Polymer for the Mining industry

SOCO®offers a number of mine polymers that are ideally suited for the mining industry. Founded in 2009, SOCO® has a long history and years of experience in the field of polymer water-absorbent materials, understanding the industry's demanding requirements for mining products. Made from the highest quality materials, SOCO® polymer is able to continuously cope with various industrial needs in the mining industry. 

The mining industry has long been considered one of the world's most polluting sectors. But, as the emphasis on environmental awareness increases across the globe, all the world's industries are being pressured to become more environmentally sustainable. This has led to several major advancements in the technology used in mining that can help them to achieve targets such as reducing energy use or limiting their negative environmental impact.

Liquid mining waste

SOCO® Mining Polymer mine water

Mine water is produced in a variety of ways, with varying degrees of contamination. Water exposed during mining is also often acidic and can contaminate local water sources in a process called acid mine drainage (AMD) or acid rock drainage (ARD). Acid mine drainage is an important contributor to surface water pollution worldwide. AMD is primarily caused when water flows through sulfide-rich materials and forms an acidic solution. Mine water is often tightly monitored, with management strategies in place that not only reduce the amount of mine water produced but also treat the water before it is released back into the environment.

SOCO® Mining Polymer Water Treatment Sludge

Some mines produce sludge, which is similar to mine wastewater, but with the addition of SOCO® Mining Polymer. These additions turn the water into a more viscous sludge that can then be pumped away from the site. Since most sludge has little economic value, it is essentially treated as waste. With the help of polymers, processing costs are greatly reduced.

SOCO® Mining Polymer Lagoon Dredging

SOCO® polymer now offers a complete dredging solution for the efficient removal of mud, sludge and solids, namely dredging polymers. Dredged Polymer uses the latest technology and is a cost-effective solution for the cleaning of ponds, lagoons, canals, tailings ponds and sedimentation basins.

Dredging polymer is a simple, efficient and easy-to-use alternative to more complex heavy-duty dredging equipment. The best solution for dredging shallow ponds or lagoons.

Mine waste management

Waste management techniques used by mining companies often come under intense scrutiny from local governments and the public. Improper disposal methods and the resulting environmental damage have plagued the history of the mining industry. These actions have left a negative stigma on mining and related waste. As a result, many countries now require miners to prepare complete mine waste storage proposals before obtaining a mining license. To ensure long-term storage stability and prevent any regulatory violations, mine waste is carefully managed at every step of the process.

Mining operations generate a large amount of waste, which inevitably causes environmental problems due to the large amount of waste. To this end, mining engineers have developed ingenious waste management methods, making mining one of the few industries that actively recycles waste. Overburden is used for reprocessing, grading land, and as construction aggregate for buildings and roads. Tailings can be reused to produce clay, tiles, glass and concrete. Mine water is treated for dust and particulate matter suppression, agricultural/industrial uses, and as a coolant.

Although there are various recycling methods, most mine waste is still stored in facilities or waste sites. Long-term storage in these facilities has become an important issue in modern mine closures. Various regulations have been passed requiring waste to remain stable for years, sometimes even centuries. This requires engineers to develop storage methods to withstand catastrophic events such as floods, storms and earthquakes.

Mine Waste Hierarchy

lasting environmental impact

The main environmental impacts of mining waste include the loss of land when it is converted into tailings ponds or waste storage areas, and the introduction of acidic runoff or other contaminated sediments into the local environment. The specific environmental impact of waste depends largely on the material composition, the type of ore mined and how the ore is processed. For example, coal gangue and tailings from heavy metal mining may contain high concentrations of sulfides, which may lead to the occurrence of acid rock drainage. Because there are many variables, mining operations need to develop their own waste treatment methods based on regulations surrounding the different types of waste they produce. However, it is important to note that most mining waste is environmentally friendly and is often used to revegetate or contour the land after mining operations are completed.