Remediation of the Former Lead-Zinc Ore Mine and the Mine Water Treatment on the Site (Gyöngyösoroszi, Hungary)

In Hungary's Mátra-Mountains region, non-ferrous metal ore mining persisted until 1986, primarily targeting lead and zinc in the latter decades. This paper presents an overview of the remediation plans for the former mining site at Gyöngyösoroszi, focusing on the reconstruction of the mine water treatment plant initiated in response to longstanding environmental concerns. Since the cessation of mining operations, which peaked at an output of 150-200 kt annually, the management of mine water has become crucial. The remediation strategy outlines the treatment of 23 identified waste rock piles and contaminated areas, including the flotation tailings pile and the adjacent Toka-creek. The investigation reveals the acid-generating potential of the tailings, necessitating careful management of both soil and water from the site. Remediation actions have progressed with substantial efforts focusing on the relocation of waste materials and enhancing the water treatment infrastructure, which was substantially completed in 2006, thereby addressing the environmental challenges posed by the historic mining activities.