ALROSA, Mirny, Russia:

N. Yu. Liss, Chief Land Reclamation and Resource Management Specialist, Corresponding Member of the Russian Ecology Academy, LissNYu@alrosa.ru

Saint-Petersburg Mining University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia:
E. A. Kremcheev, Head of Chair
K. I. Afanasiadi, Candidate for a master’s degree

The article presents the integrated research data on theoretical substantiation, experimental validation and trial application of a handy reclamation method for tailings ponds being the result of expansion of the diamond production industry in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The research has been jointly implemented by ALROSA and Saint-Petersburg Mining University. The goal of the research is the environmental improvement in the region. The authors show that the new handy reclamation method applied at a tailings pond area composed of a combination of salinized soils ensures efficient elimination of aggravating influences on the environment and reduction in time for the recovery of the natural landscape disturbed by the productive activities. The main results of the laboratory teats of stored tailings are reported, their appropriateness to biological reclamation stage is assessed, and the optimal approach to making insulating screens in order to block the capillary connection between the salinized bottom layer and the applied fertile soil layer is identified. The implemented experimental research proves the efficiency of the proposed screening methods to create a persistent vegetative cover using the recommended perennial plants.

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