Sulfide tails management within the framework of sustainable development in mineral sand mines--the case study of Sierra Rutile Ltd

The study discussed here assessed Sierra Rutile Ltd.'s (SRLs) water-cover sulfide tails management method. Monthly and quarterly water samples from SRLs Sulfide Tails Pond (STP), Total Tails Pond (TTP), and the Titan Domestic Pond (TDP) were analyzed for 15 months. Results indicated acceptable...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental health 2011-01, Vol.73 (6), p.48-55
Main Authors: Kallon, Senesie B, Jabati, Ansu M, Samura, Alusine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic life
Case studies
Company business management
Conservation of Natural Resources - methods
Dams
Embankments
Environmental health
Environmental monitoring
Environmental Monitoring - methods
Groundwater
Health
Health risk assessment
Humans
Management
Metal industries
Metal industry
Metals
Mine tailings
Mines
Mining
Mining - methods
Organizational Case Studies
Permeability
Ponds
Public health
Reinforcement
Rutile
Sand
Shipping industry
Sierra Leone
Silicon Dioxide
Statistical analysis
Sulfides
Sulfides - analysis
Surface water
Sustainable development
Tailings
Water analysis
Water level fluctuations
Water levels
Water pollution
Water Pollution, Chemical - analysis
Water Pollution, Chemical - prevention & control
Water sampling
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Summary:The study discussed here assessed Sierra Rutile Ltd.'s (SRLs) water-cover sulfide tails management method. Monthly and quarterly water samples from SRLs Sulfide Tails Pond (STP), Total Tails Pond (TTP), and the Titan Domestic Pond (TDP) were analyzed for 15 months. Results indicated acceptable quality for the STP. From Student's t-test analysis, it was found that the mean pH of the TTP was significantly lower than that of the TDP (p < .05). Results did not indicate pollution of the TDP by SRLs tailings management. The water-cover method significantly suppressed sulfide oxidation in the STP. Concerns to be addressed, however, include potential overtopping of the pond, water level fluctuations, and the need for periodic reinforcement of the tailings embankments. A dedicated environmental monitoring campaign that includes other proximate water bodies is suggested; this should inform timely mitigation of any environmental contamination and promote sound environmental and public health outcomes.
ISSN:0022-0892