TENORM: Copper Mining and Production Wastes | US EPA

Jun 07, 2021 · This chemical reaction produces acid mine drainage (AMD), a pollutant that is present at many abandoned mine sites. Learn more about abandoned mine drainage. Copper mining waste storage piles may be as large as 1,000 acres and typically include three types of waste; tailings, dump and heap leach wastes, and waste rock and overburden.