Mine Waste Management in Nepal: An Overview of Limestone Quarries

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the management of non-metallic mine waste in general, and specifically, limestone mine waste in Nepal. The authors reviewed the policy documents and the regulations, assessed the implementation of the regulations on this issue considering a few selected limestone quarry sites, and discussed how mine waste can be managed more efficiently with reference to existing practices from the developed countries. Our analysis shows that despite the challenges that exist due to complex geology, steep topography, and financial constraint associated with surface mining and waste management, the available management strategies have not been implemented adequately in the majority of the mine/quarry sites. This indicates a need for a relook into the current practices of mine waste management and formulating appropriate mine waste management-related policies of the country. The national demand for cement has been soaring, and more cement industries are operating in recent years. Consequently, the volume of the mine waste will increase in far excess of the liberated resource and it can create environmental degradation if not managed appropriately and in time. The authors recommend legislative reform and suggest the implementation of feasible management strategies at the mine sites.