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Experiences of Underground Mine Backfilling Using Mine Tailings Developed in the Andean Region of Peru: A Green Mining Solution to Reduce Socio-Environmental Impacts

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  • Carlos Cacciuttolo

    (Civil Works and Geology Department, Catholic University of Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile)

  • Alex Marinovic

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Privada del Norte, Cajamarca 06001, Peru)

Abstract

In Peru, socio-environmental conflicts related to the development of mining-metallurgical processes and the responsible disposal of mine tailings have become central issues for accepting mining projects, especially regarding building relationships of trust with the communities. This condition has prompted the Peruvian mining industry to advance in managing alternatives to the conventional surface disposal of mine tailings. A promising and increasingly popular management strategy for mine tailings in Peru is their disposal inside underground mines. This article presents: site-specific conditions, advantages/disadvantages, and lessons learned from practical experiences of mine tailings disposal in underground mines in Peru. In addition, some techniques are highlighted, such as (i) hydraulic fill, (ii) cemented hydraulic fill, and (iii) cemented paste backfill. Finally, this article concludes that the responsible disposal of mine tailings in underground mines is a green mining solution that reduces negative socio-environmental impacts, limiting the generation of acid rock drainage (ARD) and the leaching of metals due to the decrease in contact with oxygen and rainfall, thus mitigating the contamination of surface and underground waters, reducing the footprint of affectation in the territory, and eliminating the emission of particulate matter in the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Cacciuttolo & Alex Marinovic, 2023. "Experiences of Underground Mine Backfilling Using Mine Tailings Developed in the Andean Region of Peru: A Green Mining Solution to Reduce Socio-Environmental Impacts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:17:p:12912-:d:1226062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schoenberger, Erica, 2016. "Environmentally sustainable mining: The case of tailings storage facilities," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 119-128.
    2. Armstrong, Margaret & Petter, Renato & Petter, Carlos, 2019. "Why have so many tailings dams failed in recent years?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1-1.
    3. Carlos Cacciuttolo Vargas & Alex Marinovic Pulido, 2022. "Sustainable Management of Thickened Tailings in Chile and Peru: A Review of Practical Experience and Socio-Environmental Acceptance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-65, August.
    4. Carlos Cacciuttolo & Deyvis Cano, 2023. "Spatial and Temporal Study of Supernatant Process Water Pond in Tailings Storage Facilities: Use of Remote Sensing Techniques for Preventing Mine Tailings Dam Failures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-32, March.
    5. Carlos Cacciuttolo & Edison Atencio, 2022. "Past, Present, and Future of Copper Mine Tailings Governance in Chile (1905–2022): A Review in One of the Leading Mining Countries in the World," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-41, October.
    6. Xianqing Wang & Wen Wan & Yishu Liu & Rugao Gao & Zhenxing Lu & Xiaoyu Tang, 2023. "Analysis of Factors Influencing the Flow Characteristics of Paste Backfill in Pipeline Transportation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-26, April.
    7. Carlos Cacciuttolo & Edison Atencio, 2023. "In-Pit Disposal of Mine Tailings for a Sustainable Mine Closure: A Responsible Alternative to Develop Long-Term Green Mining Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-24, April.
    8. Franks, Daniel M. & Boger, David V. & Côte, Claire M. & Mulligan, David R., 2011. "Sustainable development principles for the disposal of mining and mineral processing wastes," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 114-122, June.
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