A low-lying depression used to confine tailings from the mine operation, the prime function of which is to allow enough time for heavy metals to settle out or for cyanide to be destroyed before water is either recycled back into the mill operation or treated before discharge into the local watershed. Talus

A low-lying depression used to confine tailings, the prime function of which is to allow enough time for heavy metals to settle out or for cyanide to be destroyed before water is discharged into the local watershed. Talus

An excavated or diked area that is intended to contain liquid and solid wastes from mining and milling operations.

An open lagoon in which wastewater contaminated with solid pollutants is placed and allowed to stand. The solid pollutants in the water sink to the bottom of the lagoon. Depending on the design, liqui [..]