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Abstract
The metals mining industry generates enormous quantities of waste materials. In the past these waste materials were not regulated. In some instances, inadequate management practices regarding these wastes resulted in significant environmental damage. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) contain provisions affecting the management of waste materials from mining.
This paper reviews the amounts and types of waste material generated during the mining and beneliciation stages. The provisions of RCRA and CERCLA affecting the disposition of these wastes are discussed. Special attention then is given to natural resources damage suits under CERCLA aimed at old mining sites and the recently announced EPA program for regulating newly generated mining wastes.