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Geoenvironmental Characterisation of Heap Leach Materials at Abandoned Mines: Croydon Au-Mines, QLD, Australia

Anita Parbhakar-Fox

2016enheap leachenvironmental riskgeochemical analysismineralogy

Abstract

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Heap leaching is a well-established metallurgical technology which allows metal recovery from low-grade ores. However, spent heap leach materials remaining at abandoned or historic mine sites may represent a potential source of contamination. At the Croydon Au-mines, heap leaching operations (1984–1985) were performed on mineralized rhyolites hosting sulphides including pyrite, galena, arsenopyrite and minor sphalerite. Characterization of spent heap leach materials was performed using established geochemical and mineralogical techniques, supplemented by automated mineralogical evaluations. The materials contained low sulphide-sulphur levels and returned innocuous paste pH values, yet they were classified as uncertain by net acid producing potential/net acid generating criteria. This was likely due to the reaction of secondary mineral phases during tests. It is hypothesized that during heap leaching, gangue sulphides interacted with the cyanide lixiviant, forming complex secondary phases during surficial oxidation after heap leaching termination. These materials represent a moderate geoenvironmental risk, particularly as dissolved lead in leachates exceeds World Health Organization guideline values. Ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the site should address these materials.

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Cite This Work

@article{dead7295-2c18-433d-bf00-3b5556654914,
  title={Geoenvironmental Characterisation of Heap Leach Materials at Abandoned Mines: Croydon Au-Mines, QLD, Australia},
  author={Anita Parbhakar-Fox},
  year={2016},
  language={en}
}
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Geoenvironmental Characterisation of Heap Leach Materials at Abandoned Mines: Croydon Au-Mines, QLD, Australia
AU  - Anita Parbhakar-Fox
PY  - 2016
LA  - en
ER  -

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