The manual incorporates and integrates the best available technology for the design and construction of cover systems over mine wastes. Information is garnered from a wide variety of sources, but the document is not intended as a comprehensive design manual. It is meant for use by mining personnel and others interested in cover systems. The control concepts behind the design and construction of cover systems are explained and illustrated, and the types of activities that are required in the design process are described. The manual includes a Summary volume (Volume 1) and the following four supporting technical documents: Theory and Background (Volume 2); Site Characterization and Numerical Analyses of Cover Performance (Volume 3); Field Performance Monitoring, Sustainable Performance of Cover Systems (Volume 4); and Case Studies (Volume 5).