stanje i perspektive u rudarstvu i odrţivi razvoj mining present state ...

Rudarstvo 2011 / Mining 2011of the existing Bor flotation plant to produce a optimum grade slag concentrate for recycle by Flashsmelting. This will enable a much higher overall smelter copper recovery than that of current operations.The slag tailings from the slag flotation will again be combined with the Bor concentrator ore tailings, asat present, for pumping to the local tailings dam disposal and storage. In an effort to solve future wastedisposal in the BOR area, the RTB proposed Project New Tailings disposal system for the Bor and VelikiKrivelj flotation plant allocated to resolving the most urgent environmental problems. The discharge ofReverberatory furnace gases via the existing stack will cease. Liquid effluent will be treated in a dedicatedeffluent treatment facility as part of the new project.Historical Air QualityIt has been recognized for a long time that the past operations of the RTB Bor complex has created poorair quality due to the outdated smelter technology creating high levels SO 2 , particulate matter and heavymetal concentrations in the air [5; 6]. These levels were compounded by dust blowing from the pits, thewaste rock piles, and the tailings that has contributed to the contamination of agricultural soils. Thedegraded air quality has led to a number of health problems for the residents of the Bor community andsurrounding area [7].Emission TargetsDue to new Serbian directives [8], by 2013/2014, RTB‘s Bor operations will be required to operate withinlower SO 2 , particulate and metal emissions standards and limits. The capture rate for SO 2 , in particular, is98% as measured by in coming sulphur.To meet these targets, a number of sources of emissions must be addressed. These range from largesources such as the process gases presently being released from the existing reverberatory furnaceoperation, to relatively small sources such as dust from material handling and ventilation.Improved Air QualityThe new smelter will result in a significant reduction in emission levels involving SO 2 , particulates andheavy metals [3]. The heat recovery derived from the new smelter will also allow for a reduction in theamount of coal burned in the power plant and district heating plant which will further reduce theseemissions. The reduction in the air emissions attributed to the smelter/acid plant together with other LocalEnvironmental Action Plans designed to reclaim tailings and waste rock piles will also contribute to animprovement in local air quality, by reducing the amount of dust scavaged or blown from these areas thathave been contaminated by heavy metals.The existing air quality monitoring system that has beenestablished will be further improved and enhanced to provide better production management of thesmelter, and compliance with the new emission targets.EIA methodology & resultsThe environmental assessment included visits to the site and surrounding areas to view the site and toascertain the importance of environmental conditions or features. These studies included: A detailed assessment of the existing smelter prepared as part of the Engineering FeasibilityStudy has also served to provide a good understand of the existing site and facility conditions; Geo-environmental investigations carried out to define the extent of potential contaminants on-siteto determine how they should be handled during site demolition and construction of the newfacilities;An air quality dispersion modeling to determine the extent of the environmental effects of theemissions from the upgraded smelterGeo-environmental investigations carried out in the area of the New Smelter/Acid Plant have determinedthe underlying soils to be contaminated with metals that principally include copper, lead, mercury, arsenic;446