Disposal and Reuse waste from mining

Some wastes from copper mines can be reused. Mixtures of crushed waste rock have been used to construct embankments, fills, or pavement bases for highways. Some studies have shown that copper tailings can be used in bricks if pyrites are first removed. Raffinate Raffinate generated at copper mines is generally stored in ponds and recycled back to the leaching operation as a leaching solution. Raffinate can contain TENORM and needs to be properly managed. Groundwater samples collected at selected mine sites in SW Arizona in the early 1990s showed average values at or below drinking water standards, but high values ranged up to 4,801 Bq/m3 (130 pCi/L) for Ra-226, 4,514 Bq/m3 (122 pCi/L) for Ra-228 and total uranium at 7,733 (Bq/m3) 209 pCi/L. Radon levels were as high as 147,260 Bq/m3 (3,980 pCi/L). Smelter Slag Smelter slag is initially deposited in piles. These slag piles range in surface area from one to 75 acres, and in height from three to 45 meters. Slag is associated with smelter operations, which may or may not be co-located with the mines. Copper slag can be used either as sandblast grit or an additive to concrete.