Evaluation Of The Metal Removal Capability Of Endemic Chilean Species

Abstract

Extended Abstract Copper mining is one of the main economic activities in Chile. Chilean Legislation (Supreme Decree N°248/2007) establishing the concept of tailings as a finely ground solid, which is discarded in mining operations, and it is not considered a hazardous waste. For a long time, due to the lack of regulations, mine tailings were stored without major environmental consideration; therefore, at present, several abandoned impoundments are located near population centres. In 2004 the Supreme Decree N°132 modified the Mining Safety Regulations by incorporating regulations on the closure of mining operations, forcing, for the first time, to the mining companies to execute a closure plan at the end of their production phase including the closure of tailings impoundments.