1. Limited to soluble minerals that can be chemically leached.
2. Moderate water requirements.
3. Large land areas required for leach dumps.
4. Can be unselective.
5. Recovery may be low in some cases.
6 Possible environmental hazards, especially groundwater contamination.
7. Water balance must be controlled by proper design.
8. Lixiviants may be dangerous to birds netting or other protection may be required over the ponds.