Tailings reservoir greening
Tailings reservoirs are the frequent by-products of mining activities. They are the residues after extraction of valuable materials and contain a variety of metals and sulfides. Tailings reservoirs are often associated with damage to the natural environment, as they may present a threat to the quality of water among other risks. Greening of tailings reservoirs is the process of using vegetation to rehabilitate and restore the ecological functions of the surrounding environment.
Greening of tailings reservoirs involves creating an environment that is safe for plants to grow and thrive in. Rehabilitating a tailings reservoir’s environment is particularly important in ensuring the project does not introduce potential pollutants, such as heavy metals, into existing ecosystems. Rehabilitating these ecosystems also allows for native plant and animal species to return and migrate, along with potential water management benefits, which may include capturing and storing some of the water for possible later reuse.
Creating a green tailings reservoir involves creating equable and sustainable ground conditions. This involves the removal of tailings, which is the process of removing the mineral sand and other rock from the former mining site. Once this is done, the soil profile is altered, which then allows for planting grass and other vegetation of choice, in order to stabilize the soil against erosion and restore local ecology.
At a more fundamental level, greening of tailings reservoirs is all about rehabilitating the area and restoring its ecological functions. This can involve the addition of soil nutrients, planting of vegetation, creation of permeable surfaces, introduction of biodiversity, and the removal of pollutants. Doing this creates a sustainable and self-replenishing environment suitable for plant and animal life. It also helps in the delivery of better water management, with the vegetation working to bind the heavy metals, thus reducing their potential for leaching into existing ecosystems
Greening of tailings reservoirs also offers numerous economic benefits. For example, it may help reduce labour costs as well as contribute to increased cost savings and improved management. It is also important for tailings reservoirs to be green, in order to give incentive to environmental investment and the creation of responsible approaches to environmental management.
Tailings reservoir greening has a long way to go, but it is already having a positive impact. It is helping to reduce potential environmental damage, restore existing ecosystems, and provide economic advantages. With a focus on sustainable approaches to greening, we can potentially ensure that these tailings reservoirs are managed responsibly and safely, leading to healthier and more productive lives.
