Mine Wastes and Water, Ecological Engineering and Metals Extraction: Sustainability and Circular Economy

The book reviews past and present mine waste management processes, estimates global water consumption by major mining resources, and emphasizes the application of novel metal extraction processes and ecological engineering to reduce water and land consumption. It also discusses natural weathering processes and the role of microbes in weathering and remediation, with case studies of the enhancement of ecological processes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The book delves into the intricate realm of mine waste management, encompassing both historical and contemporary practices. It provides valuable insights into the global water consumption associated with major mining resources, raising concerns about the potential collision between mining interests and the demands of land use resources, particularly agriculture and water. By employing innovative metal extraction processes and embracing ecological engineering as a holistic approach to waste and water management, there is potential to achieve significant reductions in water and land consumption. These methodologies not only promote sustainability but also usher mining into the modern era, alongside ore and metal recycling.

Furthermore, the book expands its scope to explore natural weathering processes and the remarkable microbiology of extreme environments, commonly referred to as mine sites. It emphasizes the crucial role of microbes in weathering and remediation, showcasing case studies that demonstrate the enhancement of various ecological processes. These processes play a pivotal role in curtailing weathering, transforming pollutants, and ultimately creating ore bodies that will shape the future of mining.

This comprehensive book has been crafted as an extension to a contribution to the esteemed Oxford Research Encyclopedia. It offers a deeper understanding of the subject matter, enriched with extensive examples and insights drawn from a remarkable 40 years of multidisciplinary work. The authors, comprising experts from geology, hydrogeology, geomicrobiology, algal physiology, and chemistry, have painstakingly compiled a wealth of information that exceeds the scope of the Encyclopedia. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and professionals seeking to delve into the intricate world of mine waste management and its implications for a sustainable future.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030846534
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022