From Liability to Asset: A Sustainable Approach for Mine Tailings Remediation in Peru
Authors: Elio C. Murrugarra1, Freddy D. Briones1
Conference: 27th World Mining Congress
Date: June 24-26, 2026
1 Knight Piésold Consultores S.A., Lima, Peru
ABSTRACT
The management of Mining Environmental Liabilities (MEL) presents a critical challenge for the sustainability of the Peruvian mining industry. While the remediation of these deposits has traditionally been treated as a sunk cost, advances in mineral processing now enable legacy tailings reprocessing to function not only as a self-funded remediation mechanism but also as a source of economic profit. This paper presents a framework for evaluating the viability of such projects throughout their lifecycle: from initial liability characterization to the design and closure of the new storage facility. It analyzes how project viability hinges on the convergence of technical, economic, environmental, social, and regulatory factors. The study emphasizes the engineering challenges determining safe execution, detailing the complexities of tailings extraction, handling, and final disposal. It highlights the necessity for rigorous analysis to mitigate geotechnical and geochemical risks. Finally, key sources of uncertainty are identified, and avenues for future research are proposed. The paper concludes that a thorough understanding of engineering challenges is fundamental to transforming the theoretical potential of these projects into a viable reality that contributes to a circular economy.
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