The Principality calls on the company to undertake the repair of an argayo that affects one of the slopes of the deposit, and establishes complementary measures to reduce the risks of contamination
Orovalle mud pond
Writing/ Grau
The Principality of Asturias has given the green light to the expansion of the sludge pond at the Orovalle mine, in El Valle, Belmonte de Miranda. The environmental impact statement, which has already been approved by the Environmental Commission of the Principality of Asturias, authorizes the raising of the reservoir, whose capacity will be increased by 30 meters in height, although in addition to the conditions included in the company's environmental document establishes complementary measures, aimed at reducing the risks of contamination, since it is cyanide sludge from the gold extraction process.
So the resolution, published in the BOPA, obliges to apply, in addition to the measures of the environmental study, other conditions. Among them is the removal of an argayo that affects one of the walls of the slope, for which it gives indications for "the stabilization of the slope, removal of the argayo and review of the state of the waterproofing layer of the mud deposit". The argayo occurred in August 2021, and the Principality requests that "stabilization work" be undertaken "as soon as possible, in accordance with the project authorized by the competent body for mining safety, so that it can be addressed the regrowth of the sludge pond in adequate safety conditions for the facilities and the material and personal equipment involved in the work”. The resolution adds that “the removal of the materials dragged by the argayo, and which currently prevent the regrowth of the mud pool, must be proceeded as quickly as technically possible. The contact area of the argayo with the waterproofing sheet will be reviewed in the area exposed to the argayo, to the maximum extent that is technically feasible under safe conditions. Where, where appropriate, the sheet has been damaged by dragging materials, it will be repaired in such a way that the impermeability of the sludge tank is guaranteed. These works will be carried out by specialized companies that will provide the corresponding certificates of execution of the works. and that currently prevent the regrowth of the sludge pool. The contact area of the argayo with the waterproofing sheet will be reviewed in the area exposed to the argayo, to the maximum extent that is technically feasible under safe conditions. Where, where appropriate, the sheet has been damaged by dragging materials, it will be repaired in such a way that the impermeability of the sludge tank is guaranteed. These works will be carried out by specialized companies that will provide the corresponding certificates of execution of the works. and that currently prevent the regrowth of the sludge pool. The contact area of the argayo with the waterproofing sheet will be reviewed in the area exposed to the argayo, to the maximum extent that is technically feasible under safe conditions. Where, where appropriate, the sheet has been damaged by dragging materials, it will be repaired in such a way that the impermeability of the sludge tank is guaranteed. These works will be carried out by specialized companies that will provide the corresponding certificates of execution of the works. the sheet has been deteriorated by dragging materials, it will be repaired in such a way that the impermeability of the sludge tank is guaranteed. These works will be carried out by specialized companies that will provide the corresponding certificates of execution of the works. the sheet has been deteriorated by dragging materials, it will be repaired in such a way that the impermeability of the sludge tank is guaranteed. These works will be carried out by specialized companies that will provide the corresponding certificates of execution of the works.
It also establishes that all the waste materials generated in these works are deposited "in places authorized for this purpose within the perimeter of the authorized mining exploitation", and that controls are carried out on these materials to see if they can produce leachate, that is, liquid material that can leak into the environment. "In the event that leachate from the dumps could cause a risk of contamination of groundwater or surface water, the Restoration Plan will be modified to address the sealing conditions of the dumps," adds the report, which also calls for studies. to control possible effects on the water, with special attention to the Arrioxo stream. It also obliges to define a new Restoration Plan, and to recalculate the guarantee deposited with the Administration,