An environmental evaluation of deep-sea mine tailings placement (DSTP)

Deep-Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP) is the process whereby mining industries discharge processed mud- and rock-waste slurries (tailings) directly into the marine environment. DSTP can impact ocean ecosystems in addition to other sources of stress, such as from fishing, pollution, energy extraction, tourism, eutrophication, climate change and, potentially in the future, from deep-seabed mining. Environmental management of DSTP may be most effective when placed in a broader context, drawing expertise, data and lessons from multiple sectors (academia, government, society, industry, and regulators) and engaging with international deep ocean observing programs, databases and stewardship consortia. This project examines the challenges associated with DSTP using a long-term coastal and deep-water environmental monitoring dataset provided by the project partner, mine operator PT. Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara, based at the Batu Hijau mine in Sumbawa Island, Indonesia. The project will examine data for trends of changing environmental conditions and examine causal factors such as climate change or changing mining practices to identify drivers. This research, supported by the environmental team at the mine, aims to provide new knowledge with which to guide the mine to develop both more efficient practices and to ensure a robust monitoring programme for the future.