Derelict Mines : Environmental Risk Assessment and Management

This new book provides unique information on the extent and severity of derelict mines' impact on environmental degradation and human and environmental health. It examines the nature of derelict mines, short and long-term risks to sensitive receptors, tools for monitoring and prioritizing risks, and technological advances for rehabilitation.

Mine areas left behind by companies that no longer exist are defined as derelict mines – those that were operated and closed at a time when most countries did not have adequate regulations requiring rehabilitation of the impacted mine areas. This book provides unique information on the extent and severity of derelict mines’ impact on environmental degradation and human and environmental health. It examines the nature of derelict mines, short-term and long-term risks to sensitive receptors, tools for monitoring and prioritizing risks, and technological advances for rehabilitation. This book considers a risk-based approach to managing derelict mines, which is reliable and cost-effective. FEATURESProvides fundamental information on derelict mines and their inventory in different countriesExplains risk-based management of derelict mines and the importance of community perspectives as a reliable and cost-effective methodIdentifies ownership and liability issues through many case studies in Australia and other countries that must deal with the remediation of derelict minesPresents remediation, assessment, and predictive tools for managing pit lakesHelps readers set standards, regulatory measures, and policies related to mine closuresThis book is for engineers and professionals who work in mining, geology, chemistry, mineralogy, geotechnics, and hydrogeology and deal with industrial site management, waste management, mine closures, mine site reclamation, derelict mine remediation, and mine revegetation. It is also an insightful resource for graduate students, academics, and researchers focused on these courses.