Waste disposal by residue recycling at KGHM Polska Miedz SA

Polska Miedz SA, in existence since nineteen seventies, operates three underground mines and three smelters with total production of over 400 000 mtpy of electrolytic copper. Its Impact on the environment, very serious in the past, has been gradually reduced. While in general emissions into the air and water have been brought under control, attention recently has shifted to the disposal of wastes and residues. The main streams of wastes are flotation tailings, slags and dust captured from the dedusting systems. Much effort has already been expended and is still being spent to utilize this waste for by-products production or to dispose of it within the process by recycling. The most effective measures taken up thus far, as well as present activities directed at tailings disposal, are presented.