Forum on Public Policy 1

Economic prosperity depends on exploring new sources of energy and materials along with the development of existing reserves. However, all human activity must ensure that the environment is preserved for current inhabitants and future generations of this planet. Mining of the earth’s resources produces waste materials (slurry tailings and waste rocks) of variable nature and extent. Effective management of these waste streams necessitates cost effective, environmentally friendly, and socially viable engineering solutions. Despite several inherent challenges within the mining industry, the waste disposal practice has consistently improved over the years. The main objective of this article is to develop a clear understanding of sustainable development in mining through innovation in waste disposal. Two innovative methods at different development stages and focusing on producing engineered materials with superior geotechnical and geochemical properties are described. The sustainability benefits of tailings thickening and co-mixing of tailings and waste rock are highlighted