halvans

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. In mining, the refuse ore, or that from which the best part has been selected. Halvans may be subjected to further culling; and, when this is done, the ore thus obtained is called halvan-ore. In general, the word is a synonym of attle. [Not much used in the United States.]

Wiktionary

1. n. an impure or dirty ore

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Mining) Impure ore; dirty ore.