Closure and reclamation of the Hanover-Empire zinc mine area, Grant County, New Mexico

Abstract

A BSTRACT — The closure and reclamation of the Hanover-Empire Zinc mine area was designed to take advantage of the large volumes of alkaline waste rock available at the site. Waste rock piles at the site were mapped and classified based largely on their sulfide and carbonate contents using standard geological field procedures and acid-base accounting analytical methods. Additionally, representative waste rock samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate their suitability as a cover material capable of supporting revegetation. Results of the investigation were used to develop a conceptual closure plan for the features at the site. The components of closure ultimately included the dewatering of two large pits, structure demolition and scrap disposal, stockpile removal to pits and quarries, regrading and covering of reactive materials with alkaline waste rock, construction of surface water controls along Buckhorn Gulch, highwall fencing, safeguarding shaft and adits and seeding and revegetation.