Backfilling and safe disposal:Dual use of mining cavities for industrial waste in the EU AITranslate

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Chinese Library Classification Number:TD80[矿业工程—矿山开采];X70[环境科学与工程—环境工程]

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Increasingly stringent environmental regulations,both in Germany and across the European Union(EU),are limiting or prohibiting the above-ground disposal of certain industrial(non-mining)chemotoxic wastes.As a result,alternative,sustainable disposal routes are gaining importance.Over the past three decades,K-UTEC AG(K-UTEC)has supported mining operations in utilizing underground cavities not only for conventional backfilling but also for the controlled and legally compliant disposal of chemotoxic non-mining waste.In many cases,these wastes contribute to cavity stabilization and are kept safe in terms of long-term environmental safety,making such projects technically and economically viable.The legal framework in Germany and the EU is outlined,distinguishing between pure disposal and waste utilization as a substitute for primary raw materials in backfill applications.The advanced and well-established European standards could serve as a model for international adoption.Feasibility assessments must always be site-specific,considering factors such as hydrogeology,cavity geometry,logistics,and the availability of suitable wastes.Current practices have identified promising waste streams,e.g.,from incineration,steel production,cement manufacturing,and waste treatment,that are both suitable for underground use and economically attractive due to limited disposal capacities.A forward-looking approach to mine backfilling is presented,showing how underground cavities can become valuable assets in industrial waste management.K-UTEC anticipates growing international relevance for this dual-purpose strategy.