Biopeitto 3 – Ecosystem Recovery Promoting Biocovers for Mining Sites

Introduction

The biggest environmental impacts of mining are related to the disposal of sulphide-rich mining waste and the resulting acidic and metal-rich leachate waters. Therefore, during the closing phase, the waste rock and tailings areas are typically covered with till (dry cover), which availability can be a challenge. In the Biopeitto 3 project, cover structures are developed by utilizing by-stream materials and biochar from the biocirculation economy. The aim is to reduce the amount of till used in the cover, but at the same time promote the water management of the cover structures and the development of plant cover in the areas.

The project seek solutions for the questions:
1) can thickness of cover structures be reduced by application of various side-stream materials and vegetation
2) how do the side-stream materials, vegetation and thickness of cover structure affect the quantity and quality of leachate waters,
3) does side-stream materials improve the revegetation of waste rock sites, especially the growth of natural plants and plant-growth supporting microbes and in the long run the restoration of whole ecosystem, and
4) how to support the approval of biocovers by authorities.

The project provides information to support the decision-making of mining companies, circular economy companies and supervisory authorities. A better understanding on how organic matter applications affects the layer thickness, age and properties of biocovers, plant growth, and ecosystem restoration helps to find the best solutions for challencing conditions in Northern Finland.

The project is coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is the partner. The project’s company and municipal supporters are: Hannukainen Mining Oy, Boliden Kevitsa Oy, Agnico Eagle Kittilä Oy, Rupert Resources Oy, Mawson Oy, Sakatti Mining Oy, GRK Oy, Levin vesihuolto Oy, Neve Oy, Rissasen Taimisto Oy, Inergia Oy, Sodankylä municipality and Kittilä municipality.

Project funding: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of North Ostrobothnia

Contact person: Raija Pietilä

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