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The application of European hazardous waste assessment to mining projects and implications for environmental sustainability
Author(s):
Melanie Cox, Robert Bowell, Carl Williams, Julien Declercq, Jessica Charles, Ruth Warrender and Craig Wickham
Date:
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
First presented:
European Geologist
Type:
Article
Category:
Mine Waste
Geochemistry
Environmental/Social
European mine waste management is governed by the Extractive Waste Directive (2006/21/EC) but hazardous assessments are conducted according to a broader hazardous classification legislation encompassing all waste types. Consequently, there is a risk of misinterpretation when using one system for all wastes.
This article assesses potential issues with the current approach. Literal interpretation of the legislation could over-emphasise or under-estimate risks and hazardous classification focuses on solid phase compositions, with minimal consideration to leachate formation over time.
Correct designation of waste is essential; it influences waste management plans and has implications for categorisation of mining waste facilities. Tailoring each sitespecific assessment is crucial and a variety of information sources and legislative documents should be consulted to provide the most relevant classification.
