The distribution of heavy metals in an abandoned mining area; a case study of Strauss Pit, the Drake mining area, Australia: implications for the environmental management of mine sites |
| |
Authors: | M W Clark S R Walsh J V Smith |
| |
Institution: | (1) Centre for Coastal Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW Australia Fax.: (02) 66212669, e-mail: mclark@scu.edu.au, AU |
| |
Abstract: | Surface water samples from the Drake mining area show elevated metal concentrations, notably cadmium, iron and zinc. A detailed
study of a sphalerite /quartz vein from Strauss Pit and chalcopyrite and pyrite from the Adeline mine and Strauss Pit indicate
that micro-scale analyses of ores are necessary for environmental management of mine sites. Analyses show that Cd is elevated,
up to 2.1 % by weight, and is associated with sphalerite, replacing Zn, or to a lesser extent replacing Pb within small galena
grains. High concentrations of Cu are also associated with the Strauss Pit ore as small chalcopyrite grains along the margins
of the sphalerite vein, within the central quartz zone of the vein system, and as replacement rims on sphalerite grains. Chalcopyrite
from the Adeline mine area, is by comparison, metal poor, but still contains elevated heavy metal concentrations. Whereas,
pyrite and chalcopyrite, from Strauss Pit have variable heavy metal concentrations, with chalcopyrite from within sphalerite
veins having higher Cd and Zn concentrations than chalcopyrite distal to the veins. Cadmium and other heavy metals within
the ores are mobilised during sulphide weathering and enter the drainage network; precipitation of secondary oxidation minerals
act as temporary stores for many heavy metals. The complexity of the mineral and heavy metal associations at Strauss Pit suggest
that a detailed knowledge of these associations and distributions within ore bodies, and associated waste rocks, are needed
by environmental managers of mine sites because the presence of havy metals may greatly affect the decision making process,
and management strategies employed.
Received; 14 July 1999 · Accepted: 17 August 1999 |
| |
Keywords: | Heavy metals Mobilisation Sulphides Environmental management |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|