A closure of the first phase of the flotation tailings storage facility 'Pekina glavica'

Abstract

First phase closure of the flotation tailings storage facility 'Pekina Glavica' at the mine 'Suplja stijena', Sula - Montenegro has been shown in this paper. The mine has opted for the multiphase development of the flotation tailings storage facility, so by activating the third phase, the conditions for first phase tailings storage facility closure has been met. Dry closure method has been selected by applying multilayers of materials with different characteristics, which is in accordance with the recommendations of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). Earth materials extracted from the floor of the third tailings storage facility, overburden from the open pit mine and coarse tailings from the preconcentration process were mainly used. Five layers of a total thickness of 1,6 m were planned, but total thickness exceeded 4 m, because of the excess soil material from the floor. This closure method met the requirements of urban planners and environmentalists, and local residents were satisfied with closure and biotechnical rehabilitation. The closure has become financially sustainable for the company because of the rational use of available resources.

Keywords

• Šuplja stijena mine
• closure of the flotation tailings storage facility
• multilayers covering system
• acid mine drainage