The use of livestock as a tool for reclamation of copper tailings in southern Arizona
The use of livestock as a tool for reclamation of copper tailings is not necessarily new. It stems from the concept of using livestock as a management tool for enhancing ecosystems. ASARCO Incorporated's use of ASARCOws began in 1994. Today, more than 300 acres of copper tailings slopes have been stabilized and reclamation begun by livestock impacts in southern Arizona. The livestock are concentrated on relatively small areas for a very short duration and fed hay. an abundance of organic matter is incorporated into the tailings by the hoof action of the animals. As the organic matter builds up in the sterile tailings, a soil-like medium is produced which enhances the reclamation of the tailings site. As plant communities develop, a self-sustaining ecosystem becomes established.
- Research Organization:
- ASARCO Inc., Tucson, AZ (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20026862
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 16th annual national meeting of the American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation, Scottsdale, AZ (US), 08/13/1999--08/19/1999; Other Information: PBD: [1999]; Related Information: In: Mining and reclamation for the next millennium. Proceedings of the 16th annual national meeting of the American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation, by Bengson, S.A.; Bland, D.M. [eds.], 745 pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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