An approach to the classification of Utah mine spoils and tailings based on surface hydrology and erosion

Abstract

The physical similarities among mine spoils may be strongly influenced by the geologic source of the spoils where overburden is produced from areas of simple geologic structure. Textures and bulk densities are influenced by the methods of handling the materials during mining and disposal operations. Where these influences are the same in more than one mining site, surface hydrology and erosion parameters are often similar. A specific tailing deposit may be highly variable with respect to the physical and chemical characteristics produced by methods of ore treatment and concentration. This variability makes it difficult to classify tailings based on surface hydrology and erosion. Hydrologic characteristics of spoil deposits as related to future successful rehabilitation may be improved by (1) conducting mining activities to permit identification and segregation of favorable overburden strata for use in revegetation, (2) reconstituting soil for optimum plant growth, (3) shaping spoils to be compatible with surrounding topography, (4) mulching with organic materials, and (5) avoiding or ameliorating compaction of the soil-spoil surface.