Taconite mining generates mine wastes that change the natural landscape (e.g., tailing basins and waste rock stockpiles). Weathering of these mine wastes can release sulfate and other constituents to surrounding waters. The LAM environmental research group performs field-based studies to help characterize the weathering processes occurring at existing minelands in northeastern Minnesota. Recent projects investigated the primary hydrologic and geochemical mechanisms of sulfate release and transport in and around taconite tailing basins on the Iron Range.

Core collection at a MN taconite tailing basin

Oxygen sensors at a MN taconite tailing basin
Mine Site Field Studies Research Documents
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