The Chemistry of Waters Associated with Metal Mining in Macedonia

Abstract

Pollution from current and past mining is a significant problem in several parts of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Water from six different mining areas in Macedonia was analysed to assess the effects of metalliferous mining activities. Drainage sediments at all locations show evidence of physical and chemical contamination; water compositions, however, were more variable. Low pH water associated with mining has led to the dissolution of minerals and the mobilization of metals from the ores and the host rocks. Only Sb was noted to exhibit enhanced mobility in higher pH waters. The Zletevo Pb-Zn mine discharges low pH water that has high levels of several metals, including Al, Zn, Cd, and Fe; sediment concentrations are grossly elevated for several km downstream. Toranica and Sasa Pb-Zn mines exhibit similar sediment contamination of Pb, Zn, Cd, and other ore-related metals. However, concentrations of metals in waters are far lower at both of these mines, due to less pyrite in the ore and the buffering of the acid waters by carbonate host lithologies. At the Buchim copper mine, waters are both acidic and high in dissolved solids; Cu concentrations exceed 100 mg/L. Krstov Dol and Alshar are small, disused As-Sb mines that discharge waters that exceed potable values for some contaminants (e.g. As), but this may be related to the mineralization of the bedrock rather than the mines. In general, metal concentrations decreased downstream from the source due to dilution from other rivers and coprecipitation of metals on other mineral phases (e.g. Fe-, Al-and Mn-oxides, and hydroxides).

Anthropoghenic soil contamination connected with active mines, smelting and plants in the Republic of Macedonia

“…First of all we started with the study of airborne dust produced during the processes of primary and secondary crushing of ore, since during these operationsare released significant amounts of dust, which can lead to serious threats to the environment (Walton et al, 2003c;Serafimovski et al, 2011b). Analyzes of heavy metal concentrations in the dust are given in Increased concentration of heavy metals introduced by deposition from airborne dust and potential dispersion by wind activity, without any doubts poses very serious threat to the adjacent environment, being compatible with findings of Alderton et al (2005).…”

Geochemical hunting of lithogenic and anthropogenic impacts on polymetallic distribution (Bregalnica river basin, Republic of Macedonia)

“…[23,24] The ore concentrate is characterized by average content of 0.3% Cu and 0.3 g/t Au. [25] The milling and flotation plants discharge their drainage waters in the river Lakavica.…”

Capturing of Acid Drainage Mine Water From the Bunardzik Waste Dump in Function to Installation for Leaching of Copper and Protection of the Environment in the Buchim Copper Mine, Republic of Macedonia

“…For many years those influences haven't been subject of serious scientific and practical studies, but however during last period they have been studied from few stand point according to the national and European standards for managing the secondary waste and environmental protection [1]. [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]. After that period studies around the Buchim Mine have been intensified and to longer distances in regards of running waters while it have been set monitoring points for particular hot spots around waste dump and hydrotailling dam with associated water drainage, ambiental dust monitoring, monitoring of soil contamination etc.…”