The Application of Cover Systems for Mine Closure ⎯ Are We Doing it Right?

Authors: Wilson, GW

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_Wilson

Cite As:
Wilson, GW 2006, 'The Application of Cover Systems for Mine Closure ⎯ Are We Doing it Right?', in AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2006: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 31-41, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_Wilson

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Abstract:
Mining companies invest heavily in cover systems for the control of long term net infiltration and leachate production within mine rock and tailings. Recent field observations at numerous mine sites suggest actual net infiltration rates are much higher than current modeling and field instrumentation techniques suggest. It is important to ask, are we doing it right? The general purpose of this paper is directed at developing a basis for questioning and evaluating current approaches used for predicting and monitoring the performance of Store and Release covers. The capacity of current modeling techniques used to evaluate infiltration and runoff from ‘Store and Release’ Covers is discussed herein. It is concluded that further investigation is needed to describe the physics of flow and material properties for fractured soil properties that develop within the active zone of a soil cover profile. Furthermore, better numerical techniques are needed. Finally, consideration needs to be given to improving the measurement of net infiltration at the field scale for cover systems.

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Plenary Addresses
Mine Closure 2006, Perth, Australia 41




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