Abstract
Deep-sea tailing disposal (DSTD) and its shallow water counterpart, submarine tailings disposal (STD), are practiced in many areas of the world, whereby mining industries discharge processed mud- and rock waste slurries (tailings) directly into the marine environment. Pipeline discharges and other land-based sources of marine pollution fall beyond the regulatory scope of the London Convention and the London Protocols (LC/LP). However, guidelines have been developed (Papua New Guinea) to improve tailing waste management frameworks in which mining companies can operate. DSTD can impact ocean ecosystems in addition to other sources of stress, such as from fishing, pollution, energy extraction, tourism, eutrophication, climate change and, potentially in the future, from deep-seabed mining. Environmental management of DSTD may be most effective when placed in a broader context, drawing expertise, data and lessons from multiple sectors (academia, government, society, industry and regulators) and engaging with international deep-ocean observing programs, databases and stewardship consortia. Here, the challenges associated with DSTD are identified, along with possible solutions, based on the results of a number of robust scientific studies. Also highlighted are the key issues, trends of improved practice and techniques that could be used if considering DSTD, such as increased precaution if considering submarine canyon locations and likely cumulative impacts and research needed to address current knowledge gaps.
Highlights
Reviewed by: Mustafa Yucel, Middle East Technical University, Turkey Americo Montiel, University of Magallanes, Chile David Edwards Johnson, Seascape Consultants Ltd., United Kingdom
Highlighted are the key issues, trends of improved practice and techniques that could be used if considering Deep-sea tailings disposal (DSTD), likely cumulative impacts, and research needed to address current knowledge gaps
In 2009, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) submitted a paper entitled “Initial proposals for co-operation between the London Convention and Protocol and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Programme of Action for Protection of the Marine Environment from Landbased Activities (GPA),” (Annex 4), which considers coastal management issues and investigates options for co-operation between the London Convention and the London Protocols (LC/LP) and the UNEP-GPA and the UNEP Regional Seas programme to deal with coastal management issues
Summary
Mine tailings management and/or disposal options are important considerations for government regulators during the EIA approval process associated with new mining activities. In areas of frequent tectonic activity and high rainfall, there is an increased risk of dam failure and concerns over contaminated mine water that may influence the water quality in local waters bodies In some countries such as Indonesia and PNG, on-land storage facilities are considered difficult and potentially unstable due to the mountainous terrain, the high risk of earthquake events and rainfall up to 3 m per year. An outline framework for considering disposal options has been developed, highlighting the complexity that exists at the site level and the need to incorporate social and environmental linkages (Figure 2). Such a framework may help resolve conflicting views on how the receiving environment is valued. This approach is partially in response to abandoned mine sites and processing operations that have resulted in serious health risks to communities and are requiring multimillion dollar cleanup operations with complex liabilities (e.g., Barth and McNichols, 1994; Hanrahan et al, 2016)
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