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Mines

Runoff from old siliceous mines and tailings can cause problems in water with a low pH and a high content of metals, which can, among other things, be harmful to biota in nearby rivers.

Published 20.04.2023

NGI carries out extensive mapping of pollution linked to old mines as well as advanced laboratory tests and chemical modeling as a basis for assessing various measures to reduce the environmental impact.

Large-scale mining generates large amounts of residual material. This is placed in massive landfills called tailings ponds. The residual material of crushed stone and rock masses are mixed with water for transport to the landfill site. One thus often faces a challenge with runoff from such tailings ponds, which can contain pollution from the crushed rock masses.