ENVIRONMENTAL MINE ENGINEERING

“Environmental Mine Engineering” is traditionally involved with managing water and

waste products to avoid pollution; however, the range of concerns is growing. Today it
includes dust control, noise attenuation, recycling, reclamation, and reduction of visual
impact . Tomorrow it may include macro-environmental (for example, global warming)
and socio-economic considerations.

The interface between the miner and the environmentalist demands an exchange of
knowledge and good communications. For this purpose, the miner must become versed
in the basics of environmental engineering. The aim of this chapter is to aid this
process.

The following endeavors are now generally

considered to be within the domain of
environmental engineering.
• Supply and purification of potable water.
• Supply, treatment, recycling, and disposal
of process water.
• Treatment and discharge of mine water,
gray water, and black water.
• Control of airborne emissions, including
dust.
• Erosion control.
• Diversion channels for storm water run-off
and streams.
• Retention pockets for surface pipelines.

• Treatment and disposal of tailings. • Containment structures for fuel storage

tanks.
• Stockpiling and replacement of overburden
(soil). • Noise attenuation.

• Disposal and treatment of waste rock. • Reclamation and rehabilitation.