Abraum

Abraum is a mining term for the material removed during the exploitation of an ore deposit, especially in open-pit or strip mining. The term originates in German mining terminology, where Abraum denotes the material removed to expose the ore. The Abraum consists of rock, soil and other inert or barren material that lies above or adjacent to the ore body. It is distinguished from ore and from processed tailings; Abraum is usually classified as waste rock or overburden. The composition reflects local geology and may include sandstone, shale, siltstone, clay, and fractured rock; it generally lacks economically recoverable quantities of the target mineral.

In mine planning, Abraum must be removed to access the ore and is stored in Abraumhalden or used to backfill mined areas. Management aims to minimize environmental impacts; practices include slope stabilization, drainage control, dust suppression, and water management. In some cases, Abraum material can be used for land reclamation or to raise ground elevations after mine closure.

If Abraum contains sulfide minerals, oxidation can generate acidic drainage and mobilize metals, requiring containment and treatment measures. Abraumhalden can also pose geotechnical risks such as creep or landslides if not properly engineered. Long-term monitoring and maintenance are often required to manage stability, erosion, and water quality after extraction activities cease.