A study on the distribution characteristics and existing states of cadmium in the Jinding Pb-Zn deposit,Yunnan Province,China

The distribution characteristics and existing state of cadmium in the Jinding Pb-Zn deposit were studied. It was discovered that Cd was mainly distributed in sphalerite as an isomorphic impurity. There was a good correla-tion between Cd and Zn in the primary ore. With the oxidation and resolution of pyrite, sphalerite, sulfide, and etc., many secondary minerals, such as colloform sphalerite and smithsonite, were formed. The distribution of Cd is not symmetrical, and enrichment and dilution were observed in partial area of the oxidation zone in the deposit. Cd, except in external pore space or cracks of secondary minerals as independent minerals, such as greenockite, was mainly distributed in sphalerite as an isomorphic impurity in the secondary sphalerate and smithsonite in the oxida-tion zone. The research showed that Cd showed a very strong active transfer ability in the oxidation process, not only indicating that supergene leaching might be the main reason for Cd enrichment in some Pb-Zn deposits, but also reflecting that Cd was easily mobilizeed and transferred to pollute ore areas in the oxidation process. Furthermore, Cd in oxidation ore was more easily mobilized and transferred to induce bad hazards for ore areas with the effect from AMD which was produced from oxidation of sulfides.