ABSTRACT Mining activities can lead to an exacerbated enrichment of metal concentrations. Pollution by metal(loid)s in arid regions has been little elucidated. This study assessed the transport and mobilization of trace elements in an arid environment under two ephemeral wash systems originating from processed tailing materials in the Valley Wells Smelter, California (USA). Overall, enrichment factors evidence a significant increase in trace elements in the South Wash compared to the North Wash. The Principal Component Analysis demonstrates in the South Wash that Cd-Cu is associated with As-Pb-Zn and Ba-Co-Mn primarily. All areas (from South and North wash) indicated extremely high enrichment of Cu due to mining activities. Data showed that in the northern wash area the metals As, Cu and Sr presented concentrations much higher than the background. The geochemical survey indicates deleterious effects on the environmental quality of the investigated areas, requiring reparative and conservative measures.