Stabilization of sulphidic mine tailings by different treatment methods. Heavy metals and sulphate immobilization
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Linnanmaa, hall L6
Topic of the dissertation
Stabilization of sulphidic mine tailings by different treatment methods. Heavy metals and sulphate immobilization
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Jenni Kiventerä
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit
Subject of study
Process Engineering
Opponent
Professor João P. de Castro-Gomes, University of Beira, Portugal
Custos
Professor Mirja Illikainen, University of Oulu
More environmentally friendly management method for mine tailings
Environmentally friendly and sustainable management methods for mine tailings have been studied in this research.
Millions of tons of solid mining wastes, mine tailings, are generated worldwide annually. Most of the generated tailings are deposit in tailings dams under water coverage near mining sites. New management methods are needed, to develop more environmentally friendly deposit technologies for mine tailings in the future. Based on the research, mine tailings could be treated also as a raw materials instead of industrial wastes.
Based on the research results, by mixing the mine tailings with proper binding material and liquid the solidified material could be obtained. Simultaneously the harmful components such as heavy metals are immobilized inside the produced matrix. Other industrial residues such as metallurgical slags can be used as a binder materials.
The results can be utilized to develop the management of mine tailings into dry landfilling area instead of tailings dams and both short and long-term environmental problems could be decreased. By developing this technology further, the mine tailings could be utilized also as a construction materials.
The work for this research was mainly carried out in the project called GEOSULF, funded by Business Finland and mining industry.
Millions of tons of solid mining wastes, mine tailings, are generated worldwide annually. Most of the generated tailings are deposit in tailings dams under water coverage near mining sites. New management methods are needed, to develop more environmentally friendly deposit technologies for mine tailings in the future. Based on the research, mine tailings could be treated also as a raw materials instead of industrial wastes.
Based on the research results, by mixing the mine tailings with proper binding material and liquid the solidified material could be obtained. Simultaneously the harmful components such as heavy metals are immobilized inside the produced matrix. Other industrial residues such as metallurgical slags can be used as a binder materials.
The results can be utilized to develop the management of mine tailings into dry landfilling area instead of tailings dams and both short and long-term environmental problems could be decreased. By developing this technology further, the mine tailings could be utilized also as a construction materials.
The work for this research was mainly carried out in the project called GEOSULF, funded by Business Finland and mining industry.
Last updated: 1.3.2023