Closure Plan Research Articles

Technical Note: The El Indio Mine Closure Plan Effects Over the Water Quality of the Upper Elqui Basin

Technical Note: The El Indio Mine Closure Plan Effects Over the Water Quality of the Upper Elqui Basin

Combat Soft Tissue Injuries

The soft tissue injuries encountered in combat are generally orders of magnitude more dramatic that those seen in civilian practice. The goal of this chapter is to help shorten the learning curve to care for the extensive soft tissue wounds of war by reviewing the limited research available on the subject and sharing lessons learned from the battlefield. Data from recent conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria demonstrate that the soft tissue injuries sustained in a warzone are unique compared to the types of injuries seen in civilian practice. These injuries have high infection rates, result in extensive tissue loss, and require special strategies to optimize outcomes. Devastating soft tissue injuries in combat are often accompanied by multiple life-threatening injuries and one must have a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment. War wounds are highly contaminated. Early antibiotics, thorough exploration, serial debridement, and irrigation are the mainstays of therapy. While plans for wound closure must start with the first operation, all combat wounds should initially be left open.

Sustainable decommissioning and integrated closure planning of selected mine sites in the Bicol Region, Philippines

The study assessed the status of the Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Incorporated (RRMI) and the Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) which are the polymetallic and mineral mining sites, respectively in the Bicol Region, Philippines regarding their mine closure and decommissioning procedures in relation to the impact communities that they engaged. It is in this context that the study was implemented to set a management direction in the inevitable event of mine closure and decommissioning. The study utilized the qualitative and quantitative methods of research. Respondents consisted of the key officials of government agencies and municipal and barangay officials as well as households of the host and impact communities covering the two mining sites of Rapu-Rapu and Aroroy as well as community organizations and mining company representatives. Findings showed that both mining sites extract similar resources and have been paying taxes to the Philippine government. Although the RRMI has initiated its mine closure process, decommissioning is underway and still needs to undergo its standard procedure with various stakeholders, while FRC has its operations ongoing. It is recommended that mine closure planning must be integrated within the overall mine operations plan, and should be integral to the operational life cycle of the mine sites.

EVALUATION OF LOCAL RECLAMATION DATA FOR SUSTAINIBILITY INFRASTUCTURE FACILITIES (CASE STUDY OF KLAWAS ZONE AND SUBAN ZONE IN POST COAL MINING AIR LAYU TANJUNG ENIM)

This study identifies and analyzes the biophysical and environmental aspects of the environment, potentials and constraints, and then evaluates the post-mining reclamation land use that will be used for Other Use Areas (APL), the Residential Infrastructure Facility. Based on the Mining Closure Plan (RPT) on the utilization of former coal mine land at Air Laya Tanjung Enim, Klawas reclamation land use plan for Resettlement Facility and Zoning Infrastructures (Zone 2) while Suban reclamation land use plan for Productive Research area. Analysis in this research are scoring, SWOT and map overlay such as area function analysis and land suitability analysis based on physical condition of existing land. The result of this research is land suitability level for Residential Infrastructure Facility in Klawas, suitable land equal to 12% or 38 ha while 98% unfit or 258,7 ha from total area of 277,8 ha. Terms of land suitability in Klawas research area including Marginal (S3) with total scores of 80. where climate condition support with average temperature 24oC and rainfall 23,93 - 27,87 mm / day, slope of flat slope approaching water level river 0 - 3%, complex geological structure there are anticline in the form of fault and fracture, soil type Alluvial and Latosol, there are many aquifer with shallow depth to medium, there is vulnerability of geological disaster in the form of mass movement of soil / rock, flood, erosion and radiation exposure TENORM of moderate intensity. The results of land use evaluation for the Klawas reclamation area are more suitable for Freshwater Fishery Cultivation area than for Residential Infrastructure Facility area. Land tenure rate for Residential Infrastructure Facility in Suban, suitable land equal to 76 % or 237 ha while unsuitable 24% or 105 ha of total area of 342 ha. Conditions of land suitability in Suban's research area include Match (S2) with a total scores of 130. Climatic conditions support the average air temperature of 24°C and rainfall of 23.93 - 27.87 mm / day, the slope of flat slope is 3 - 8% there is no anticline structure in the form of fault, Andosol and Podsolic soil types, there is a shallow shallow depth of aquifer, no geological disaster vulnerability and low intensity TENORM radiation exposure. The results of the land-use evaluation for the Suban reclamation area are more suitable for the Residential Infrastructure area rather than for Productive Research area.

Response of a local hospital to a burn disaster: Contributory factors leading to zero mortality outcomes

ObjectiveTo investigate the outcomes of a local healthcare system in managing a burn mass casualty incident (BMCI). MethodsThirty-three victims admitted to the National Taiwan University Hospital within 96h of the explosion were included in the study. Data were recorded on: patient demographics, Baux score, laboratory data, management response, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Case notes from June 27, 2015 to November 2015 were reviewed with a focus on fluid resuscitation, ventilation support, nutrition, infection control, sepsis treatment, and wound closure plan. ResultsFemale predominance (mean age: 21.7 years) and lower extremity circumferential flame burns were the characteristics of the burn injury. The mean Baux score was 70±18. The mean burn area was 42% of the total body surface area (TBSA). A total of 79% patients arrived at the hospital within 24h of sustaining injuries. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission criteria were modified to accommodate patients with 40% TBSA of burns, facilities were expanded from 4 ICU beds to 18 beds, and new staff was recruited. A total of 36% patients (n=12/33, 62±13 TBSA of burns) required fluid resuscitation. The mean volume of Lactate Ringer administered in the first 24h of burns was 3.34±2.18ml/kg/%TBSA, while the mean volume of fresh frozen plasma administered was 0.60±0.63ml/kg/h. Forty-two percent patients were intubated on the day of admission, and 71% of the intubated patients had inhalation injuries that were confirmed by diagnostic bronchoscopy. The mean intubation period was 17±9 days. The incidence of pulmonary edema was 58% (n=7/12), possibly due to sub-optimal monitoring. Of these, 57% (n=4/7) patients progressed to adult respiratory distress syndrome, but were successfully treated with early strict fluid restriction, systemic antibiotics, ventilation support, and bronchial lavage. A total of 94% patients received grafting. The mean grafted area was 4432.3±3891cm2. Tube feeding was provided to patients with burns >40% TBSA. All patients tolerated gastric tube feeding without conversion to duodenal switch. On admission, all patients received prophylactic antibiotics. Septic shock was noted in 12 patients, but no mortality occurred. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days per percent burn. ConclusionsThis article highlights the value of precise triage, traffic control, and effective resource allocation in treating a BMCI. Effective supporting systems for facility expansion, staff recruitment, medical supplies and clear-cut treatment strategies for severely burned patients are contributory factors leading to zero mortalities in our series, in addition to young age and minimal inhalation injuries. The need for reevaluation of the safety of cornstarch powder in festival activities is clear.

A study of mentors in Wales ‘coming to closure’

What is the significance of closure in mentoring relationships? This small-scale study explores mentors’ reflections on coming to closure in preparing to end long-term mentoring relationships. It was conducted during the final term of mentoring on a three-year accredited national programme aimed at supporting the learning and development of early career teachers in Wales. A reflexive confessional methodology was used to collect qualitative data from thirty-seven mentors regarding their plans for closure and the rationales for their preparations within a high-stakes mentoring context. A conceptual framework for the study was based on an evolutionarily framework of mentoring. Priorities for action and underpinning principles to bring about effective closure with mentees are identified. Preparing for closure is a frequently under-estimated responsibility of mentoring. We conclude that closure is a mentoring practice characterised by distinct behaviours and actions. These are both formal and informal, some located within a final mentoring ‘phase’ that is time-limited, while others are transitional, spanning the end of the formal relationship and post-mentoring relations. We suggest the final mentoring phase should be reconceptualised to take account of actions that indicate an on-going investment in professional capital that exceeds the time frame of the mentoring relationship.

Getting to ‘agreed’ post-mining land use – an ecosystem services approach

Mining companies are expected to ensure a positive legacy for communities and to engage them in defining post-mining land uses. This paper examined how an ecosystem service approach might be utilised to arrive at agreed post-mining land uses acceptable to communities and the mining company during mine closure planning. This was investigated in the context of a major bauxite mine in the Amazon region of Brazil. Data were gathered through document analysis, interviews with communities and a workshop with company staff. Using an ecosystem services approach enabled a focused rehabilitation goal on relevant services to be identified that would deliver social and ecological benefits alike. Company staff favourably viewed this approach as an opportunity to engage communities. Overall taking an ecosystem services approach provided a pathway for getting to an agreed post-mining land use as its inherent anthropic focus provides a way to include community perspectives.

Instrumento para la solución de conflictos: plan de cierre de minas y la rehabilitación de las áreas impactadas por la actividad minera

The social conflicts in our country are largely due to socio-environmental controversies linked to extractive activities such as mining. To avoid these conflicts and mitigate the great environmental impact in the region, the mining sector obliges the holders of the activity have environmental management instruments that guarantee a better and sustainable use of mining activity. This article deals with the instrument destined to the rehabilitation of the area disturbed by the extractive activity: The mine closure plan.

Sustained Bauxite Residue Rehabilitation with Gypsum and Organic Matter 16 years after Initial Treatment.

Bauxite residue is a high volume byproduct of alumina manufacture which is commonly disposed of in purpose-built bauxite residue disposal areas (BRDAs). Natural waters interacting with bauxite residue are characteristically highly alkaline, and have elevated concentrations of Na, Al, and other trace metals. Rehabilitation of BRDAs is therefore often costly and resource/infrastructure intensive. Data is presented from three neighboring plots of bauxite residue that was deposited 20 years ago. One plot was amended 16 years ago with process sand, organic matter, gypsum, and seeded (fully treated), another plot was amended 16 years ago with process sand, organic matter, and seeded (partially treated), and a third plot was left untreated. These surface treatments lower alkalinity and salinity, and thus produce a substrate more suitable for biological colonisation from seeding. The reduction of pH leads to much lower Al, V, and As mobility in the actively treated residue and the beneficial effects of treatment extend passively 20-30 cm below the depth of the original amendment. These positive rehabilitation effects are maintained after 2 decades due to the presence of an active and resilient biological community. This treatment may provide a lower cost solution to BRDA end of use closure plans and orphaned BRDA rehabilitation.

Abstract 21241: One Device Closure for Multiple Atrial Septal Defects Guided With Thoracic Echocardiography: The Role of Personalized Three-Dimensional Printing

Introduction: Single device closure for multiple atrial septal defects (ASD) is still challenging due to the complicated anatomy and technical difficulty. The emerging three-dimensional (3D) printing facilitates the identification anatomical structure, helps the procedural planning and simplifies the imaging monitoring for the transcatheter closure. Hypothesis: We therefore aimed to testify the possibility of single device for multiple ASDs under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography with the aid of 3D printing models in this prospective study. Methods: Stereolithography data was acquired with cardiac CT scan in 30 patients (20±16 years, 18 females) having multiple ASDs and personal 1:1 scale 3D printed model was printed. Closure planning, including determination of target defect, occluder selection and device placement, was attempted on the model before intervention. Transcatheter closure was performed under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography. The conventional selection of device was compare to the method based on 3D models. The clinical effect was assessed immediately after device closure and at 3-month follow-up. Results: 3D printing model was successfully established in all patients and 26 cases were suitable for transcatheter closure according to model test. Transcatheter closure with single device was completed in 26 patients (including 14 patients with defect distance >7mm) even under the guidance of the transthoracic echocardiography without complications.Compared to conventional method, device selection was more accurate in 3D model. Immediate postoperative echocardiography demonstrated mild residual shunt in 5 patients whereas disappeared in 3 patients and decreased in the other 2 patients at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: 3D printing technology and echocardiography guiding procedure enables single device for closure of multiple ASDs including challenge cases.

Renewable energy and local development: Seven lessons from the mining industry

ABSTRACTHaving long depended on fossil fuels for energy generation, South Africa is now investing in renewable energy. Like its mining operations, its renewable energy plants will have local implications. Renewable energy companies are therefore required by government to engage with communities to contribute to socio-economic development. We present seven lessons we believe the renewable energy sector can learn from the mining industry. We argue that the new industry must: manage social disruption, understand community complexities, create responsive institutions and the capacity to support industry practice, employ trained community practitioners, be clear about the aims of local development, encourage economic diversification in remote areas and, importantly, in view of problems caused by downscaling in the mining industry, plan for the possible closure of projects. Renewable energy projects could then serve and shape local development.

Analysis of the hazard caused by ice avalanches from the hanging glacier on the Eiger west face

The Eiger hanging glacier is located in the west face of the Eiger in the Bernese Alps (Switzerland). Large ice avalanches, especially if they trigger secondary snow avalanches, endanger parts of the Jungfrau ski area and the Jungfraujoch railway. The latter leads to the Jungfraujoch, one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. The formation of a crevasse immediately behind the front of the hanging glacier was detected in autumn 2015, indicating an impending icefall with a maximum ice volume of 80,000m3. Consequently, a hazard analysis was performed for four different scenarios with varying ice volumes and snow conditions. The analysis showed that a 100m high rocky ridge situated in the main flow direction of the avalanches plays a crucial role due to its braking and deflecting effect. Closure plans were prepared for the four scenarios investigated. The railway station is especially endangered in the extreme scenario assuming an ice volume of 80,000m3 and unstable snow conditions. We therefore recommended to trigger avalanches below the hanging glacier artificially after snowfall events and to install an early warning and alarm system to minimize the closure times for the railway and ski area.

Análise da evolução de conflito ambiental em um aterro sanitário na Paraíba, Brasil

O Aterro Sanitário de Puxinanã (ASP), no estado da Paraíba, Brasil, tem sido o centro de conflitos ambientais ao longo de sua instalação, operação e desativação. Vários fatores contribuiram para a eclosão desses conflitos, podendo citar: a falta de participação pública no processo de licienciamento ambiental desse empreendimento; a localização desfavorável do aterro, a poucos metros do principal manancial que abastece o município de Puxinanã-PB; a disposição dos Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU) do município de Campina Grande-PB no ASP, com população superior a de Puxinanã em mais de 30 (trinta) vezes. O conflito abordado neste estudo tem sido avaliado em duas fases, antes e após o fechamento do ASP, com consequente disposição dos RSU de Campina Grande e Puxinanã no Aterro Sanitário de Campina Grande (ASCG), a partir de julho de 2015. Neste artigo foi analisado o conflito ambiental referente ao ASP, após sua desativação, e consequente operação do ASCG, por meio da aplicação de metodologias de análises de conflitos, que auxiliaram na compreensão das novas tensões, das coalizões entre os atores envolvidos e dos desdobramentos deste conflito. Os resultados da análise realizada convergem para os seguintes pontos: o fechamento do ASP se configurou apenas como uma resolução parcial do conflito, em sua primeira fase (2012 a meados de 2015); a desativação do aterro, sem um plano de encerramento de suas atividades e recuperação da área degradada, evidencia a fragilidade da governança ambiental; o prejuízo à população de Puxinanã-PB, em função do passivo ambiental na área e entorno do empreendimento.

Biospecimen donors' views about biobank closure.

TPS6625 Background: The future of biobanks is often uncertain due to sporadic funding. A survey of 456 biobank administrators found that they consider the loss of funding to be either a "massive (40%)" or "moderate (31%)" concern. Only 26% of biobanks reported having a plan in the event of closure (Cadigan et al., Life Sciences, Society and Policy, 2013). Biospecimen donors’ views on how they want their tissue handled following biobank closure is unknown. Our study will be the first to determine how biospecimen donors want their data and biological materials handled if their biobanks were to close. We believe this report of 100 biospecimen donors’ views will be useful to researchers and tissue bank administrators in creating contingency tissue bank closure plans that incorporate biospecimen donors’ perspectives. Methods: We will complete accrual of 100 oncology biospecimen donors (current accrual is 65 patients) at one institution by interviewing them about their views of bank closure and preferences for the handling of their tissue post-closure. The interview asks participants if they have a preference for the handling of their tissue and information in the event of bank closure, and if so, if they prefer transfer of their materials to another tissue bank or destruction. Feelings about closure are captured in three categories: sad/disappointed, angry/frustrated, and other negative emotions. The effect of tissue bank closure upon trust in medical research is captured in three categories: decreases trust, does not decrease trust, and may decrease trust under certain circumstances. We ask the participants to rank the following options for transfer of their tissue and information: transfer to another local academic tissue bank, to a for-profit or pharmaceutical bank, to an international bank, or to a national bank. We also ask if any of these options are deemed absolutely unacceptable. Results: NA Conclusions: NA

Resource recovery as a sustainable perspective for the remediation of mining wastes: rehabilitation of the CMC mining waste site in Northern Cyprus

This paper highlights resource recovery and stabilization as the novel approach adopted in the rehabilitation strategy of the abandoned copper mine site (CMC mine) located in Northern Cyprus, recognized as a source of chronic pollution problems. The site holds 9.5 million tons of tailings stored in poorly equipped ponds. The waste contains pyrite and chalcopyrite undergoing slow oxidation; this way, sulfide has been partly converted to sulfuric acid causing severe acid mine drainage problems. The rehabilitation strategy adopted the EU’s key principle of resource recovery, where all tailings would be processed for copper recovery and stabilized to further prevent the chemical mobility of heavy metals before final landfilling. A leaching-cementation process, with no chemical usage, except for lime stabilization after recovery, was designed for this purpose. The corresponding action plan entailed that all the waste material be processed in situ, in a zero waste environment. Accordingly, the remediation will be carried out in a sequential process involving emptying the ponds for resource recovery, preparing the necessary number of emptied ponds with sufficient holding capacity, as selected landfill sites in a way to secure and provide all necessary measures imposed by international regulations for containing and controlling hazardous wastes. Finally closure plans will be implemented for the rehabilitation of the mining site to reclaim full attributes of natural characteristics.

Mangroves buffer marine protected area from impacts of Bovoni Landfill, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands

One of the many ecosystem services that mangrove systems provide is their ability to act as buffers between the land and sea, protecting human development from storm surges while also trapping terrestrial pollutants. In St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, an ecologically-important mangrove system sits between Bovoni Landfill and a marine protected area, the St. Thomas East End Reserves. To characterize the physical processes driving this mangrove system, groundwater hydraulic head, sediment cores, sediment surface temperatures, and water and sediment chemistry were analyzed. Hydraulic head data from January to November 2014 were used to determine vertical and horizontal groundwater flow directions. Water and sediment samples were tested for heavy metals potentially originating from Bovoni Landfill. Stratigraphic context was provided by the sediment cores and used to infer past environmental conditions. Subsamples were taken from these cores and analyzed for dry bulk density, organic matter content (through loss on ignition), and heavy metals using electron microscopy. Vertical groundwater velocity and sediment porosity were determined by calibrating a one-dimensional finite difference heat transport model to near surface temperature data from depths of 0, 7, 14, and 21 cm. Groundwater was found to flow from the terrestrial upland, through the mangroves, and toward the ocean for the majority of the study. Flow reversal was seen after long periods of little precipitation. In the surface and shallow groundwater samples, trace metal concentrations were measured from 23 to 105 μg/L for Cr, Ni, Sn, and Zn. Sediment samples collected near the landfill contained Bi, Cr, Sn, Ti, and Zn. Very slow flushing of sediment pore water was indicated by the vertical groundwater velocities produced from the heat transport model, which ranged from ±10–7 to ±10–9 m/s. This study revealed that the mangrove system is an important buffer system protecting the outer lagoon of the marine protected area from terrestrial contaminants via sediment trapping and slowing of water fluxes from the upland area into the lagoon. The results presented here can be used as a baseline for future studies and are relevant to local managers and to landfill closure plans.

Study of stress-strain and volume change behavior of emplaced municipal solid waste using large-scale triaxial testing

The article presents the stress-strain and volume change behavior, shear strength and stiffness parameters of landfilled municipal solid waste (MSW) collected from two dump sites located in Delhi, India. Over 30 drained triaxial compression (TXC) tests were conducted on reconstituted large-scale specimens of 150mm diameter to study the influence of fiber content, age, density and confining pressure on the shear strength of MSW. In addition, a few TXC tests were also conducted on 70mm diameter specimen to examine the effect of specimen size on the mobilized shear strength. It is observed that the fibrous materials such as textiles and plastics, and their percentage by weight have a significant effect on the stress-strain-volume change behavior, shear strength and stiffness of solid waste. The stress-strain-volume change behavior of MSW at Delhi is qualitatively in agreement with the behavior reported for MSW from different countries. Results of large-scale direct shear tests conducted on MSW with an identical composition used for TXC tests revealed the cross-anisotropic behavior as reported by previous researchers. Effective shear strength parameters of solid waste evaluated from this study is best characterized by ϕ′=39° and c′=0kPa for the limiting strain-based failure criteria of K0=0.3+5% axial strain and are in the range of the data reported for MSW from different countries. Data presented in this article is useful for the stress-deformation and stability analysis of the dump sites during their operation as well as closure plans.

極低出生体重児の鼠径ヘルニア : 頻度,自然治癒,治療方針について

極低出生体重児の鼠径ヘルニア : 頻度,自然治癒,治療方針について

Mine closure plan and policy for open cast coal mine of raniganj coalfield, India

Mine closure plan and policy for open cast coal mine of raniganj coalfield, India

Blue Mining – Today’s Mine Planning for Future Mines

The future of mining will be characterized not only by the application of modern technology, but also by the harmonization of economic, environmental and social issues. These areas set major future challenges which are complex and demand extensive knowledge. As an example, mining of highly complex orebodies for the supply of often critical raw materials, needs to consider technically demanding and cost-intensive extraction issues. The amount of tailings, which need to be stored, increases with the amount of ore mined. Therefore, the negative impact on environment and society increases. Hence mining becomes expensive with regard to all three aspects: economy, environment and society. In view of a sustainable mining practice this challenge should be used as an opportunity. The positive impact should be maximized for present and future generations. The objective is to create and use the mining openings in an optimum way related to sustainability. The approach of Blue Mining, which focuses on energy and ergonomics in the field of Sustainable Development, enhances the closure planning by recommending subsequent usage of such openings for energy storage. The approach fosters among others the implementation of the 7th Goal for Sustainable Development defined by the United Nations with the assurance of access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The usage of underground storage increases the stability of solar and water power usage, which are otherwise unreliable. Blue Mining embeds these issues in the main planning effort long before groundbreaking. This approach involves experience from past and current projects. This paper introduces the concept of Blue Mining with respect to post-mining utilization of a mine for energy storage. Methods and perspectives are presented with examples covering best-practices and lessons-learned.