Experiences of mine closure cover with geosynthetics in Peru

Abstract

Peru is internationally recognized as one of the countries with significant mining reserves. According to the Department of Energy and Mines (MINEM), as of December 2021, a total of 672 mining concession holders were registered and declared in the Monthly Statistical Declaration (ESTAMIN). Likewise, 44 mining concessions are in the closure stage (progressive, post-closure and final). In addition, Peru has 7956 Mining Environmental Liabilities (MEL) as of 2020, according to the inventory approved by the Department of Energy and Mines, which need to be remediated as they constitute a permanent and potential risk to the health of the population, the surrounding ecosystem and property. As part of the closure of these MEL and closure of some mining components, the use of geosynthetics has increased in Peru, and we speak specifically of the closure cover in slopes, platforms, sidewalks and others, which has become relevant as an alternative solution for soils selected as part of a traditional closure, the objective of this work is to present a series of experiences of the application of geosynthetics in mine closure covers, which intervene in the physical, geochemical and hydrological stability. It is worth mentioning that geosynthetics have been applied in Peru for more than 30 years in mining projects.