Allen, DG 2010, 'Geochemistry of thallium in lead-zinc tailings', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Mine Waste 2010: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on the Reduction of Risk in the Management of Tailings and Mine Waste, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 321-331, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1008_28_Allen
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1008_28_Allen/)
Abstract: Procedures for characterising mining wastes in Western Australia tend to focus on potential for producing 
acid rock drainage (ARD). However, many types of mining waste produce neutral or slightly alkaline 
drainage, which is usually considered environmentally benign from a geochemical perspective. This paper 
provides an example of potential contamination of the environment by the heavy metal thallium in alkaline 
seepage from lead-zinc mines. By understanding the geochemistry of thallium and other potential 
contaminants, an appropriate cover design for two tailings storage facilities (TSFs) in the north of Western 
Australia have been developed. The effectiveness of the soil covers has been demonstrated in a controlled 
field trial and by ongoing groundwater monitoring.