Potential Recycling of Mine Tailings for PMC’s Padcal Mine, Philippines

Abstract

Industrialized countries attempted to obtain minerals for their own use, resulting in a developed method to extract valuable minerals from the ground. Consequently, waste mine tailings are produced and, when left to pile up, will potentially be hazardous to the environment and the people. However, more mine tailings become a problem when the organization is unsure how valuable the minerals are or what they can be used for. This study focuses on multi-criteria analysis on potentially repurposing the tailings of Philex Mining Corporation (PMC) at Benguet, Philippines. While mining policies were considered, findings show that piles of mine tailings had not been considered for refining to produce more resources for development, construction, and economic growth. The study employs qualitative inquiry to understand the processes at the grassroots better and reconnaissance of the stored tailings. The analysis tries to promote sustainable practices – presenting a higher sustainability priority, resource conservation, and the responsible management of mining waste, making it a more favorable alternative to traditional tailing storage facilities. Several industrial uses for the tailings have been suggested to reinforce waste diversion.