Erosion control during construction of mining projects - case study

Abstract

This is a case study about erosion control and soil surface stability works carried out as part of the operational activities at Conococha Antamina highway, specifically in the area between km 92 and 97, where the Canrash lagoon is located. For this study, data from 2005 to 2007 was used. Antamina Mining Company implemented the different physical controls such as the revegetation of slopes by manual and mechanical methods, use of rock walls, synthetic geo meshes, water diversion channels, weep berm and sediment ponds. Chemical products were also used, including flocculants to collect particles smaller than 10 microns to be decanted in the ponds. Measurements of rainfall, pH, and total suspended solids (TSS) were made at the exit of the treatment system to control the effectiveness in relation to the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPLs) according to Peruvian regulations, during the years 2005 to 2007. The efficacy of the treatments allowed the values to remain below the MPLs and allow the lagoon to recover.