Map showing potential metal-mine drainage hazards in Colorado, based on mineral-deposit geology

Geoffrey S. Plumlee; Randall K. Streufert; Kathleen S. Smith; Steven M. Smith; Alan R. Wallace; Margo I. Toth; J. Thomas Nash; Rob A. Robinson; Walter H. Ficklin; Gregory K. Lee

doi:10.3133/ofr9526

Map showing potential metal-mine drainage hazards in Colorado, based on mineral-deposit geology

Open-File Report 95-26

By: Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Randall K. Streufert, Kathleen S. Smith, Steven M. Smith, Alan R. Wallace, Margo I. Toth, J. Thomas Nash, Rob A. Robinson, Walter H. Ficklin, and Gregory K. Lee

https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr9526

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Document: Pamphlet (86 KB pdf)
Sheet: Map (1.3 MB pdf)
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Abstract

This map, compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) and the U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), shows potential mine-drainage hazards that may exist in Colorado metal-mining districts, as indicated by the geologic characteristics of the mineral deposits that occur in the respective districts. It was designed to demonstrate how geologic and geochemical information can be used on a regional scale to help assess the potential for mining-related and natural drainage problems in mining districts, unmined mineralized areas, and surrounding watersheds. The map also provides information on the distribution of different mineral deposit types across Colorado. A GIS (Geographic Information System) format was used to integrate geologic, geochemical, water-quality, climate, landuse, and ecological data from diverse sources. Likely mine-drainage signatures were defined for each mining district based on: (1) a review of the geologic characteristics of the mining district, including mineralogy, trace-element content, host-rock lithology, and wallrock alteration, and; (2) results of site specific studies on the geologic controls on mine-drainage composition.

Suggested Citation

Plumlee, G.S., Streufert, R.K., Smith, K.S., Smith, S.M., Wallace, A.R., Toth, M.I., Nash, J.T., Robinson, R.A., Ficklin, W.H., and Lee, G.K., 1995, Map showing potential metal-mine drainage hazards in Colorado, based on mineral-deposit geology (Version 1.0): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-26, Report: 11 p.; 1 Sheet: 44.00 x 34.00 inches, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr9526.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

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Additional publication details
Publication type	Report
Publication Subtype	USGS Numbered Series
Title	Map showing potential metal-mine drainage hazards in Colorado, based on mineral-deposit geology
Series title	Open-File Report
Series number	95-26
DOI	10.3133/ofr9526
Edition	Version 1.0
Year Published	1995
Language	English
Description	Report: 11 p.; 1 Sheet: 44.00 x 34.00 inches
Country	United States
State	Colorado
Scale	750000