Buchans : mining wastes and the environment

Abstract

In July, 1988, ASARCO retained Boojum Research Limited to assess the Buchans waste management area which has been dormant since 1984. The objective of this work is to identify, through an intensive field investigation and analysis of historic data, any problems which exist and to suggest an approach for the reclamation and decommissioning of the Buchans waste management area. Results of the environmental monitoring of the waste streams, carried out by ASARCO, indicate that the concentrations of metals in the water of the pits is high. Therefore, ameliorative measures for the pit effluent should be considered a top priority. The reclamation plan will focus on developing a means of improving the quality of the water leaving the site, prior to its discharge. The socio-economic conditions require that the waste treatment systemat Buchans be ultimately maintenance free, i.e. a self-sustaining walk-away solution.