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6870087 
Technical Report 
Asbestos tailings reclamation in Southern Africa 
van Wyk, JJP 
1989 
Alberta Land Conservation and Reclamation Council 
Edmonton, AB 
RRTAC 89-2 
Proceedings of the conference: Reclamation, a global perspective, vol. 2 
759-768 
854 
English 
WOS:A1989BR88P00083 
The Institute for Reclamation Ecology of the University of Potchefstroom in South Africa started with research on Asbestos tailings and waste materials in 1982. The major findings were: that the natural angles of repose of tailings and waste materials of Crocidolite, Amosite and Chrysotile were too steep for rehabilitation (reclamation) and should be flattened to 18-20°. That all fibre containing material should be covered with course (gravelly) shrouding material to a depth of 300 mm. That storm water should be prevented from running over the treated surfaces to prevent erosion by means of berms and perimeter walls and toe paddocks should be constructed on U S L E principels to reduce run off speed on slopes and contain rainwater falling on the treated areas on the dumps and in the adjacent toe paddocks. (U S L E = Universal Soil Loss Equation). Revegetation should be in accordance with general climatic conditions, surrounding vegetation type, and land use. Species used should preferably be selected from the local area; and where grazing and access trampling can not be controlled, unpalatable, impennetrable, (preferably non burnable) species with no economic use should be selected to discourage the presence of humans and animals. Chemical and physical amelioration of tailings is necessary for Chrysotile because of the high Magnesium content, other mineral imbalances and cementing of the surface. Normal fertilization is sufficient for Crocidolite and Amosite. 
Walker, DG; Powter, CB; Pole, MW 
Reclamation, a Global Perspective 
Calgary, AB 
August 27-31, 1989