Plan del cierre de la Relavera Comunitaria “El Tablón”, provincia del Oro, Ecuador.

Abstract

A closure plan was established for the El Tablon Community Relavera (RCET), located in the province of El Oro - Ecuador, affected by technical problems during the operation in relation to; the constructive methodology regarding the deposition of the tailings forming unstable platforms that exceed the height of the dike (± 25m), in addition to the damage to the integral system of the bottom drainage, the visual and landscape impact. Two fundamental aspects are developed; The first is the elaboration of a geological-geotechnical model of the tailings dam, through the information obtained from: 2,085 m of electrical tomography lines, 1,390 m of refraction seismic lines, 100 m of vertical electrical soundings and 150 m of drilling with core recovery, approximately 20 m of pits and insitu studies (geological mapping and geotechnical characterization). As a second aspect, works are proposed to mitigate the damages caused by the mismanagement of the tailings facility, such as; the stabilization of the platforms with the fill up to a closing level (696 m.a.s.l.) to ensure the stability of the dike and the good management of the runoff water. On the other hand, the implementation of phytoremediation techniques, reforestation and the construction of diversion channels that are part of the design of a park with recreational areas and an auscultation system that guarantees the stability of the tailings dam in the long term. Finally, it is important to insist on the need for the design and construction of a water treatment plant with leachate.