Improving resource efficiency and minimize environmental footprint: a case study preliminary results

Abstract

Panasqueira Mine (Portugal) has been mainly exploited for wolframite, cassiterite and chalcopyrite (W, Sn, Cu). Through the detailed and careful characterization of tailings with different mineralogy, new invaluable insights into the weathering characteristics of many different minerals will be received, making possible proper risk assessments, and predict which type of tailings might pose severe future environmental risk namely to the Zêzere river. The Zêzere River is an important river and is under the Cabeço do Pião tailings influence. The knowledge and methods acquired will lead to a conceptual model working as guidance to a more sustainable mining in the hereafter.