A perfect introduction to sustainable mining for those new to the subject or those who require some revision, this book provides a basic overview of international sustainable mining practices since 1992, with particular emphasis upon practices in the Americas, Asia and Europe. The text begins by addressing issues such as the volume of waste generated by mining, mine closure planning and the environmental impacts, and then goes into specific detail in the following areas: cleaner production practices in Australia; blasting impacts and their control in the US; minimizing surface water impacts; minimizing groundwater impacts; use of environmental indicators in mining; and emerging mining technologies that minimize environmental impacts. The text contains relevant examples and case histories for ease of revision, and also includes a chapter on Best Mining Practices for Sustainable Mining and sub-chapters on small-scale mining, tailings pond management and hazardous waste management.
About The Editors
Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 : Introduction
Chapter 2 : Current Status of Mining Practice
Chapter 3 : Issues in Sustainable Mining Practices
Chapter 4 : Sustainable Mining Systems and Technologies
Chapter 5 : Mineland Reclamation
Chapter 6 : Waste Management
Chapter 7 : Best Mining Practices for Sustainable Mining
Chapter 8 : Case Histories of Sustainable Mining
Subject Index