The Terril of Winterslag was once a present part of the identity of Genk, being the result of an extractive large scale practice- the mining for black coal. As such, it has been neglected and was seen as a growing pile of undesired material since it was first brought to the surface. The lack of care for both the environment and the leftovers of the mining heritage led to the emergence of specific flora and fauna on one hand, on the other this same exclusive attitude towards the Terril promoted living conditions unsuited for mankind: The dumped materials erode under atmospheric conditions and heavy metals are released into the water, acting as toxic pollutants. This condition encourages us to think beyond an anthropocentric understanding of nature. Here, the Terril can remain as a habitat for various forms of life. Yet its importance as potential threat cannot be ignored and treated with as little care as the Terril itself. Tears of the Terril explores the process of water purification as a dialogue between the Terril, the city and inhabitants of Genk. This dialogue takes shape of a blue necklace drawing the border of the Terril, influencing both the Terril and what surrounds it. It mixes the dangerous polluted water from the Terril as well as the water falling onto the surrounding roofs and paved surfaces, directs it along the asphalted cord, through beads of spacious forests, down to a hanging pendant of basins, where the process of purification is staged through layers of vegetation, reminding of the time and place the Terril originated from.