The future direction of pit lakes: part 1, Research needs

Abstract

AbstractPit lakes are common features of open pit mining and can present significant risks, and yet can also provide beneficial end use opportunities. Many processes that influence the magnitude of these risks and opportunities remains poorly understood, which presents a challenge to pit lake closure and management. In this two-part manuscript, four pit lake subject matter experts from Germany, Canada, Australia, and the USA recommend focus areas for researchers (Part 1) and strategies to structurally improve the practice of pit lake closure for mining industry regulators and corporate sustainability officers (Part 2). In this Part 1, we recommend nine research areas, organized by order of physico-chemical and ecological complexity, where greater understanding of fundamental pit lake processes would lead to improved pit lake management and reuse. Our intent is to guide the direction of emerging and future pit lake research by academic and industry research teams, with funding and oversight from industry and government.