SRK workshop

Effective and safe disposal of mine wastes presents significant environmental and technical challenges to mining operators worldwide.

On 13 June SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd will be running the workshop on Mining Waste management.

This workshop will concentrate on the review of the current EU requirements/initiatives related to mineral waste management and Best Available Techniques (BAT) related to safe operation of mine waste facilities.

The workshop will comprise three interactive sessions covering the following topics:

Mineral waste management aspirations – Outline of the EU Mine Waste Directive requirements, the overview of Best Available Techniques (BAT) for mine waste management as defined in the EU and future trends which have been influenced by recent mine waste failures.  This workshop will also focus on the concept of a ‘Green Economy’ in the context of sustainable mining practices.

Mineral waste characterisation –  Under legislative requirements in the EU, operators use geochemistry assessments to meet classification requirements, but also understand potential environmental impacts from the waste.  This session explores the EU approach to mine waste characterisation, how characterisation of waste can impact the design of mines in general and the challenges associated with the re-use of mine wastes in certain settings.

Design, operation, and stewardship of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) –  Embankment breach incidents at large TSFs around the world have led to an increased emphasis on mine waste facility design, operational management, effective monitoring systems and technical stewardship.  This session will focus on the key elements required to minimise risk through the tailings storage lifecycle from conceptual design to closure.   A key emphasis of this session will be on design and management of hydraulically placed tailings in the EU and other OECD jurisdictions.