Tailings

Tailings

Tailings are the residual byproducts left over after raw material has been processed by Separators in a mining colony. In Rise, Extractors pull unrefined ore from the ground, which is then separated into usable commodities such as Rare Materials, Common Materials, and Fuel Ore. The remaining waste material, known as tailings, has no economic value and poses significant environmental risks if not properly managed.

Environmental Hazards

Tailings are more than just unwanted debris—they can be hazardous to the colony if left unchecked. Key risks include:

• **Groundwater Contamination** – Over time, tailings leach harmful substances into the water supply.
• **Storage Limitations** – The colony can only hold 33,000 metric tonnes (MT) of tailings before operations are forced to halt.
• **Land Degradation** – Excessive tailings piles can make surrounding land unsuitable for further development.

Disposal & Management

To prevent hazardous buildup, tailings must be destroyed using Material Obliteration buildings. These specialized facilities safely eliminate waste, ensuring that mining operations can continue without interruption. Without adequate waste disposal infrastructure, mining production will eventually stall due to storage limitations.

Tailings & Colony Planning

Managing tailings effectively is a key part of operating a successful mining colony. Proper placement of Material Obliteration buildings, expansion of waste processing capacity, and strategic extraction planning all play a role in keeping a mining operation running smoothly.

Neglecting tailings disposal will not only stop production but can also lead to severe environmental consequences, making it one of the most critical aspects of colony management in Rise.