ABSTRACT
In the mining plant, it is usual to direct rainwater to the nearest water bodies to reduce the accumulation and infiltration of water into the mining structures. However, little is discussed to minimize turbidity in the generated effluent, using downstream dam structures, that stabilize and reduce the turbidity of this effluent. Due to the environmental incidents of recent years, environmental agencies are imposing restrictions on projects for new dam structures. Because of this, mining has sought other technologies to solve the problem of fine sediments in water bodies. In this context, turbidity curtains act as filters and deflectors of suspended sediments, favouring turbidity reduction. The objective of this study was to analyse the performance of two turbidity curtains, installed downstream of a waste rock dump at a phosphate mine in Alto Paranaiba, Brazil, to investigate the performance of these structures when subjected to high peak flows. The results obtained in this study confirmed the effectiveness of the curtains and will support the design of new structures for future sediment containments.
