Question from JennyD
We are buying/building a home and found out that there is some mine rock that was used as fill for the lot that our house will be on.
I don’t know much about mine rock and was wondering if you could tell me if there is anything to be concerned about? Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
This is a difficult question to answer, and someone more experienced in this field than I may have a better response. But I’ll tell you my best logic.
First, according to National Wildlife Federation: Hard Rock Mining Pollution, hard rock mining is “the single largest source of toxic waste and one of the most destructive industries in the country.” These are the mines that product gold, silver, copper, and uranium.
A lot of rock waste is produced and that may be the rock that is used for fill on your property.
But is it toxic?
As best as I can determine, it’s not the rock that is toxic, but the cyanide and sulfuric acid and other toxic chemicals that are used in the mining process and then are dumped into waterways that are the toxic problem.
If you are concerned and in doubt, I would suggest you get your soil tested or ask around locally to see if you can learn more about your particular local rock fill. It’s likely others nearby have asked the same question.
