Author(s): Helen Locher; Robert Keller
Linked Author(s): Robert Keller
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The fate of mining-derived sediments in river systems is a management issue in many parts of the world, due to excessive sediment loads and, frequently, the transport of heavy metals associated with the sediments. A major study is underway, examining the impacts of mine wastes from a copper mine on the King River system on the west coast of Tasmania, a state of Australia. Between 1916 and 1994 the mine continuously discharged its waste sediments (tailings) into the Queen River, a tributary of the King River, at an average rate of 1.5 million tonnes per year. Since 1992 flow in the King River has been controlled by a hydro-power scheme which has been shown to significantly influence the transport, deposition and remobilisation of tailings in the lower King River.
Year: 1995