Metal losses at the Trepça concentrator during the enrichment process

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to determine the flow of lead, zinc and silver metals at the enrichment factory in Trepça. The authors have determined the flows of metals discharged into the tailing of Kelmend. In addition, they make a correction for the losses of Pb, Zn, and Ag metals, which are very high. Methods. Ore enrichment has been studied for two years in the production process of lead and zinc concentrates based on the following facts: selective separation of lead and zinc metallic minerals, as well as non-metallic minerals that are present in the ore. Sampling was conducted at the entrance to the ore receiving bunker. The samples were taken according to standards and sent for analysis in laboratories. In the laboratories, the samples were ground in a mill, then dried and sent for chemical analysis. The chemical analyses for Pb, Zn, and Ag were done at the Trepça laboratory, while for 35 chemical elements at the BRGM laboratory in France, with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP/AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) equipment. During the technological process, samples were taken for chemical analysis, and then in the flow, evidence was also taken to analyses the losses of lead, zinc, and silver metals. Mini Tab software was used to perform a T-test for independent samples and then correction was made for these metal losses in the tailing. The method of economic geology for the calculation of the balance of metals was used. Findings. Based on the study of the chemical analysis of ore at the entrance to the receiving bunker, then sampling during the technological process and the flow of metals into the tailing, the amount of metal losses for 2020 and 2021 has been determined. Based on the calculations of the metal balance, the metal losses that affect the economic evaluation are presented. The remains of landfills on the ground affect the pollution of the environment and rivers. Originality. The originality of the study is in the use of the results of chemical analyses obtained in the BRGM Laboratory in France on Pb, Zn, Ag and other conductive elements. A total of 35 chemical elements of tailings, which are presented in this work, have been tested. Practical implications. According to the data of chemical and geochemical analysis, it turns out that in addition to losses of Pb, Zn, and Ag, we also have losses of conductive and rare elements.

The ecological risk of contamination with toxic metals in soils around the trepça complex, the Kosovo thermal power plants, and a new co ferronickeli complex

“…These activities can produce dust that can spread over great areas and contain harmful materials in the air, water, and soil [8]. With its ore mining and flotation procedure, the Trepça complex, an inactive lead and zinc mine close to Mitrovica city, has a substantial negative environmental impact [8][9][10]. The community and ecosystem in the area are at risk from the mine's production of sterile material.…”

“…Even while there exist harmful metals in the Earth's crust naturally, anthropogenic activities have increased their amounts to toxic levels in many ecosystems [6,7]. Industrial activity is the principal source of hazardous metals in the soil surrounding factories [6][7][8][9]. Significant sources of soil pollution include mining and thermal power facilities [1][2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…Studies have been done to evaluate the site's soil quality [6][7][8][9], however, there is little information available on soil contamination and ecological assessments in Kosovo's industrial zones. According to research, Kosovo's urban and industrial soil has large concentrations of harmful metals, including those found in minerals, the old metallurgical sector, the Fe-Ni manufacturing plant, and Zn-Pb concentrate [8][9][10]. Instead of hazardous metals, industrial zones are typically investigated for other pollutants [9,10].…”

“…According to research, Kosovo's urban and industrial soil has large concentrations of harmful metals, including those found in minerals, the old metallurgical sector, the Fe-Ni manufacturing plant, and Zn-Pb concentrate [8][9][10]. Instead of hazardous metals, industrial zones are typically investigated for other pollutants [9,10]. Thermal power plants and mineral ore mining in the vicinity of Mitrovica, Obiliq, and Gllogoc have an impact on the levels of hazardous metals in the soil and represent ecological problems [8][9][10].…”

“…Instead of hazardous metals, industrial zones are typically investigated for other pollutants [9,10]. Thermal power plants and mineral ore mining in the vicinity of Mitrovica, Obiliq, and Gllogoc have an impact on the levels of hazardous metals in the soil and represent ecological problems [8][9][10]. Sources of pollution from the atmosphere, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants have been investigated to assess the level of toxic metal contamination in soils and the ecological concerns close to the Trepça, New Co Ferronickeli and Kosovo thermal power plants.…”