Environmental contamination and sequential extraction of trace elements from mine wastes around various metalliferrous mines in Korea. Geosystem Eng

ABSTRACT: This study has focused on the environmental problems of toxic trace elements from mine wastes inclu-ding tailings around various abandoned metalliferous mines in Korea. 48 mine wastes were sampled in and around 38 abandoned mines classified as 3 groups (Au-Ag, base metal and other mines) with 5 types by their ore minerals and mineralization. Wide ranges of pH values were found in the wastes derived from the weathering process of parent rocks; relatively low pH due to the oxidation of sulfide minerals (mainly pyrite) and high pH related to the inter-action with carbonate minerals (mainly calcite) or to absence of sulfide minerals. Based on the 0.1N HCl extraction analysis, elevated levels of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were found in a few mine wastes, especially for type 2 (Au-Ag mine mineralized by a hydrothermal vein type with sulfid