So You Want to Have the Best Possible Waste Rock Dump

Authors: Russell, M Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/802_10

Cite As:
Russell, M 2008, 'So You Want to Have the Best Possible Waste Rock Dump', in AB Fourie (ed.), Rock Dumps 2008: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on the Management of Rock Dumps, Stockpiles and Heap Leach Pads, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 117-127, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/802_10



Abstract:
Open pit mining waste rock dumps represent very significant structures on most open pit mine sites. If they are not developed well they represent a significant risk to the environment and there are substantial numbers of legacy sites worldwide where waste rock dumps have caused various and severe pollution of the wider environment. Whilst historically this may have been seen as acceptable, it is most certainly not the case today. Legislation, community expectations and corporate governance now demands that mining waste rock dumps have a minimal impact on the external environment whether the mine is developed close to urban populations or in remote locations. In addition to increasing environmental standards, the waste rock dump represents a significant financial investment costing multi-million dollars to construct with up to half the total truck hours being spent developing the structure. However, with good planning, the waste rock dump represents an opportunity to significantly reduce costs as well as improve the environmental outcomes. This paper discusses the considerations that need to be undertaken to give the opportunity for a low environmental risk and low cost rock dump to be developed.

References: