Ecological risks of solid mineral mining in northern regions of Urals

Abstract

The region of the Nether-Polar Urals is characterized by higher ecological sensitivity to mining with generation of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes. Mining-prospective territories are characterized by high ecological vulnerability due to the spread of cisco spawning grounds and presence of endemic and valuable fish species. Leaching of solid waste with liquid waste for preparation of process solutions increases environmental safety complex use of this technogenic raw material. Use of state-of-the-art furnaces for melting sulfide raw materials in the liquid bath helps protect the atmosphere from gaseous toxic emissions. Possible consequences of using traditional mineral mining methods for the environment of the Nether-Polar Urals are considered. As an alternative, advanced dry concentration methods for separation of valuable components of ores are suggested to increase environmental safety of mining activities.