Valorization of residual materials in the prevention and treatment of contaminated mine water and air

Valorization of residual materials, close to mine sites, reduces the environmental footprint and helps balance the ratio of rentability to responsible management of natural resources. Relevant case studies using raw vs modified, organic vs inorganic residual materials for contaminated mine water prevention and efficient treatment, using active and passive treatment processes are presented. Main findings show: 1) monoand multi-layer solid covers installed on top of fresh or weathered mine tailings have beneficial role in limiting oxygen and water ingress to reactive minerals and mine drainage generation; 2) reactive mixtures composed of natural and residual materials are efficient in (semi)-passive treatment of contaminated mine drainage from covered tailings; 3) contaminated residues from active and passive treatment of mine water can efficiently be used in the revegetation of rehabilitated mine sites; 4) modified materials (efficiency enhancement) with porous structure and basic character (functional groups connected to their surface) are effective for the capture of acid gases such as SO2 emitted from mining and metallurgical industries, and water contaminants from forestry lumber and mining. Valorization of raw and modified materials for the prevention and treatment of contaminated mine water and air is promising for circular economy development in remote regions as well as the reduction of the environmental footprint.