Regardless of how the process is implemented, the end product will consist of significant volumes of copper contaminated olivine flour. This material must be deposited in a chemically stable environment to avoid subsequent desorption. As shown by Kleiv (2001), pH is the main factor controlling the stability of the copper– olivine surface complexes, whereas the ionic strength of the system plays a negligible role due to the inner-sphere nature of the adsorption. Consequently, the copper contaminated olivine flour should be deposited in a system where the pH is higher than that of the adsorbent/ solution system prior to phase separation. From a pure chemical point of view, most natural lakes will qualify.