The ever-growing demand for mining products has led to the extraction and processing of large volumes of materials, resulting in the production of significant amounts of mine waste. While the composition of mine waste materials can vary and may cause environmental impacts, they can also be a valuable source of raw materials to meet the current and future mineral demand. The efficient re-mining of minerals of economic interest from mine waste materials (such as slag) requires accurate and reliable estimation. This can be achieved using state-of-the-art sensor technologies coupled with advanced data analytics. Such technologies include laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), short-wave infrared (SWIR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This study evaluates the usability of LIBS, FTIR, SWIR, and XRF technologies for the characterization of Ferronickel slag materials at a multi-level. Methodological approaches were developed to assess the usability of each technique for the identification, classification, or semi-quantification of the target elements (such as Ni, Ti, Pb, and Cr) in the analyzed samples. The results demonstrate that the use of the techniques enabled a comprehensive compositional analysis of slag materials. Moreover, the findings suggest that such an approach could promote sustainable mining practices by providing valuable insights into the potential economic benefits of reusing slag materials for secondary recovery. Such an approach could contribute to reducing the possible environmental impact of waste and could enable achieving a circular economy.

How to cite: Desta, F., Kamps, O., and Buxton, M.: Sensor-based Multi-Level Analysis of Ferronickel Furnace Slag: Exploring Economic Opportunities   , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-5645, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-5645, 2024.

Biohydrometallurgy is known as one of techniques of beneficiation of metal ores, utilizing microorganism activity to enhance the extraction of metal ions from ore minerals. The method is widely known from its economic and environmental advantages in comparison to other beneficiation methods, i.e. pyrometallurgy. The development of biohydrometallurgy applications for the mining industry has continued since the eighties when several bioleach operations for low-grade copper ores and refractory gold concentrates have been commissioned. Although significant extraction rate, biological-induced leaching does not constitute main processing technique due to economic reasons, what drive researchers to searching novel ways to enhance the efficiency of metal recovery.

This research came with the idea of improving the efficiency of metal bioleaching by presence of dispersed organic matter naturally occurring in some rocks. Main hypothesis of the research assumes using dispersed organic matter as a source of organic carbon by heterotrophic bacteria that could further enhance dissolution of ore minerals. The idea came from both facts: consumption and metabolic utilization of dispersed organic matter by heterotrophic microorganisms and influence of consumed organic compounds on microbial activity e.g. secretion of siderophores (metal chelating compounds, crucial for solubilization metal ions and thus acceleration the metal leaching).

The examined rock is metalliferous-bearing shale enriched in dispersed organic matter (with average TOC parameter from few to even 30 wt.%). Two shale samples different in their metal and organic matter quantity were chosen for testing the hypothesis. The potential of black shale for bioleaching was examined through series of incubation experiments. Different experiment conditions were applied, involving both autotrophic (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans) and heterotrophic (Pseudomonas fluorescens) bacteria and different medium compositions (with presence and absence of organic nutrient in particular).

The incubation experiment took place in a shaker incubator at a controlled temperatures for a period of five weeks. After the incubation experiment the leachates were collected and analyzed for the concentrations of eight metals: copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum, arsenic, nickel, cobalt and vanadium. The metal recovery percent features variation depending on shale sample, specific metal, and incubation condition. The highest metal recovery was achieved for heterotrophic bacterium in case of copper and molybdenum and for autotrophic one in case of arsenic, while rest of metals showed insignificant recovery. Lack of organic nutrients weakened the activity of P. fluorescens compared to bacterium supplied with organic nutrient, however metal leaching was still maintained.

How to cite: Wolszczak, M., Potysz, A., and Lis, G.: The bioleaching of metals from organic-rich black shale by Pseudomonas fluorescens, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-19060, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-19060, 2024.

The increasing demand for raw materials in our society and the requirements for supply security in particular regarding the critical raw materials require the implementation of sustainable resource management in the sense of the best possible conservation of natural resources as well as the promotion of recycling and recovery of valuable materials from waste. In the mining sector, classification systems like CRIRSCO were introduced to communicate the viability of projects. In the realm of resource classification, the United Nations Framework Classification of Resources (UNFC) stands as a crucial tool, offering a principles-based approach to classifying the viability of any kind of resource development projects including renewable energy or groundwater. By systematically classifying projects based on their environmental, socio-economic, and technical aspects, the UNFC provides decision-makers with valuable insights for making choices regarding their viability and offers the opportunity to take sustainability aspects into account. A consistent evaluation and classification of projects according to the same premises as for primary raw materials can significantly contribute to the efficiency of initiatives for the recovery and recycling of secondary raw materials including mining waste. There is a Guidance[1] for the Application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) for Mineral and Anthropogenic Resources in Europe. However, it doesn’t include end-of-life products as anthropogenic resources. There are also no instructions on how to evaluate and classify SRM projects.

To bridge the gap, our focus has centered on the development of a web-based tool explicitly designed for the assessment of SRM recovery projects in line with the principles of the UNFC. A seven-stage approach was developed to streamline the evaluation process and by that, improve the accessibility and applicability of the classification system. Its design, features, and functionalities are tailored to ensure a user-friendly interface. Users are guided from the outset by defining the project and its systems boundaries, formulating the project’s objective and the context of evaluation, including the choice of the controlling factors, to carry out a thorough analysis of SRMs and thus align their initiatives with the principles of the UNFC. At the end, a template is available for reporting.

This poster presentation aims to emphasize the versatility and effectiveness of our web-based tool through a practical example, using a publication developed to classify a tailings storage facility in Germany. Through an interactive demonstration, the user-friendly interface, the power of customizable inputs, and the seven coordinated steps that guide users in assessing the feasibility and viability of secondary raw material projects will be discussed. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the tool facilitates informed decision-making by providing a systematic approach to evaluating projects involving secondary raw materials, aligning with the principles of the UNFC.

How to cite: Heuss-Aßbichler, S., Jayasinghe, L. B., Sobouti, A., Dorri, I., and Munizaga-Plaza, J. A.: A Web-Based Tool for Assessing Sustainability in Secondary Raw Material Recovery Projects Using the UNFC Framework, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-17315, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-17315, 2024.

The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), located in the SW of the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the largest polymetallic massive sulfide provinces in the world. Historical mining activity in the area has left a significant legacy of mine residues, including 90 abandoned mines and more than 1.000 ha of waste rock dumps and tailings. Therefore, large volumes of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) are produced due to oxidation of pyrite-rich residues exposed to atmospheric conditions, which end up in the Tinto and Odiel rivers and subsequently into the ‘‘Ría de Huelva’’ estuary (SW Spain), polluting these water environments. During the passive treatment of AMD with Dispersed Alkaline Substrate (DAS) technology, sequential precipitation of Fe³⁺ as schwertmannite and Al as basaluminite occurs, and Rare Earth Elements (REE) are preferentially concentrated within the Al-rich precipitate layer. This could be an interesting alternative source of REE, given that AMDs of the IPB are enriched in middle REE (MREE) and heavy REE (HREE). A rough estimation of the REE potential of these AMD sources, based on 40 DAS plants operating in the Odiel basin with variable content of REE, will be the production of 11 kton/year of basaluminite containing 21 ton/year of REE₂O₃ with grade of 0.19%. However, the origin of REE in AMD is not well understood. This work examines the concentration and pattern of REE in AMD, ore bodies, and country rocks in two representative mining areas of the IPB: Perrunal and Poderosa mines. Leaching experiments were conducted on sulfide ores and host rocks under simulated AMD formation conditions, and the results were compared with the AMD formed in these two mining areas. The preliminary results indicate that the host rocks (felsic and mafic volcanics and shales) are the primary source of REE in the AMD. A mineralogical and chemical study of the country rocks in Perrunal and Poderosa mines reveals that secondary phosphates and carbonates contain the highest REE content, which are also soluble under acidic conditions. REE-rich monazite-type is systematically present in felsic volcanics and shales in both mining areas. HREE-rich xenotime-type is also present in most felsic volcanics, while REE-rich carbonates (mainly parasite-type) are present in carbonate-rich shales from the Perrunal mine. Other minor REE-bearing minerals, such as apatite and zircon, have been identified in the host rocks. However, due to their lower abundance and solubility under acidic conditions, they are not considered an important source of REE in the AMDs of the studied mining areas. Finally, the petrographic evidence shows a selective leaching of these REE-bearing phosphates and carbonates which highly supports their involvement as the main source of REE in AMD.

Acknowledgements: This work is part of the I+D+i TRAMPA project (PID2020-119196RB-C21), funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/.

How to cite: León Cortegano, R., Macías, F., R. Cánovas, C., Pérez-López, R., Millán-Becerro, R., Romero-Matos, J., Sánchez-López, L., and Nieto, J. M.: Origin of Rare Earth Elements in Acid Mine Drainage: Mineralogical Insights from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain), EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-8042, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8042, 2024.

Zinc (Zn) is a crucial micronutrient for plants, related with tolerance against diseases. When crop demand exceeds Zn availability in the soil, using Zn­-fertilizers becomes necessary (biofortication), however, even in foliar application, soluble Zn salts are mostly used, which are prone to leaching and consequently exhibit limited uptake by plants.

In response to this challenge, a novel controlled-release formulation, utilizing mine wastes as carrier, was developed, involving an energy-efficient process with ambient temperature and pressure, and a reaction time of approximately 8 hours.

Formulations were prepared by mixing a zeolite-rich (clinoptilolite) tuff with 2 quarry by-products, namely lapillus and pumice, using different dosages. We conducted studies on the kinetics of Zn adsorption and release, ultimately identifying the most effective mixture which comprised 70% zeolite-rich tuff and 30% pumice.

To assess the effectiveness, a fertilization test was performed via foliar application in Vitis vinifera, aiming to evaluate the Zn coverage, and the persistence of the product against simulated rainfall, in comparison with conventional ZnSO₄ fertilizer.

The test confirmed greater Zn resistance to rain leaching, also suggesting potential for reducing treatment dosages, thereby mitigating environmental-related impacts. Moreover, the presence of 30% pumice would allow significative reuse of mining byproduct.

Project funded under the PNRR–M4C2INV1.5, NextGenerationEU-Avviso 3277/2021 -ECS_00000033-ECOSISTER-spk1

How to cite: Galamini, G., Malferrari, D., Altimari, F., Orlandi, S., and Barbieri, L.: Recycle of quarry byproducts for producing a new Zn fertilizer, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-9303, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-9303, 2024.

Cost Benefit & Bayesian Analysis for Mining Waste Management contributes positively to developing an alternative methodology that could be implemented on an industrial scale. Two case scenarios are examined. The first scenario refers to the presentation of mining activities without 3R’s policy (reduce, recover, reuse wastes) and non-implementation of environmental protection measures. The second scenario refers to the presentation of mining activities with full implementation of environmental protection requirements by a closed system of industrial units for metal recovery and avoiding free disposal of tailings in soil areas. Considering a) each project’s aim and scope, b) legislative requirements for environmental protection, and c) escalation of penalty cost for non-compliance with the corresponding legislation, the total cost for each case scenario is extracted. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) evaluates the sustainability of each case scenario by its Financial Risk.

The scope of this paper is to ensure the adaptability of the CBA appraisal tool to each similar subject of study, in which the lowest Financial Risk indices characterize optimal business decisions. CBA’s evaluation involves each case scenario’s parameters converted into monetary terms. CBA’s extracted results are calibrated through Bayesian Analysis to provide more accurate Financial Risk (FR) estimation. The physical meaning of Bayesian Analysis’s provided calibration to the CBA is to obtain the ability to implement stochastic risk in realistic conditions.

How to cite: Machairas, E., Varouchakis, E., and Galetakis, M.: Cost – Benefit Analysis through Stochastic Risk Assessment on Mining Waste Management, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-10941, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-10941, 2024.

The historical failures of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) in China have led to severe downstream consequences, encompassing loss of life, economic damage, and environmental contamination. Despite these consequences, the comprehensive documentation and quantitative evaluation of TSFs in China have been notably lacking. The existing records of TSFs are incomplete, and there is a deficiency in accurately assessing the frequency of their failures. This gap in knowledge has been a significant obstacle in effectively assessing and mitigating risks associated with TSFs. Our research involved compiling and analyzing new databases, shedding light on the historical failures and current status of TSFs in China. We uncovered 143 TSF failure incidents between 1957 and 2022. This figure largely exceeds the approximately 20 failures reported in earlier studies, highlighting a critical underestimation in past assessments. The human and economic damage of these incidents has been considerable, with 840 lives lost, 1,416 houses damaged, and 28,923 individuals adversely affected. Furthermore, the total volume of tailings released in these failures surpassed 12.7 million m³. A notable observation from our study is that about 75% of these failures involved tailings flowing into water bodies, exacerbating environmental pollution significantly. Our study also presents an in-depth statistical analysis of the magnitude and frequency of these failures. We found that the average return period for TSF failures in China, resulting in at least 10 fatalities, is approximately every five years. For failures with released volumes exceeding 1 million m³, the average return period extends to about 16 years. In addition to historical data, we include a comprehensive review of current TSFs. Our review confirms that there are 14,217 existing TSFs in China alone, leading to an estimated cumulative failure rate of approximately 1%. Our work further includes the development of a supplementary database encompassing 1,853 TSFs, providing essential statistics such as storage volume and dam height. This database is a crucial tool for ongoing and future risk assessments. Applying our database-driven, regionally-simplified risk assessment approach, we conducted a case study in Jilin Province. The results are concerning, indicating 11 TSFs bearing intolerable risks, among which the most hazardous TSF presents a potential loss of life estimated at 175 individuals. Our study offers the most comprehensive overview of TSF failures and their implications in China to date. The extensive scope of this research bears substantial implications for prospective nationwide utilization, particularly in the enhancement of risk assessment methodologies and the enforcement of efficacious mitigation measures for TSFs in China.

How to cite: Su, C., Rana, N. M., Evans, S. G., Wang, B., and Zhang, S.: Comprehensive analysis and risk assessment of tailings storage facilities in China , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-3957, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-3957, 2024.

Disused coal tips formed by waste materials from coal mining activities can become unstable over time. Landslides or avalanches of coal waste can occur, especially during heavy rainfall or by other environmental factors, leading to significant safety hazards for nearby residents and infrastructure. The Welsh Government Coal Tip Safety Taskforce has recently identified over 2,500 disused coal tips in Wales potentially posing a risk, following a significant landslip in Tylorstown after the 2020 storms. Ongoing climate change further destabilises these legacies of past mining activities, posing great challenges to land management and hazard remediation, as instability within the coal tip can be invisible to surface surveys and inspections.

Wattstown in the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough was identified as a preferred location for deploying long-term 4D geoelectrical monitoring, with the aim of observing the moisture dynamics between a heavily vegetated basin area upslope of the coal tip (where a previous landslip has occurred) and the downslope tip materials. A BGS-designed Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring & Evaluation (PRIME) system has been deployed here to characterise this site using eight 32-electrode arrays. PRIME is a low-cost, low-power, non-invasive 4D geo-electrical imaging technology designed for near-real-time infrastructure monitoring.  The eight ERT sensor arrays are arranged so that four arrays form two long 2D survey lines to monitor the main slope in directions perpendicular to each other, while a further five arrays cover the landslip region in a 3D configuration, in which one of the arrays is common between the linear and the grid configuration. A full daily measurement schedule allowing for ground motion tracking has been implemented since Mid-2023. Measured data is transferred daily to the BGS servers, and system diagnostics reports are automatically generated to confirm the recent monitoring status and performance of the PRIME system.

The baseline resistivity model shows a lower resistivity layer with a variable thickness of 0 - 5 m covering the whole monitored area. This layer is interpreted as spoils that have been deposited and subsequently reprofiled. Our observation also matches with the presence of high clay contents found in the hand-augered soil. Below the reprofiled spoils resistivity values increase significantly, likely to be underlying bedrock that is composed of sandstone with interbedded layers of coal and silt.

Time-lapse inversion revealed the influence of effective precipitation on the moisture dynamics of the coal tip. Several anomalies were observed within the gradually decreasing resistivity distribution in the near-surface. Along the line perpendicular to the slope, larger low-resistivity features are observed in both the ditches that run parallel to the slope. This could be the result of preferential infiltration in these areas and the ponding of surface water. In the rotational landslip area, PRIME monitoring data has identified what is potentially a preferential flow path from 5 m to 10 m below ground level.

Through continuous monitoring of the disused coal tip, the PRIME system demonstrated its capability for enhanced coal tip assessment, detecting critical hydrogeological processes through minimally-invasive subsurface imaging. Ongoing work aims to establish in-situ petrophysical relationships.

How to cite: Ngui, Y. J., White, A., Harrison, H., Porter, J., Boyd, J., Meldrum, P., Wilkinson, P., Kuras, O., Chambers, J., and Deeley, S.: Developing PRIME Technology for Enhanced Coal Tip Assessment: Innovations in Continuous Geoelectrical Monitoring and Landslide Decision Support, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-11299, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-11299, 2024.

Post-mining areas require constant monitoring due to the risk of secondary ground movements of a continuous or discontinuous nature. This study focuses on the analysis of ground movements in the post-mining area of the “Babina” mine in Western Poland. The complex nature of the “Muskau Arch” glaciotectonic area, subjected to both underground and open pit mining, further complicates the understanding and monitoring of these movements.

The study site was subjected to precise levelling monitoring between 2020 and 2023, and the results of five measurement campaigns form the basis of the analysis, with the first measurement being the reference for the subsequent ones. For this purpose, a geodetic monitoring network was established to cover key locations in the “Babina” mine area. The network was made up of 99 control points set-up as concrete pillars with metal control bolts and was connected to 4 reference benchmarks of the national levelling network situated beyond the post-mining area. In addition, 7 local research networks have been established in specific study sites. The levelling measurements were carried out using geodetic precision levelling. The total length of the levelling lines was approximately 36 km. The ground movements recorded between the first (initial), carried out in May 2020, and the last measurement campaign, in September 2023, range from -5.58 mm to +4.97 mm. Ground movements in the specific dense networks range from -39.46 mm to +115.39 mm.

Three interpolation methods were used to obtain continuous maps of the ground movements from discrete levelling observations: Inverse Distance Weighted, Radial Basis Function and Ordinary Kriging. The latter technique produced the smallest root-mean-square errors assessed with the cross-validation technique. In the result, we obtained 24 maps representing elevation changes between the first and the last measurement, as well as maps representing movements between consecutive measurements.

The maps of ground movements were used to identify areas of statistically significant displacements and to analyse the evolution of these displacements over time and in relation to the extent of past underground and open-pit mining activities and current land use. The results indicate present-day activity of the ground in the post-mining area that varies in the magnitude and direction of movements in different parts of this complex area. The observed seasonal fluctuations may indicate relationship of benchmark movements with periodic change of ground water level and the effect of climate change.

Our findings confirm the presence of ground movements in post-mining area five decades after the end of mining activity and of varied nature, as well as substantiate the need for further investigation of this activity in the study area. These should include detailed analysis of the relation between groundwater level and benchmark heights and correlation of movements with the extent of shallow underground mining.

The research has been financed from the OPUS National Science Centre projects grant no. 2019/33/B/ST10/02975 and grant no 2021/43/B/ST10/02157.

How to cite: Walerysiak, N., Blachowski, J., Wajs, J., and Kujawa, P.: Analysis of ground movements in the post-mining area of the lignite mine “Babina” (W Poland), EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-14982, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-14982, 2024.

Increase in the share of renewables in the energy mix of European Union gained interest in the large scale energy storage technologies. One of the promising technologies is the Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) where in conventional approach compressed air is stored in the cavern. An alternative solution that was developed at the Silesian University of Technology is to use a post-mining shaft for adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES). Availability of post-mining infrastructure and large number of shafts in European coal basins (over 178 shafts only in the Upper Silesia Coal Basin) shows a significant potential of this solution. In order to select a proper shaft with a considerable volume a screening tool was developed that uses multicriteria analysis for an initial selection of shafts that could be used for this technology. This tool takes into account shaft depth, diameter, type of shaft collar lining, water inflow rates and other criteria that are important for safety and energy capacity of the system. The presentation shows results of analysis of the shafts screening tool and case study for one of the shaft located in Poland.

How to cite: Lutyński, M. and Kołodziej, K.: Converting mine shaft into compressed air energy storage – shafts screening and assessment, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-17319, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-17319, 2024.

Detection of temporary surface water is a critical aspect of monitoring the impact of mining on the environment and the impacts of underground gas storage (UGS) sites in particular. Recent years have been very dynamic for the energy sector, as increasing energy demand and the progression of global warming require constant improvements and changes. The general trend is to move away from conventional energy sources. However, green fuels require large storage volumes, which can be provided by geological storage. It can also be used to trap CO₂ and thus contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emission into the atmosphere.

Injection and withdrawal of gases in underground magazines affect the environment in a number of ways. Pressure changes and corresponding stress induce seismic activity, surface subsidence, and uplift. Gas leakage poses a risk to soil, water and air contamination. Therefore, it is necessary to treat UGS sites together with their surroundings in a holistic manner considering all potential impacts. The study UGS site is located in northern Poland. Natural gas is stored in salt caverns. The terrain to the north of the facility is of particular interest, as it is agricultural land with an old drainage system. It has not been maintained for years and the water reoccurs periodically. Low elevation and short distance to the sea favour flash flooding, which might be reinforced by UGS induced surface movements. The purpose of the test study is to detect surface water with a remote sensing based approach and establish the correlation between rainfall and surface water dynamics.

Satellite remote sensing provides a valuable means of continuous and large-scale monitoring of surface water dynamics. Spectral bands and indicators enable the discrimination of various types of land cover and their changes, including the appearance of flash water. The proposed methodology involves time-series analysis of open satellite data (Sentinel-2), spatial statistics, and comparative analysis of selected indicators and spectral bands used for water detection. Additionally, daily precipitation data from a local meteorological station were integrated into the analysis to evaluate the accuracy of surface water detection. Regression analysis has been done to analyse the relationship between the accumulation of water and rainfall, and therefore assess whether the indicators tested are suitable. 

The test analysis covers the period August 2015 - December 2023. The area of interest is cultivated. Crop fields, after harvest and before the vegetation season, are mostly bare soil, which can be mistakenly interpreted using basic plant moisture indices. Therefore, more combinations were tested and verified with rainfall data. By incorporating meteorological data, we aim to establish a more comprehensive understanding of the temporal variability in the presence of surface water near the gas storage site. The findings of this study contribute to the development of a complex monitoring system at a UGS site.

The research has been carried out under the project acronym CLEAR (grant no WPN/4/67/CLEAR/2022) financed from the Polish National Centre for Research and Development.

How to cite: Kaczmarek, A.: Flash Water Detection in Mining Areas Using Satellite Imagery and Meteorological Data , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-15004, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-15004, 2024.

Mining waste serves as a significant example illustrating the transport of contaminants in association with rainfall, runoff, and erosion. Due to past or ongoing metal extraction activities, mining waste deposits are widespread across numerous countries. Rainfall events affecting these areas can lead to environmental concerns due to both liquid and particulate transfers. Acid mine drainage has been extensively researched in this context, illustrating the transfers linked to the liquid phase. Furthermore, rock crushing and high metal concentrations in the waste create materials with minimal cohesion and little vegetation cover, making them highly susceptible to surface erosion. As a result, mine wastes may also be particularly prone to contaminant transport in the particulate phase, although such transfers have received comparatively less attention than liquid transfers. Assessments of surface erosion caused by rainfall and runoff are still lacking in literature, which limits our comprehension and ability to model these processes in these unique environments.

We propose estimating erosion rates on a 3.8-hectare post-mining site located in central France. Given the high erosion rates, we opted to combine two distinct methodologies based on elevation differences: i) erosion pins for simple and reliable but localized estimates of erosion rates, and ii) differences in Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). In this study, the DEM was obtained using a novel handheld laser scanner. Both methods yielded results within the same range, indicating substantial erosion rates and thereby highlighting the significance of particulate transport. Depending on the local circumstances (e.g., tailings characteristics, tailing-to-stream connectivity), future studies should consider both liquid and particulate transport from post-mining sites to develop relevant mitigation strategies.

How to cite: Grangeon, T., Raphaël, T., De Lary de Latour, L., Masson, F., and Olivier, C.: Erosion rates estimates on a post-mining site, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-19879, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-19879, 2024.