Innovative industrial symbiosis approach for acidic mine drainage neutralization

Abstract

Following the principles of sustainable development and circular economy, an innovative industrial symbiosis approach has been developed that uses already disposed voluminous waste. The research was focused on the utilization potential of vast amounts of flotation tailings, fly ash and acidic mine waters. Numerous previous case studies have pointed out the harmful, long-lasting environmental damage from waste disposal. In this case, the emphasis is on finding a practical approach for using industrial waste, specifically thermal power plant fly ash, in order to neutralize acidic mine waters resulting from tailings disposal. The proposed treatment gives waste a practical value, eliminates its harmful effect on the environment and redefines (lowers) regular waste management costs. In addition, it is possible to obtain valuable metals by exploiting and reprocessing acidic mine drainage.