Tailings and Mine Waste Conference

Rethinking Waste Gaebel, Robyn

Abstract

Through identification of by-products available and utilizing existing and emerging technologies, opportunities to manage and use waste to solve problems can be and have been developed. By examining synergies between by-products across different industries and within mining to reuse material by-products, the waste can be diverted from landfill or other long-term storage facilities, thereby reducing the industry environmental impacts. The industries specifically discussed and identified in the case studies are forestry, water treatment, mining, and agriculture, however the focus is on the mining industry. Each industry examined has byproducts that have favourable material properties that solve problems or reduce issues. By evaluating alternate waste products that can be used in construction or co-disposed with, industry professionals can reduce the environmental impact and effective cost of waste management for the industries involved. Rebranding waste as a material by-product can change the perception that waste is only a burden; thereby turning waste into a viable material resource. While technology and innovation are available for responsible and environmentally aware material use, practices within the mining industry have remained the same. The case studies included outline some use of material by-products to demonstrate and support the concept of waste reuse and ultimately waste as a resource. This paper encourages awareness of the inconspicuous details of seemingly unconnected industries that are often overlooked. The mining industry and all industries need to respect natural resources, to use as much of the available materials and waste as little as possible. With more public awareness around sustainability, the environment, impacts of industry on the environment and climate change, regulations are likely to start including social license into legislated requirements to operate. Industry practices are being closely examined in more detail, with a focus not only on the companies acting ethically but also on the individual practitioners. To be socially acceptable and environmentally sustainable the mining industry and industry professionals must practice better waste management.

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