Opinions

Nornickel continues experiments with the environmentally friendly use of production waste

The company is investigating the use of gypsum produced by the Sulfur Program to backfill mines.

Gypsum is produced after sulfur dioxide is captured at the Nadezhda Smelter. We use the gas to produce sulphuric acid which is subsequently neutralized with limestone to produce gypsum.

Gypsum can be used for mine development and pit reclamation. We need to test the idea with experiments to see what effect groundwater has on the substance. If the tests are successful, the Sulfur Program will have a dual environmental effect.
STANISLAV SELEZNEV,
Nornickel Vice President for Environment and Safety:

“The Sulfur Program provides for the construction of a gypsum storage facility. It is a large bed where gypsum is poured in and deposited, and hardens. Afterwards, soil is poured in and plants are potted. You get an ecologically clean place.

This prompts the question of whether gypsum can be used in this way. There is a promising concept to use gypsum to fill mines and exhausted spaces. This idea is now being actively elaborated, we are carrying out experiments.”

Photos by Nornickel

December, 2024
2024-12-26 14:43 Governance Norilsk Opinion