Mine hoods are used to protect and prepare mines for other uses. When a mine is retired, it may require capping to protect public health and safety. Specialist companies are needed to ensure it is done correctly. Open pit mines may be filled with backfill soil or clean, landscaped soil. Underground mines require their shafts to be closed with mine hoods made from concrete, steel, expandable foam, and other components. Additional measures may be required with underground mine caps, such as ventilation and filtering. Once closed, a mine can potentially be reopened, but could require substantial work.
Mine hoods are protective covers installed on the surface of a mine to prevent access, limit pollution, and prepare the site for other uses. When a mine is retired from production, the law may require capping to protect public health and safety. Mining companies may also close old mines, sometimes working with environmental agencies, to address pollution concerns. This job typically requires the services of a specialist company with extensive experience installing mine hoods to ensure it is done correctly and according to any specific regulations.
In the case of an open pit mine, the mine cap may consist of backfill soil along with cement and other binding agents applied to the surface of the mine to cover it. It can also be filled with clean, landscaped soil to prevent erosion and damage. Site recovery of this nature is not necessarily required, but may be recommended. The procedure involves the use of appropriate backfill and lining materials to reduce the possibility of bottom leakage as the site settles.
Underground mines require their shafts to be closed to prevent access. Mine hoods can be made from concrete, steel, expandable foam, and other components. This limit keeps people out, which limits the risk of injury and controls company liability. It can also be used to prevent leakage of potentially dangerous substances. In some cases, parts of the mine are closed while others are left open to provide habitat for animals such as bats, which may appreciate the services in the mining caverns.
Additional measures may be required with underground mine caps. Facilities may need to be ventilated and filtered to prevent problems from developing in the future. Pumping stations may also be needed to keep water out of the mine, which can prevent sinkholes and landslides that could endanger the community. When a company prepares to decommission a mine, it can consult an engineer to determine what measures are needed to meet environmental standards and address any other issues.
Once closed, a mine can potentially be reopened, but could require substantial work. In situations where a mine is temporarily closed, it can be protected by other means so that it is easy to restart production in the future if desired. When it becomes apparent that such sites are truly abandoned, they can be targets for mines. Some governments have policies that allow them to detect polluting sites to take appropriate measures, including capping. They can bill the former owners for these services if they can be located.
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