Rehabilitation of abandoned copper mine tailings through phytostabilization in mediterranean climate type areas of Chile

摘要

Mine operations in Chile have resulted in a large number of abandoned tailing storing facilities (TSF). Under semiarid Mediterranean type climate conditions, water is rapidly evaporated from railings and remaining particles are easily dispersed to surrounding lands by physical forces with consequent environmental risks. To stop railings erosion a project to develop low-cost and self-sustainable ecosystems through phytostabilization has been supported by the Chilean Government and private organizations. Field trials were established on two abandoned TSF to evaluate the performance of native plant species and the affectivity of local available amendments (e. g. biosolids, grape and olive residues, manure) to improve physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of tailings. The study demonstrated the value of adequate site- specific phytostabilization practices for closing copper mine railings in Mediterranean climate type areas of central Chile.