Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional and Dry Stack Tailings Disposal Schemes: A Case Study in Northern China

Alternative tailings disposal technologies can be effective solutions to mining waste safety and environmental problems. The current decision-making processes for schemes lack consideration of impacts. Based on a case study an open-pit iron mine in northern China, this adopted the life cycle assessment (LCA) method compare impacts three conventional slurry technology (CSDT), dry stack (DSDT) by belt conveyance DSDT truck transport. results indicated that (1) CSDT scheme were lowest under premise water consumption was ignored; (2) mainly originated from its transport process, indicating storage facilities (TSFs) site planning could crucial design decision making; (3) energy stacking equipment; (4) eventually found preferable implemented study, after comprehensively considering LCA results, TSF remaining capacity, social policy uncertainties. It is therefore recommended conduct process sustainable TSFs.