Metal pollution in hydrographic networks of abandoned mining basins: The case of Linares Mining District (SE Spain)

  1. Julián Martínez 1
  2. Rosendo Mendoza 1
  3. María José De La Torre 1
  4. Vicente López Sánchez-Vizcaíno 1
  5. María José Campos Suñol 1
  6. Rosario Jiménez Espinosa 1
  1. 1 Universidad de Jaén
    info

    Universidad de Jaén

    Jaén, España

    ROR https://ror.org/0122p5f64

Journal:
Seminarios de la Sociedad Española de Mineralogía

ISSN: 2659-9872 1698-5478

Year of publication: 2022

Issue Title: Continental sediment metal contamination by agricultural, industrial and mining activities: mineral processes and bioavailability

Volume: 15

Issue: 1

Pages: 16-24

Type: Article

More publications in: Seminarios de la Sociedad Española de Mineralogía

Abstract

The extractive mining activity and the associated concentration and smelting industries produce different types of solid waste that are accumulated in dumps, flotation tailings dams and slag heaps. These mining waste have high contents of metals and semi-metals, which can cause an environmental risk if they reach the ground and drainage networks. Aware of this risk, administrations have been addressing the problem in recent years, in such a way that many of these tailing dams are being restored and sealed. In this field trip, we will focus on the area known as Adaro, within the Linares mining district. A review of the geology of the district and types of deposits, the mining techniques used and the concentration processes will be carried out. Based on this knowledge, the hydrogeochemical works carried out for the characterization of surface and groundwater in the studied sector are indicated, analyzing the condition they have evolved since the mining activity ended. The geophysical techniques used for the characterization of mining dams are also described and the effectiveness of the sealing carried out in some of these restored dams is evaluated.