Sustainable Mining Research Network (CicloMin): competences for transforming environmental mining liabilities into sustainable development assets

Summary

This project tackles the issue of environmental mining liabilities (EML) in Peru, and reinforces the country’s institutionality for reducing the vulnerability of populations and ecosystems facing contamination hazards from long-term exposure to mine tailings. In Peru, a total of 6903 EML have been officially registered, of which around 2800 correspond to mining waste and tailings [1, 2]. These residues contaminate water sources, soils and air, and negatively affect highland ecosystems, livelihoods and public health. Andean quechua communities and young children are among the most vulnerable. 
 
The project envisions that timely technical assistance in EML rehabilitation will contribute to mitigating contamination in highland ecosystems, thereby reducing the vulnerability of exposed and long-term affected populations. As EML challenges demand for context-specific sustainable solutions, which in turn rely on research and innovation, highly skilled professionals, resources and a strong institutional collaboration; the project’s central aim is to implement the Sustainable Mining Research Network (CicloMin), a centre of expertise providing technical assistance to communities and local governments for the rehabilitation and reprocessing of mine tailings. CicloMin will undertake the design and development of integrated projects/programmes with a SDG orientation in line with VLIR-UOS’ outcome 5: enhanced conditions for uptake of new knowledge, applications or services. 
 
Led by KU Leuven University (KUL), Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), and the Water Competence Centre (CCA), the implementation of CicloMin will involve (a) the generation of knowledge and tools that are relevant for the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) and the rehabilitation of EML; (b) articulating a functional network with actors from the government, companies, local universities and communities; and (c) designing and implementing a modular master program for the training of future problem solvers.

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