Application of a life cycle assessment to compare environmental performance in coal mine tailings management.

摘要: Abstract This study compares coal mine tailings management strategies using life cycle assessment (LCA) and land-use area metrics methods. Hybrid methods (the Australian indicator set the ReCiPe method) were used to assess environmental impacts of strategies. Several considered: belt filter press (OPT 1), paste 2), thickened 3), variations OPT 1 combinations technology improvement renewable energy sources 1A–D). Electrical was found contribute more than 90% impacts. The magnitude associated with 3 (thickened tailings) 2.3 1.55 times higher (tailings cake) 2 paste) respectively, while 1B solar energy) 1D wind had lowest ratio impact land-use. Further analysis an economic cost model reuse opportunities is required aid decision making on sustainable industrial symbiosis.