Effects of EU-Compliant mining waste regulation on Turkish mining sector: A review of characterization, classification, storage, management, recovery of mineral wastes

Mining Waste Regulation in Türkiye entered into force on 15/07/2015. The important issues envisaged in the Regulation are as follows: Determination of waste characterization and collection of mineral wastes under three groups as "hazardous waste", "non-hazardous waste" and "inert waste", classification of mineral waste disposal facilities as "Category A" and "Category B", regulations on the management of mineral wastes, waste recovery & financial guarantee. According to this regulation, the wastes generated as a result of mining activities; Although it is foreseen as hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, or inert waste, most of the wastes generated as a result of mining activities are classified as hazardous waste and treated as industrial waste with the Regulation. Obligations that were previously required for the wastes of mines that only required cyanide or chemical treatment have now become desirable for almost all mining wastes with the entry into force of this new regulation. In Türkiye and the European Union, there are many legal regulations regarding wastes, including mining wastes. However, as in the EU, there are serious problems in the management of mining wastes in Türkiye. For this reason, the development of environmentally friendly mining needs to analyze the gaps and mistakes of the Turkish mining waste legislation, which is tried to be based on the EU legislation. Additionally, mineral waste recovery will contribute to the feasibility of mining operations. In this direction, this study has been prepared by reviewing studies published on mining waste legislation. This study discusses mine waste legislation in Türkiye by referring to a few EU regulations that have been taken as examples in the enactment of Mining Waste Regulations in Türkiye and in the enactment of regulations on waste prior to this regulation. The study includes information and discussions in the direction that the authorities that prepare and implement mining waste legislation in the world can benefit from. In line with the feasibility of mining investments, the suggestions of the mining industry and the doctrine on mining waste legislation are included.