Since the early history of the Wheal Jane mine drainage has been a problem, and the mine has been closed and reopened many times due to being uneconomical. After being closed for the final time, the water pumps were shut down, flooding the mine and nearby river with toxic, metal-rich water. Although containment is in place, toxic metals will continue to contaminate surface water.
Waste materials contaminating ground water
Heavy metal pollution of water, poisoned wildlife
