Potash fertilizer production is one of the most important economic activities. Historically, potash mining has had a significant impact on the environment, often with catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of studies on the environmental impact of potash mining using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. The deposit is located in the central part of the Solikamsk depression in the Pre-Ural foredeep (Perm Krai, Russia). All the main features and problems of underground mining of water-soluble ores and potassium fertilizer production are considered using the example of one of the world’s largest potash deposits. This paper looks into the specifics of the material composition of waste, its disposal, underground mining issues associated with the solubility of salts, and the risks of groundwater inflow into the mine workings, which causes flooding of mines. The results of all surveys show that potash mining affects the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, soil, and vegetation. The most effective measure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoe Deposit is hydraulic backfilling of mine chambers, which protects the underground mines from flooding, minimizes ground subsidence, and reduces the area of potash waste.

This study considers the contents of natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes in the Verkhnekamskoe potassium–magnesium salt deposit (Perm Krai, Russia). The purpose of the study is to assess the lateral activity distribution of natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes of the mining areas on the territory of the Berezniki–Solikamsk industrial hub. Seventy-five soil samples from depths of 0–0.4 m are examined. The specific activities of the natural radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in the soil samples are measured using gamma spectrometry. The average values of the activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K are 11.78 Bq/kg, 8.11 Bq/kg, and 246.9 Bq/kg, respectively. A gamma survey is conducted using the MKS/SRP-08A search dosimeter–radiometer over a control point framework covering 50,000 hectares. The research shows that the migration of the studied natural radionuclides is limited to a radius of 10 km. The results of the gamma-radiation measurements in the study area fall within a range of 0.06–0.25 µSv/h, which does not exceed the permissible limits. According to the findings, there is an increase in the concentration of natural radionuclides in transit supra-floodplain terrace landscapes and accumulative floodplain landscapes in the area affected by potash mining.

During the development of coal deposits, acid mine waters flowing to the surface cause the formation of acid sulphate soils. We study the effectiveness of soil reclamation by agrochemical and geochemical methods at the site of acid mine water discharge in the Kizel Coal Basin, carried out in 2005 using alkaline waste from soda production and activated sludge. A technosol with a stable phytocenosis was detected on the reclaimed site, and soddy-podzolic soil buried under the technogenic soil layer with no vegetation on the non-reclaimed site. The buried soddy-podzolic soil retains a strong acid рН concentration Н2О = 3. A high content of organic matter (8-1.5 %) is caused by carbonaceous particles; the presence of sulphide minerals reaches a depth of 40 cm. Technosol has a slightly acid pH reaction H2O = 5.5, the content of organic matter due to the use of activated sludge is 19-65 %, the presence of sulphide minerals reaches a depth of 20-40 cm. The total iron content in the upper layers of the technosol did not change (190-200 g/kg), the excess over the background reaches 15 times. There is no contamination with heavy metals and trace elements, single elevated concentrations of Li, Se, B and V are found.

Relevance. Related to the need to carry out environmental protection measures in potash mining areas exposed to the environmental consequences of the impact of multi-tonnage salt waste. Aim. To summarise and analyse the geography of potash mining operations, the environmental impact of these operations, and potash waste management practices. Object. Potash mining waste. Methods. Theoretical and logical analysis of the data. Results. The research considers the geographical distribution of potash deposits and presents the characteristics of potash mining waste using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe Potash Deposit. The paper provides both domestic and foreign analyses of ecological consequences of waste storage on the day surface. Several options for potash mining waste management are analysed. For the management of clay-salt slurry, the most effective approach is its injection into underground horizons, which includes the use of saturated solutions as a fertiliser component, as a part of a product in construction, and in the oil industry. A more comprehensive approach to halite waste management is needed. Waste disposal to waste dumps is relevant due to the presence of mined-out areas on the territory of long-operating enterprises. Reclamation of the salt dump will help to isolate it from atmospheric precipitation, thereby reducing the inflow of saturated water into the environment. Utilising waste for production of construction materials is the most economically and environmentally favourable option. Extracting valuable components, producing fertilisers, concentrates, etc. from waste is the least practical approach due to the ecological and economic expenses involved in acquiring extraction equipment and the repeated generation of waste. The most challenging aspect of reducing waste generation in terms of technology lies in improving mining operations and implementing selective mining. Актуальность работы связана с необходимостью проведения природозащитных мероприятий на территории калийных горнодобывающих предприятий, испытывающих экологические последствия влияния многотоннажных солеотходов. Цель исследования заключается в обобщении и анализе географии распространения калийных горнодобывающих предприятий, воздействия этих предприятий на окружающую среду и методов управления отходами калийных производств. Объекты: отходы калийных горнодобывающих предприятий. Методы: теоретический и логический анализ данных. Результаты. Рассмотрена география распространения калийных месторождений и представлена характеристика отходов калийных горнодобывающих предприятий на примере Верхнекамского месторождения солей. Приведен отечественный и зарубежный анализ экологических последствий в результате хранения отходов на дневной поверхности. Проанализировано несколько вариантов обращения с отходами калийных предприятий. При управлении глинисто-солевыми шламами наиболее эффективна закачка в подземные горизонты, в том числе использование насыщенных растворов в качестве удобряющего компонента, составляющей части продукта в строительном направлении и применение в нефтедобывающей отрасли. При управлении галитовыми отходами нужен более комплексный подход. Закладка в отработанное пространство является актуальным подходом в связи с тем, что на территории долго действующих предприятий имеются уже отработанные целики. Рекультивация солеотвала позволит изолировать тело отвала от поступления атмосферных осадков, что приведет к сокращению поступления насыщенных вод в окружающую среду. Использование отходов для производства стройматериалов является наиболее предпочтительным как с экономической, так и с экологической позиции. Извлечение ценных компонентов, производство удобрений, концентрата и др. из отходов является наименее актуальным направлением, это связано как с эколого-экономическими затратами на приобретение оборудования по извлечению, так и с повторным образованием отхода. Наиболее сложным направлением для снижения образования отходов в технологическом аспекте является совершенствование ведения горных работ и селективной добычи.

Chemical and ecological properties of soils and the NDVI analysis on reclaimed sulfide coal waste dumps in the boreal zone