Seepage and contamination from mine waste
Abstract
Thousands of millions of tonnes of mine tailings and waste rock are produced each year. Depending on the type of mine and processes involved, seepage from the tailings and waste rock has the potential to contaminate surface and ground water. Prediction and control of such contamination involves study of geotechnical properties, hydrology and geochemistry. This paper discusses these issues with a particular emphasis on the assessment of deposited properties and seepage from mine tailings, acid generation and control of cyanide, and chemical attenuation mechanisms.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Tailings Management and Properties
Mine drainage and remediation techniques
Landfill Environmental Impact Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 253–311
- Publication date
- 11 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter