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Prediction of Metal Mobility from Sulfidic Waste Rocks Using Micro-analytical Tools, Baal Gammon, Northern Australia

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posted on 2023-05-22, 17:19 authored by Fox, N, Anita Parbhakar-Fox, Bernd Lottermoser
Predictions on the behavior of environmentally significant elements at mine sites requires the use of advanced laboratory techniques. The aim of this contribution is to demonstrate the use of electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) to gain an understanding of likely element behaviour. Sulfidic boulders sampled from an acid rock drainage (ARD) impacted ephemeral stream adjacent to the historical Baal Gammon workings are dominated by chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and lesser pyrite. Micro-analytical investigations using EMPA and LA-ICPMS reveal that chalcopyrite contains significant quantities of Ag, Cd, Sn, In and Zn either substituted directly into the crystal lattice or occurring as discrete sphalerite and stannite inclusions. Arsenopyrite, comprising more than 50 % of some boulders, is most notably rich in Co, Ni, Sb and Se, but it also contains inclusions of sphalerite, chalcopyrite and stannite. By contrast, pyrrhotite contains relatively few trace elements, but it may be a significant contributor to ARD development. The trace element composition of Fe-oxides in the oxidized rinds of these boulders is likely directly influenced by the mineralogy of the sulfidic boulders on which they precipitate. Although significant quantities of As, Bi, Cu, In, Pb and Zn occur in Fe-oxides at Baal Gammon, these elements may be liberated during acid flushing of the ephemeral stream. Consequently, EMPA and LA-ICPMS represent valuable tools for evaluating the source and potential mobility of environmentally significant elements at mine sites.

History

Publication title

Environmental Indicators in Metal Mining

Editors

B Lottermoser

Pagination

243-262

ISBN

978-3-319-42729-4

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Springer International Publishing

Place of publication

Switzerland

Extent

22

Rights statement

Copyright 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Evaluation, allocation, and impacts of land use

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