Mine Rehabilitation of Sulphide-rich Ore Deposits Based on Geomorphic Solutions Coupled with AMD Chemical Stabilization: A Pioneering Project at the Lousal Mine, Portugal

Abstract

The rehabilitation of the sulphide-rich Lousal mine in Portugal is the first case in Europe to combine geomorphic methodologies with geochemical solutions. A new rehabilitation topography was designed and built using the GeoFluv method; a chemical buffering blanket made up of mineral and organic soil layers was extended over a highly contaminated, 1.7 hectares pilot drainage basin, associated with open limestone channels and a widespread endemic vegetation cover was established in the intervening area. The project sought to create synergies between the beneficial effects of each of the rehabilitation actions implemented. Early results strongly suggest sustainability of the created ecosystem, which is fundamental to the economic viability of this solution in future mine reclamation projects. The insights obtained provide new knowledge and methodological innovations that can be extremely useful in current and future green mining scenarios.