IS IT POSSIBLE TO ELIMINATE TAILING DAMS IN MINING?

We have developed a microwave-based method for mineral segregation that does not require dams in the process

2023, September – Tailings dams are structures that are traditionally part of the mining process for different natural resources. Its negative impacts on the environment can be diverse, but fortunately there are already technologies capable of eliminating them during operation, making it safer and more sustainable.

In a simplified way, dams are built to store mineral residues that could not be used during mining and processing, which is the process used to separate and concentrate economically desired minerals from unwanted minerals. Therefore, unused material must be retained in a dam. The type of waste stored varies according to the mineral explored and the method used, and may contain fine particles, water and chemicals.

Tailings dams function as large barriers, so that as waste is deposited, the solid part remains at the bottom, while the water concentrates at the top, to be later drained and treated. Over time, the dam becomes increasingly dry, until it stops receiving new waste and becomes inactive.

Negative impacts on the environment

The collapse of a tailings dam can be considered the most catastrophic and massively publicized event, as it can cause loss of life, in addition to long-term environmental damage. But it is important to understand that the presence of a dam alone can also cause several negative impacts on the site, which involve spillage of toxic waste, soil and water contamination, habitat degradation, risks to human and animal health, erosion and siltation, noise and visual pollution, excess dust, etc.

Therefore, it is important that mining companies adopt a series of dam management practices and measures, with constant monitoring, maintenance, training in case of emergencies, among others.

Sustainable technologies

Currently, there are already companies in the sector adapting their processes and looking for innovative and sustainable alternatives. An example of this is New Wave, a global holding focused on the development of innovative and sustainable routes and technologies for the mining and steel sector, which developed a disruptive and green patented technique for the segregation of minerals using microwaves: the Method Wave. With a sustainable bias, significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions, low water consumption and circular economy, this process does not require the existence of a tailings dam and allows the reuse of waste deposited in existing dams and in dry piles of discarded ores . Finally, it also allows for an unprecedented segregation of different strategic minerals in a sustainable way, as 99% of the acids used are recycled and recirculated, without their dispersion in the environment.

The technology developed by the company is used by WaveNickel, a subsidiary of New Wave, which carries out the sustainable processing of nickel, a high-value ore for the global energy transition. Electrification is one of the main current demands, driven by the growing need for companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve their energy efficiency. The Wave Method is also used by the subsidiary Wave Aluminum, which processes bauxite waste without the need for tailings dams.

About New Wave

New Wave is a global technology holding based in Luxembourg and focused on developing innovative and sustainable routes and technologies for the mining and steel sector. The company owns the brands NewWaveTech, a technological center dedicated to the research and evolution of new sustainable techniques for mining and recovery of various strategic minerals contained in tailings or marginal deposits; Wave Nickel, focused on sustainable nickel processing through a disruptive industrial route; and Wave Aluminum, focused on the revolutionary processing of bauxite tailings.