According to the Mining Waste Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization of the Republic of Turkey dated 15/07/2015 with the number 29417, environmental characterization of sulfidic mine wastes/tailings is mandatory. Therefore, whether the mine wastes/tailings are hazardous or non-hazardous, the potential of the wastes/tailings to the pollution of ground- and surface water via acid mine drainage formation and heavy metal releases, and where and how such materials should be disposed of are decided according to the characterization test results.

Karadeniz Technical University Mining Engineering Department is one of the most competent departments in our country and in the world, working on mine wastes/tailings for more than 20 years. The characterization tests specified in the Regulation, which were generally carried out abroad before, are carried out reliably in our laboratuaries, and contribute to the development of the country's mining operations.

In addition, our research team is in close contact with the Mining Waste Branch Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and the General Directorate of DSI. Our team supports the studies on the characterization of mine wastes, their safe storage/disposal, and their potential effects on ground and surface waters.