Indicators and Factors Resulting in Crisis Phenomena Related to the Environment Hazard of Accumulated Mineral Processing Wastes at Closed Mining Enterprises

Abstract

Abstract The article presents the results of multi-year research within the limits of closed mining enterprises impact in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD). In the last century, here, a large amount of sulphidized toxic mineral processing wastes, stored in tailing dumps, negatively affecting the environment, was accumulated. Unfortunately, their conservation and reclamation have not been carried out; they pose a huge threat not only to the ecosphere, but also to public health. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the indicators and factors causing crisis phenomena related to environment hazard of accumulated toxic waste and to substantiate the possibility of reducing their negative impact on biosphere components and human health. Natural and mining technogenic systems formed in the last century by the activity of closed mining enterprises in the Amur River basin, having biosphere importance, were the object of the study. The following methods were used: systematization, scientific forecasting, physical and chemical, biological methods, as well as mathematical modeling, GIS-technologies, etc. The article substantiates the necessity of effective solution of the above problem. The present state of tailing dumps has been studied and it has been established that the waste is of the second class (high-hazard). It is revealed that the level of technogenic pollution of environment objects exceeds regional background indicators in dozens (up to 28-46) times, and MPC - in hundreds, up to 225 and more, times. It was shown that the surface of the tailing dumps has not overgrown naturally for 30 years. The results of the patent search and our own experimental research allowed us to develop technological solutions to ensure environment safety of mineral processing toxic wastes. The principles of ensuring environment safety of tailing dumps containing toxic wastes have been developed. New methods of their surface productivity replenishment using innovative approaches have been created, their novelty was confirmed by the Patents of the Russian Federation.