The large-scale tailing ponds owned by the Taifeng Mining Company, are located above the lead factory complex of Maoer township in Huayuan county. Its sewage and mine sand are discharged through the tunnel from the lead factory, resulting in an accumulation of the mineral sands in the ditches of the village nearby. As a result the water in this area is polluted and has a medicinal taste, and it also heavily pollutes the surrounding farmlands.