Chat (mining)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chat, a local term for mining waste, is a lead/zinc mining waste from the tri-state mining district. Chat, also known as granular mine tailings, is composed of chert-like material, containing lead, zinc and cadmium contaminants. The tri-state region covers approximately 2,500 square miles and includes parts of Ottawa County, Oklahoma; Cherokee County, Kansas; and Jasper and Newton Counties, Missouri.
Chat is usually found in large mounds, called chat piles, that appear grayish white in color and impact surrounding environments severely. Chat can be used to sprinkle on snow-covered roads to improve traction. The surrounding area of a chat pile usually appears desolate and destroyed, with decaying trees. It is unsafe to inhale the vapors around large amounts of chat.
