Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tailings

noun

/ˈteɪ.lɪŋz/

Definition

The leftover material after minerals have been extracted from ore.

Examples

After the mining process, the tailings were stored in a designated area to prevent contamination.
Environmental regulations require that tailings are managed carefully to minimize their impact on local ecosystems.

Meaning

Tailings are the waste products that remain after the extraction of valuable minerals from mined ore. They often contain a mixture of crushed rock, water, and chemicals used in the extraction process.