ABSTRACT
The mining industry creates huge quantities of sulphidic or non-sulphidic tailings which may pose a number of environmental problems (e.g., acid mine drainage formation and tailings dam failures) mainly due to their sheer volumes and toxicities. To manage properly these hazardous tailings without causing any environmental and geotechnical risks, the industry is always searching for new, sustainable and efficient waste management options. This paper demonstrates sustainable use and application of a Submarine Tailings Disposal (STD) system which has been currently operating in a Cu-Zn mine located in north-eastern Turkey. A complete tailings characterization and discharge monitoring results are also presented. Results indicate clearly that the SPD system runs well as a combined tailings management technique in the mine. Results indicate that underground backfill and surface disposal can be utilized concurrently without creating environmental damages (e.g., tailings dam failure, acid formation) over the mine’s life.
