Chemical and bacterial decomposition of _______in mine tailings produces sulphuric acid that attacks other sulphide minerals, to releasing toxic levels of heavy metals to the surface environment, and seeps of contaminated water called acid mine drainage.

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Pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is a common sulfide mineral found in mine tailings. When it is exposed to oxygen and water, it undergoes chemical and bacterial decomposition that produces sulfuric acid. This process, in turn, leads to the release of toxic levels of heavy metals into the environment, a phenomenon known as acid mine drainage.

Chemical and Bacterial Decomposition of _______In Mine Tailings Produces Sulphuric