Measures to reduce the environmental impact of the Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility

Abstract

The Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility, located in south-western Poland, is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world. Mining wastes from the processing of copper ores have been disposed continuously for over 40 years. A safe operation of TSF of this size requires the involvement of engineers, specialists and scientists from many fields of science. The article presents the latest experience in activities reducing the environmental impact of the Zelazny Most TSF, including the monitoring of groundwater, air protection and the reliability of pipe infrastructure. KGHM Polish Copper, the TSF operator, has been running the system for monitoring the quality of surface and groundwater in the foreground of dams for more than forty years. Very good diagnosis of the hydrogeological conditions in the TSF foundation allowed the research unit to develop a three-dimensional numerical model of groundwater flow. The article also describes the issues related to dust prevention. Active and passive protection methods for the beaches and slopes were presented. Slurries are pumped over a distance of up to 20 km via multiple pipelines. Due to the high abrasion properties of the rock material, KGHM runs a pipeline testing and replacement program to ensure the highest level of reliability. The issues presented in the article clearly indicate the attitude of the TSF operator to the reduction of the negative impact of waste storage in the natural environment. This is also confirmed by the presence of many rare species of wild animals in the immediate vicinity, such as deer, beavers and birds of prey.