Pollution causes
Copper ore with precious metal content was mined on Lahóca Mountain for 130 years, starting in the mid-1800s. Flotation mud resulting from mining activities was stored in dumping yards, which polluted the surrounding soil, groundwater and surface water flows, and severely damaged the natural ecosystem. The main soil polluting agents in the area are arsenic, chrome, copper, lead and selenium.
The remediation project
The goal of the project is the liquidation of environmental damage caused in soil, as well as in surface and groundwater by pollution sources that can be linked to the Recsk mining site, remediation of polluted geological layers, recultivation of dumping yards, liquidation of subsurface mining spaces (mine closure) in accordance with current regulations, and the complex environmental remediation of the area.
Special project features
The access roads to the project site affect residential areas, which requires a good relationship with the local residents.
Mine closure shall be carried out to allow its potential reopening in the future.
Main project data
Reopening and exploration of the Katalin Drift mining site on Lahóca Mountain.
Formation of two central (northern and southern) dumping yards from seven smaller dumping yards.
Technical protection of dumping yards, landscaping, sorting and treatment of 326,000 tons of rock, treatment of 120,000 tons of flotation mud.
Implementation of a water collection (drainage) system and water treatment plant.
Remediation of Bikk Creek and reconstruction of 710 linear metres of waterbed.
Remediation of the operation areas: removal and disposal of 34,000 metric tons hazardous waste.
Time period: from 2010 to 2015
Financing: Hungarian State support: 100%
Client: Nitrokémia Környezetvédelmi Zrt. (former: Mecsek-Öko Zrt.)
Total project value: approx. €42 million
Pollution causes
Copper ore with precious metal content was mined on Lahóca Mountain for 130 years, starting in the mid-1800s. Flotation mud resulting from mining activities was stored in dumping yards, which polluted the surrounding soil, groundwater and surface water flows, and severely damaged the natural ecosystem. The main soil polluting agents in the area are arsenic, chrome, copper, lead and selenium.
The remediation project
The goal of the project is the liquidation of environmental damage caused in soil, as well as in surface and groundwater by pollution sources that can be linked to the Recsk mining site, remediation of polluted geological layers, recultivation of dumping yards, liquidation of subsurface mining spaces (mine closure) in accordance with current regulations, and the complex environmental remediation of the area.
Special project features
The access roads to the project site affect residential areas, which requires a good relationship with the local residents.
Mine closure shall be carried out to allow its potential reopening in the future.
Main project data
Reopening and exploration of the Katalin Drift mining site on Lahóca Mountain.
Formation of two central (northern and southern) dumping yards from seven smaller dumping yards.
Technical protection of dumping yards, landscaping, sorting and treatment of 326,000 tons of rock, treatment of 120,000 tons of flotation mud.
Implementation of a water collection (drainage) system and water treatment plant.
Remediation of Bikk Creek and reconstruction of 710 linear metres of waterbed.
Remediation of the operation areas: removal and disposal of 34,000 metric tons hazardous waste.
Time period: from 2010 to 2015
Financing: Hungarian State support: 100%
Client: Nitrokémia Környezetvédelmi Zrt. (former: Mecsek-Öko Zrt.)
Total project value: approx. €42 million
