Experiences of Underground Mine Backfilling Using Mine Tailings Developed in the Andean Region of Peru: A Green Mining Solution to Reduce Socio-Environmental Impacts

Abstract

In Peru, socio-environmental conflicts related to the development of mining-metallurgical processes and the responsible disposal of mine tailings have become central issues for accepting mining projects, especially regarding building relationships of trust with the communities. This condition has prompted the Peruvian mining industry to advance in managing alternatives to the conventional surface disposal of mine tailings. A promising and increasingly popular management strategy for mine tailings in Peru is their disposal inside underground mines. This article presents: site-specific conditions, advantages/disadvantages, and lessons learned from practical experiences of mine tailings disposal in underground mines in Peru. In addition, some techniques are highlighted, such as (i) hydraulic fill, (ii) cemented hydraulic fill, and (iii) cemented paste backfill. Finally, this article concludes that the responsible disposal of mine tailings in underground mines is a green mining solution that reduces negative socio-environmental impacts, limiting the generation of acid rock drainage (ARD) and the leaching of metals due to the decrease in contact with oxygen and rainfall, thus mitigating the contamination of surface and underground waters, reducing the footprint of affectation in the territory, and eliminating the emission of particulate matter in the environment.

Insight into the Micro Evolution of Backfill Paste Prepared with Modified Gangue as Supplementary Cementitious Material: Dissolution and Hydration Mechanisms

“…Cacciuttolo et al [57] noted that the compressive strength of backfill pastes is critically important for the BCM application, which will decide its use in controlling strata movement. Since it is known that the quantity of C-S-H/C-(A)-S-H increases with the cement [58], these hydrates act as links to connect different particles, fill the pores of the BCM, and help the BCM gain strength.…”

Dry Stacking of Filtered Tailings for Large-Scale Production Rates over 100,000 Metric Tons per Day: Envisioning the Sustainable Future of Mine Tailings Storage Facilities

“…An increasingly popular green mining alternative for storing mine tailings is filling underground mines with mine tailings, which has been applied in different countries around the world [32][33][34]. A particular case to highlight is the experience acquired in Peru, the second largest producer of copper in the world, where the use of mine tailings inside underground mines is being used to avoid the generation of acid rock drainage (ARD), eliminate the emission of particulate matter and thus avoid socio-environmental impacts in hydrographic basins [35].…”

Study on the Movement of Overlying Rock Strata and Surface Movement in Mine Goaf under Different Treatment Methods Based on PS-InSAR Technology

“…Underground mining activities will affect the safety of the surface and goaf. To this end, Cacciuttolo and Qi CC et al [47,48] used tailings to fill underground goaf to improve the sustainability of mining; Huang, S.J. et al [49] used grouting materials to reinforce pillars to improve the bearing capacity of pillars and the stability of roadway surrounding rock and monitor the deformation of roadway; and Ning, S. et al [50] proved through a variety of tests that the combination of tailings backfilling and reinforcing pillars is feasible for the treatment of goaf.…”