Nevada mining operations have strict soil-related requirements focused on reclamation and environmental protection. Mines must develop and implement reclamation plans that ensure disturbed lands are returned to a stable and productive post-mining land use. A key element in these requirements is assessing soil quality and characteristics in areas affected by mining activities. It is crucial for understanding the impact of mining on soil health, predicting potential environmental issues, and evaluating the effectiveness of reclamation and restoration efforts.

In 2015, WETLAB completed the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Mining Certification program created in collaboration between the Laboratory Certification division and Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation (BMRR). We are certified to offer comprehensive analytical support for mining including analyses of soil. 

Mining operations can significantly alter soil properties, leading to erosion, contamination with heavy metals, and loss of soil fertility. Soil analysis helps quantify these impacts and identify areas requiring remediation. Regular soil analysis allows for tracking the progress of reclamation efforts, ensuring that restored areas are effectively recovering and minimizing long-term environmental damage.

Key Areas of Soil Mining Analysis

Soil Quality: Assessing physical properties (texture, structure, porosity, and density), chemical properties (pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content) and biological properties (microbial activity) 

Heavy Metal Contamination: Identifying and quantifying the presence of specific heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc in soils. 

Soil Fertility: Mining can deplete essential nutrients, impacting plant growth and ecosystem recovery. Analysis focuses on nutrient levels (phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, etc.) and their availability to plants. 

Microbial Activity: Soil microbes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and decomposition. Analysis may involve assessing microbial biomass, diversity, and activity. 

Reclamation Success: Monitoring soil properties in restored areas helps evaluate the effectiveness of reclamation efforts and identify areas that require further intervention.

WETLAB provides services to many mining companies and our staff has extensive experience supporting the unique requirements of mining clients. Services include analysis of water, soil, rock, and ash for physical parameters, metals, general chemistry, volatile and non-volatiles organic analyses.

WETLAB’s purpose is to provide critical information for environmental problems and our project managers and client services staff are available for your pre-project planning.