KIRKAP – Remediation and Restoration of Contaminated Areas at the Inactive Kirki Mine
The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME), under the framework of a Ministerial Decision, participates jointly with the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN – SYGAPEZ) in the implementation of the Action “Remediation and Soil Restoration of Industrial and Contaminated Areas Owned by the Hellenic State at the Inactive Kirki Mine, Evros Prefecture.”
Within this action, HSGME has undertaken and is implementing the project “Remediation and Restoration of Contaminated Areas at the Inactive Kirki Mine – KIRKAP1 (Kirki – Restoration).” Its contribution extends beyond the preparation of studies to include technical consulting for the implementing authority (OFYPEKA), as well as long-term monitoring of the quality of surface and groundwater and the identification and control of potential leakages.
The inactive Public Kirki Mine poses an ongoing pollution risk to surface and groundwater, as well as to agricultural soils in the wider catchment area of the KIRKALON and EIRINI streams. Dissolved toxic elements and suspended fine-grained tailings materials are transported over long distances, posing a threat to groundwater quality and suitability, as well as to public health in the surrounding communities.
The main objective of the KIRKAP project is the remediation of the abandoned and environmentally unprotected tailings basins of the Kirki ore-processing plant, which are exposed to weathering and erosion, as well as the preparation of studies for addressing acid mine drainage and ensuring environmental protection at the open pit and waste dump areas of the nearby Agios Philippos mine.
The implementation of KIRKAP is of high priority. The first phase involves the remediation of the tailings basins containing hazardous metallurgical waste in the processing plant area. The second phase will address the Agios Philippos mine area, focusing on acid drainage and mining waste management.
The project will apply the best available techniques and innovative technologies for real-time field measurements, minimizing chemical analysis costs and maximizing decision-making capabilities in real-time. This includes the use of state-of-the-art portable XRF analyzers and the installation of online monitoring instruments in control boreholes to measure key groundwater parameters.
Expected Benefits:
- Environmental restoration of a highly degraded area.
- Prevention of further contamination of surface and groundwater with hazardous substances and compounds.
- Elimination of fine sediment transport into adjacent streams and ultimately into the Gulf of Alexandroupolis.
- Rehabilitation of an environmentally burdened area into a clean and safe site.
- Protection of public health in surrounding communities.
- Enhancement and preservation of an area of exceptional natural beauty.
PROJECT MANAGER
Alexandros Liakopoulos
Head of the Department of Geochemistry and Environment (GEP)
Directorate of Mineral Resources and Mining (DOPME)
FUNDING SOURCE
Co-funded Project – ESPA 2021–2027
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET
€10,000,000.00
PROJECT BUDGET
€1,800,000.00
IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD
2021–2027
