STABILIZATION OF MINE TAILINGS DEPOSIT AREAS

摘要

The invention is directed to a method of stabilizingtailings deposits for mine tailings as well as to a method whichpermits re-vegetation of those tailings deposits. Mine tailingsare generally finely divided, homogenous rock and other mineralparticles, which are unstable due to their fineness and particlesize. The invention provides a method of stabilizing thetailings deposits by interspersing throughout the tailingsdeposits a plurality of very large aggregate pieces which areimmensely larger than the particles of the tailings. The verylarge aggregate pieces may very conveniently be used automotivetires. The tires are generally placed in non-uniform layersthroughout the tailings deposits. It is convenient to place thetires in the tailings deposits in a pile or pond as it is beingformed, but it is possible that they may be placed at least inrelatively accessible portions of the tailings pile or pond afterit is formed. The presence of the used automotive tiresthroughout the tailings deposits provides a matrix through whichroot systems of vegetation such as bushes, shrubs and trees maygain purchase in the tailings deposit pile, so that the tailingsarea may be re-vegetated by other than simply grass or weeds.Re-vegetation of a tailings area ensures even greater stabilityagainsts slides or shifting, as well as maintaining the integrityof the tailings area against dust blowing away from it in windyconditions.