This report summarizes the results of a survey project for developing new safety assessment methods for mine water treatment at abandoned mines conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in FY 2024.
Japan has numerous abandoned mines, and environmental pollution from mine water generated from these sites has become a long-term challenge. Mine water contains heavy metals and acidic substances, and without proper treatment, it can cause river and groundwater contamination and adverse effects on ecosystems.
This survey examined the development of more effective and sustainable safety assessment methods, considering the challenges of conventional mine water treatment technologies. New analytical technologies, risk assessment models, and long-term environmental impact prediction methods were verified.
Survey results confirmed the effectiveness of new technologies including continuous monitoring systems utilizing IoT technology, water quality fluctuation prediction using machine learning, and advancement of ecological risk assessment. Additionally, innovative treatment technologies that achieve both treatment cost reduction and environmental impact mitigation were also examined.
Particularly important are the necessity of individualized responses considering regional characteristics and promotion of technology development and demonstration through industry-academia-government collaboration. Additionally, construction of long-term maintenance systems and securing financial resources were also pointed out as important challenges.
The survey results are expected to be utilized as important reference materials for future abandoned mine management policies and development of environmental conservation technologies.