Mine wastes in the National Mine Waste Inventory at the Morenci mine, Arizona

Developed by the USGS in coordination with states and other partners, the National Mine Waste Inventory is a first-of-its-kind public repository, containing information about the nation’s mine waste sites and their potential resources, including  critical minerals . The Inventory is an essential foundation for evaluating the nation's supply of minerals in mine wastes, identifying mine wastes with opportunities for mineral recovery, and guiding policy and investment decisions.

This image shows mine wastes identified in the National Mine Waste Inventory in the area of the Morenci Mine, Arizona. Each yellow triangle denotes a mine waste feature in the Inventory.