What is mine drainage? <!-- geology -->
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Question: What is mine drainage?

Answer:

Mine drainage is metal-rich water formed from chemical reaction between water and rocks containing sulfur-bearing minerals. The runoff formed is usually acidic and frequently comes from areas where ore- or coal mining activities have exposed rocks containing pyrite-a sulfur bearing mineral. Metal-rich drainage can also occur in mineralized areas that have not been mined.

Photographs of Acid Mine Drainage

Source of this FAQ:
http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/environment/drainage.html

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