Secondary copper enrichment in tailings at the Laver mine, northern Sweden |
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| Authors: | H Holmström J Ljungberg M Ekström B Öhlander |
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| Institution: | Division of Applied Geology, Lule? University of Technology, S-97187 Lule?, Sweden, e-mail: Henning.Holmstrom@sb.luth.se, SE
Analytica AB, S-18325 T?by, Sweden, SE
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| Abstract: | Field and laboratory studies of the sulphide-bearing tailings at Laver, northern Sweden, show that the present release of
metals from the tailings is low, especially with regard to Cu. A large part of the Cu released by sulphide oxidation is enriched
in a distinct zone just below the oxidation front. The enrichment zone occurs almost all over the tailings area except in
areas with a shallow groundwater table. The Cu enrichment is caused by formation of covellite and adsorption onto mineral
surfaces. The transport of Zn, Co, Cd, Ni and S seems to be controlled mainly by adsorption. No secondary zone or secondary
minerals containing these metals have been found. Just below the groundwater table, metals are released into solution when
the enrichment zone reaches the groundwater due to the low pH. An increased release of metals, especially Cu, can be expected
in the future, since the enrichment zone is moving towards the groundwater table.
Received: 4 December 1997 · Accepted: 17 December 1998 |
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| Keywords: | Tailings Secondary enrichment Sulphides Covellite Adsorption |
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