Reduction of nitrogen discharges in mining processes and mitigating its environmental impact miNing
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - Institutionen för vatten och miljö |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 225 000 |
| Project duration | September 2013 - August 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
Purpose and goal
The overall aim of miNing is to reduce nitrogen concentrations in the outflow of mining areas so that the nitrogen concentrations in recipients meet the requirements of national and international agreements and laws. The sub-projects work on gaining this goal, but final results have not been received, yet. Instead, these will be part of (in agreement with VINNOVA and the involved mining companies) part 2 of the project (dnr 2014-01134).
Results and expected effects
In most of the sub-projects, no final results have been received, yet. Data from part 1 (this report) are currently evaluated in part 2 of the project (dnr 2014-01134). However, in the wetland sub-project, we can already now state that a) the nitrogen reduction potential varies among wetland species and b) the dominating pathway (uptake or release of nitrogen gas) is species dependent. These results are highly important for the design of future wetlands.
Approach and implementation
miNing is divided into three sub-projects: 1) bioreactor and waste rock deposit, 2) Nitrogen reduction in sedimentation and clarification ponds and 3) Wetlands. Each sub-project applies a research approach that is designed to fulfill the aim of miNing and that is adapted to the natural prerequisites. Important methods include laboratory and field (in situ) studies where target parameters are followed up and where environmental variables are manipulated to optimize nitrogen reduction.