Question

What are the main harmful elements present in mine tailing?

• A. Mercury
• B. Arsenic
• C. Nickel
• D. Copper

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A

Mercury

B

Arsenic

C

Nickel

Mine tailings are the materials left over after the process of separating the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction of an ore. They are also called as mine dumps, culm dumps, slimes, tails, refuse, leach residue or slickens. The mine tailings contain many harmful chemicals such as mercury, lead, chromium, arsenic, nickel etc. Such chemicals may cause heavy metal pollution of underground water tables.