Machine dumps solid waste from tailings pond at garnet mine in the Adirondacks

Indian Lake, NY, USA

Garnet is a semi-precious gemstone, and has many industrial uses, especially as an abrasive. Garnet is New York State's official gemstone.

Tailings, or waste rock, left over from a garnet mine create a pattern of rivulets as the material is poured into a large pile. Once the garnet (used for industrial waterjet cutting and polishing) has been removed, the tailings are discarded. Nearby communities use the material to sand roads in winter. The mining company has been exploring other uses for the discarded, pulverized rock, including using tailings as an ingredient in building materials.

So many thanks to Lighthawk for flight support!