Total Resource Utilisation-A Concept for the Future of Mining

摘要

This paper presents the concept of 'Total Resource Utilisation', where all of the material excavated by mining is utilised constructively. This concept considers all waste products of mining as potential raw materials for secondary, downstream activities, providing long-term, sustainable development. From the initiation of mining, decontaminated tailings, waste rock, excess mine water, and mine rubbish, are utilised to develop infrastructure, establish manufacturing and construction industries; and initiate fish-farming, forestry, livestock- and arable farming. The paper identifies the main characteristics of mine wastes that determine their suitability to recycling and the most appropriate utilisations, and also reviews past mine waste recycling and gives modern, successful examples.