Tailings

Tailings

Iron hydroxide precipitate in stream

Tailings are the materials left over after the process of separating the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction (gangue) of an ore. Tailings are distinct from overburden, which is the waste rock or other material that overlies an ore or mineral body and is displaced during mining without being processed.

Composition and Characteristics

Tailings are composed of a slurry of fine particles, which can include a variety of minerals and chemicals used in the extraction process. The composition of tailings depends on the nature of the ore and the extraction process used. Common components of tailings include silica, alumina, and iron oxide. In some cases, tailings may also contain toxic substances such as arsenic, mercury, and cyanide.

Environmental Impact

The disposal of tailings is a significant environmental concern. Tailings can contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the surrounding environment, contaminating soil and water sources. The fine particles in tailings can also lead to dust pollution, which can affect air quality and human health.

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Tailings Storage

Tailings are typically stored in large impoundments known as tailings dams or ponds. These structures are designed to contain the tailings and prevent them from contaminating the surrounding environment. However, tailings dams can fail, leading to catastrophic releases of tailings into the environment. Such failures can have devastating effects on local communities and ecosystems.

Management and Remediation

Effective management of tailings involves minimizing their environmental impact through careful design and monitoring of tailings storage facilities. Remediation efforts may include the stabilization of tailings dams, the treatment of contaminated water, and the rehabilitation of affected land. Innovative approaches, such as the use of phytoremediation and bioremediation, are being explored to mitigate the environmental impact of tailings.

Related Pages

• Mining
• Ore
• Environmental impact of mining
• Waste management