Application of polymeric materials for abating the environmental impact of mine wastes

Abstract

Insulation methods, helping to prevent the negative environmental impact of mine dumps, tailings and other waste storages, are considered and their drawbacks are revealed. The proposed two ways of environmentally sound and cost-effective preserving are described. The first approach is to form polymeric screens over the waste surface, as well as under a storage facility. The conducted experiments included the investigation of changes in physical and mechanical properties of polymers depending on their processing temperature. To study the suitability of low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene and polypropylene, the damage to the coating structure integrity as a result of normal load application is assessed. The second approach is to cover slopes of the dumps with a three-dimensional erosion control mat. The subsequent hydroseeding allows ensuring complete coverage and high strength of the slope surface in a short time and at the lowest cost. In order to prevent mine dump erosion and minimise associated costs, the analysis of key properties was performed. It was revealed that polypropylene and polyester used as a geonet are characterised by the lowest volume of fertile soil needed to cover.