The metal mining and mineral processing industry includes facilities engaged primarily in the extraction, beneficiation, and processing of minerals and ores. The mineral categories listed below represent the most common hardrock minerals mined and processed domestically. The technical documents detail the scope of each commodity as well as identifies waste generated during the mining and processing activities.

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Mineral Processing Sectors

Copper, gold and silver mining at the Summitville Mine site in Rio Grande, CO

• Copper (PDF)(29 pp, 310 K)
• Gold & Silver (PDF)(18 pp, 257 K)
• Lead (PDF)(27 pp, 373 K)
• Uranium (PDF)(15 pp, 303 K)
• Zinc (PDF)(15 pp, 255 K)

EPA Reports to Congress

• 1985 Report to Congress on Wastes from the Extraction and Beneficiation of Metallic Ores, Phosphate Rock, Asbestos and Overburden from Uranium Mining
• 1990 Report to Congress on Special Wastes from Mineral Processing

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Extraction, Benficiation, and/or Processing

• U.S. EPA Office of Regulatory Enforcement. Hazardous Waste Management Practices at Mineral Processing Facilities Under Scrutiny by U.S. EPA Enforcement Alert (PDF)(4 pp, 82 K). Vol. 3 Num. 10 EPA300-N-00-015. November 2000.
• U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste. Final Technical Background Document: Identification and Description of Mineral Processing Sectors and Waste Streams (PDF)(29 pp, 496 K). Mine Waste Rulemaking Docket Supporting Documentation. RCRA Docket #F-98-2P4F-FFFFF. April 1988.