This Handbook has been developed by the EPA as a resource for project managers working on addressing the environmental concerns posed by inactive mines and mineral processing sites. This is not policy or guidance, but a compendium of info. gained during many years of experience on mine site cleanup projects. Chapters: Overview of Mining and Mineral Processing Operations; Environmental Impacts from Mining; Setting Goals and Measuring Success; Community Involve. at Mining Waste Sites; Scoping Studies of Mining and Mineral Processing Impact Areas; Sampling and Analysis of Impacted Areas; Scoping and Conducting Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessments at Superfund Mind Waste Sites; Site Mgmt. Strategies; and Remediation and Cleanup Options.

This book, the result of a congressionally mandated study, examines the adequacy of the regulatory framework for mining of hardrock mineralsâ€"such as gold, silver, copper, and uraniumâ€"on over 350 million acres of federal lands in the western United States. These lands are managed by two agenciesâ€"the Bureau of Land Management in the Department of the Interior, and the Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture. The committee concludes that the complex network of state and federal laws that regulate hardrock mining on federal lands is generally effective in providing environmental protection, but improvements are needed in the way the laws are implemented and some regulatory gaps need to be addressed. The book makes specific recommendations for improvement, including: The development of an enhanced information management system and a more efficient process to review new mining proposals and issue permits. Changes to regulations that would require all mining operations, other than "casual use" activities that negligibly disturb the environment, to provide financial assurances for eventual site cleanup. Changes to regulations that would require all mining and milling operations (other than casual use) to submit operating plans in advance.

Mine areas left behind by companies that no longer exist are defined as derelict mines – those that were operated and closed at a time when most countries did not have adequate regulations requiring rehabilitation of the impacted mine areas. This book provides unique information on the extent and severity of derelict mines’ impact on environmental degradation and human and environmental health. It examines the nature of derelict mines, short-term and long-term risks to sensitive receptors, tools for monitoring and prioritizing risks, and technological advances for rehabilitation. This book considers a risk-based approach to managing derelict mines, which is reliable and cost-effective. FEATURES Provides fundamental information on derelict mines and their inventory in different countries Explains risk-based management of derelict mines and the importance of community perspectives as a reliable and cost-effective method Identifies ownership and liability issues through many case studies in Australia and other countries that must deal with the remediation of derelict mines Presents remediation, assessment, and predictive tools for managing pit lakes Helps readers set standards, regulatory measures, and policies related to mine closures This book is for engineers and professionals who work in mining, geology, chemistry, mineralogy, geotechnics, and hydrogeology and deal with industrial site management, waste management, mine closures, mine site reclamation, derelict mine remediation, and mine revegetation. It is also an insightful resource for graduate students, academics, and researchers focused on these courses.