Editing Slag (section)

=== Non-ferrous slag ===
Non-ferrous slag is produced from non-ferrous metals of natural ores. Non-ferrous slag can be characterized into copper, lead, and [[zinc]] slags due to the ores' compositions, and they have more potential to impact the environment negatively than ferrous slag. The smelting of copper, lead and [[bauxite]] in non-ferrous smelting, for instance, is designed to remove the iron and silica that often occurs with those ores, and separates them as iron-silicate-based slags.<ref name=":0" /> 

Copper slag, the waste product of smelting copper ores, was studied in an abandoned Penn Mine in California, US. For six to eight months per year, this region is flooded and becomes a reservoir for [[drinking water]] and [[irrigation]]. Samples collected from the reservoir showed the higher concentration of [[cadmium]] (Cd) and lead (Pb) that exceeded regulatory guidelines.<ref name=":0" />