Abstract
4 Abstract. BHP Iron Ore operates the Mt. Whaleback mine in a semi-arid climate adjacent to Newman, Western Australia, approximately 1200 km north-northeast of Perth, Western Australia. More than 2 billion tonnes of waste rock were excavated and deposited on the surface during the past 30 years. Ultimately, approximately 4 billion tonnes will be deposited in waste rock dumps constructed near the open pit. Management of the potentially acid forming pyritic shale is based on the application of state -of-the-art conceptual and numerically modeling tools, and operational considerations. The potentially acid forming material is encapsulated within barren run-of-mine material. A moisture storage and release cover system is employed to control water infiltration on the sloping and horizontal waste rock surfaces. This paper will first summarize the overall environmental management plan at Mt. Whaleback. The rationale for differentiating waste rock types is presented. A summary of the design of the moisture storage and release cover system is offered. Finally, performance of field trials are summarized.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal American Society of Mining and Reclamation
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
