Chat Dump, photo by MilliGFunk
Chat dumps are where mining waste goes when it dies. Erm, I mean chat dumps are the huge heaps of mining waste. When we were kids, we’d call these sand mountains, and we’d beg our parents to let us play on them.
In winter, we wanted to sled down them. In summer we wanted to build sand castles on them (out of them). In spring and fall, we probably begged our parents to let us roll down them. Not once during my childhood did I ever step foot on a chat dump. I guess my parents were fans of trespassing. No sense of adventure, I tell you…
I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I have no idea what you call these things, but if someone could fill me in, I’d be happy about it. I’m fairly certain that these things play an important role in the life and death of the mining waste that rests in the chat dump when it dies.
What Do You Call This? photo by MilliGFunk
So meet me halfway, dear readers. I’ve told you about chat dumps, so can any of you tell me what these monstrosities are called?
Your dad will know – when he gets in tonight, I’ll ask him. Probably something as simple as a sand elevator or some silly thing! We’ll both learn something new!
By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear daughter! I don’t know how to tweet, or I’d tweet it! Hugs!!!
Happy Birthday! Have lot’s of fun! ( I’m your mom’s name twin!)
I came over to wish you a very Happy Birthday!! I’m a on-line friend of your moms. I don’t know the answer to your question but I remember when my husband worked in a mine. The leftovers that they dug out were called tail pilings. They would be huge piles like in mounds. Any way have a great day!! Geri
Happy birthday to you!
Dad says it is a “belt ore elevator”. If an elevator gets too steep, stuff will just vibrate down it, so they ’step’ them and bring the ore, sand, etc., down one step at a time.