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Abstract:
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The Luikonlahti Copper mine is located near the town of Kaavi in eastern Finland, approximately 30 km northwest of Outokumpu. The copper sulphide ore deposit formed the northern most part of the Outokumpu assemblage.- This paper will examine the possible state-of-the-art remediation and rehabilitation techniques that are applicable to the topography, geology and climate of the mine site. Presentation of techniques includes proven methods, such as water covers, wet barriers, composite capping layers and in-pit disposal of waste rock, along with innovative methods, such as the use of papermill residues, municipal waste compost and clean tailings in soil covers. The role and importance of an ecological risk assessment in subaqueous disposal of sulphide bearing waste will be discussed.- The final element of this study deals with treatment methods for AMD. Passive treatment options are numerous and can be used in combination with chemical or other passive treatment methods. Passive techniques, such as constructed wetlands, bioremediation, SAPS and permeable barriers, and the possible array of chemical treatments options are explored. The establishment of success criteria for the rehabilitation of the mine site is considered, along with monitoring techniques that are required after rehabilitation. |