestic stock. In Nevada mining, passive systems relying on a combination of evaporation and plant transpiration have been designed, built, and operated over the past 30 years. Passive evaporation systems are not a mine-closure silver bullet and will not work in all settings or conditions. This presentation will provide results and findings from previous industry efforts and will provide an overview of key design elements of evaporation cells and strategies to manage ecological risks and changing performance over time.
Mine Closure and Reclamation Session Description
Mine closure is a critical component of environmental management in the mining industry. A thorough mine closure and reclamation plan is a complicated and often overlooked aspect in the design life of a site. This session will present technical presentations and case studies on the closure and reclamation process from shut down to post-closure monitoring from mining professionals and land management agencies.
