---
url: https://www.eurocovers.eu/glossary/tailings
term: Tailings
definition: Mining residue (rock, mineral particles, and process water) stored in engineered impoundments. Tailings ponds are a major context for evaporation and dust control.
updated: 2026-05-25
---

# Tailings

Mining residue (rock, mineral particles, and process water) stored in engineered impoundments. Tailings ponds are a major context for evaporation and dust control.

**Tailings** are the residue of mineral extraction — rock, mineral particles, and process water —
stored in engineered impoundments. Tailings ponds, typically large and located in arid mining
regions, are a primary application context for floating cover deployment. Covers reduce evaporative
water loss, suppress windborne dust emission, and reduce worker exposure to surface chemistry.