29.01.2013 Views

A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Cyanide <strong>in</strong> tail<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

Cyanide will persist <strong>in</strong> the environment long after a m<strong>in</strong>e has closed. Post-closure<br />

management of this useful but hazardous substance is essential. When the closure of<br />

the tail<strong>in</strong>gs s<strong>to</strong>rage facility (TSF) at Wiluna gold operations was be<strong>in</strong>g considered <strong>in</strong><br />

late 2000, it was decided <strong>to</strong> assess the potential environmental risk that the closure<br />

option might pose. Chemical characterisation of the tail<strong>in</strong>gs was undertaken <strong>to</strong><br />

measure the risk from cyanide and heavy metals. It was concluded that some m<strong>in</strong>or<br />

seepage may occur, particularly follow<strong>in</strong>g heavy ra<strong>in</strong>fall events. These seepages and<br />

the potential eluants are expected <strong>to</strong> be well below regula<strong>to</strong>ry requirements. The TSF<br />

was unlikely <strong>to</strong> become acidic s<strong>in</strong>ce it is acid consum<strong>in</strong>g (see LP Cyanide p.64).<br />

Figure 5.37 – Sampl<strong>in</strong>g the tail<strong>in</strong>gs at Wiluna<br />

174 LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!