Post-Mining Landforms ― Engineering a Biological System

The construction of cover systems on decommissioned tailings storage facilities and waste rock dumps can represent one of the largest cost components of a mine closure project. There have been great advances in the understanding of the hydrology of cover systems in recent years, but some uncertainties in long-term performance remain. This paper describes some of the changes in engineering characteristics, particularly hydraulic characteristics, which may occur over time, and some of the causes of these changes. It is suggested that covers designed to act as barrier systems are most susceptible to these effects which are a result of pedogenic activity. Finally, it is argued that a new approach to cover design is necessary, which is informed by input from a range of relevant disciplines in order that further improvements in the performance and affordability of appropriate covers are achieved.