Tonopah is a small town in Nevada known for its mining activity and silver production in the early to mid-1900’s. Today, all the mines are closed, yet their impact on the town still remains evident in the form of large mine waste piles. This study is being carried out in an effort to characterize Tonopah’s mine waste through the use of instruments such as the ASD spectroradiometer and the scanning electron microscope. During the characterization process, the contents of the mine waste piles are discovered. This shows what kind of minerals are present. The size, shape, relative quantity, and spatial relationship of these particles are also found in the characterization process. Once the mine waste is characterized, this information can be used to develop better understanding of the environmental impacts that the lingering mine waste piles have on the town of Tonopah. Traces of gold and silver have also been found in the mine waste piles. Characterization of the gold and silver that is present could lead to their potential recovery for economic profit. The mine waste samples presented in this project were collected during a field study conducted about a year ago. More samples from the site are necessary before any solid conclusions can be drawn on the specific environmental impacts or profitability of the mine waste.
Author: Simeon Maglich
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Mark Krekeler and Dr. Claire McLeod, Department of Geology
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