Course content

This course contains 3 main parts: (1) Environmental impact of mining with reference to sulphide metal mining and acid mine drainage (AMD), including heavy metal pollution, oxidation and leaching of sulphide minerals. Evaluation of AMD/ARD, treatment and remedial options. (2) Cleaning and rehabilitation of contaminated land through use of mineral processing techniques, including recycling of mineral wastes. (3) Convential recycling where mineral processing technology is applied to scrap and waste materials from other industries.
Economy and volume of recycling for selected materials is addressed.

Learning outcome

The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of the methods of mineral processing as applied to secondary raw materials (scrap and waste) from the mineral as well as other industries, together with the recycling of sites contaminated by mining focusing on heavy metal pollution caused by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), in addition to cleaning polluted soils by use of mineral processing technologies.
Laboratory work and excursions will provide practical insight. Exercises emphasising the practical use of these skills must be completed and students will be expected to use guided self-study of the reading materials to deepen their knowledge.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, laboratory work, 4 obligatory field exercises in Trondheim area. Exercises will cover central teaching areas and will constitute 30% of the final grade.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Required previous knowledge

TGB4225 Processing of Primary and Secondary Raw Materials, Basic Course.

Course materials

Sandvik et al: Oppredning av primære og sekundære råstoffer, Tapir, 1999. P. Baccini og P.H. Brunner: Metabolism of the anthroposphere, Tapir, 1991. Compendia/articles provided by the teaching staff.

Credit reductions