Environmental Risk Analysis of Mine Tailings Dam (A Case Study in Iran)

چکیده مقاله

Mines and mineral industries are vital and strategic resources for every country. However, significant concerns exist regarding the environmental consequences of mining activities, and the severity of these impacts is increasing. The accumulation of mineral tailings, particularly in metal mines during extraction and processing operations, poses a threat to the surrounding land and natural resources. Therefore, it is essential to assess the severity of these hazards and the likelihood of their occurrence in order to develop effective solutions to mitigate adverse consequences. The purpose of this article is to analyze the environmental risks associated with the tailings dam at the Qaleh-Zari Copper Mine using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method. To achieve this, first the significant environmental consequences of the tailings dam were identified and then, the severity, probability of occurrence, and probability of detection of these consequences were assessed. Additionally, the importance of each of the aforementioned indicators was determined using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Finally, the environmental risks were prioritized. The results indicate that dust dispersion and air pollution, the creation of an unfavorable landscape, and erosion are the most critical environmental consequences of the tailings dam at the Qaleh-Zari Copper Mine.