CORAGEM

COpper isotopes as indicators of Redox processes during Acid mine drainage GEneration and Mitigation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Acid Mine drainage (AMD) is the primary environmental threat connected to the mining industry leading to acute environmental pollution. Copper, a common contaminant in AMD, will be the focus of attention. If mobilized and discharged into the environment its ecotoxicity can have devastating effects on many receptors. A crucial aspect of addressing this pollution in a sustainable manner is a clear understanding of the biogeochemistry of pollutant generation and attenuation. I propose a multi-disciplinary study covering cutting edge metal isotope research in combination with biogeochemical, mineralogical and microbiological investigations paired with a quantitative assessment through reactive transport modelling to investigate AMD. With the advent of MC-ICP-MS we now are able to enhance biogeochemical studies on AMD with this powerful new analytical tool. Specific objectives include: 1) field studies on tailings and a passive mine treatment system to identify the factors controlling the release and attenuation of Cu and the extent of associated Cu fractionation, 2) laboratory studies to Cu bearing tailings to determine the degree of Cu-isotope fractionation associated with specific Cu mobilization and attenuation processes, these studies will be conducted in combination with mineralogical, microbiological and geochemical studies to thoroughly understand the reaction mechanisms, and 3) the integration of field and lab results within the rigorous quantitative framework provided by reactive transport modelling. The project will be developed at two internationally-renowned research institutions (Waterloo U., Canada, yr12; Newcastle U., UK, yr3) that will boost my career development. The project is at the forefront of a rapidly emerging new research field of non-traditional isotopes. The research will clarify processes that to date we have been unable to address but will help to safeguard natural resources in agreement with the FP7 Environment Programme.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Mining activities provide the raw materials to manufacture products for a multitude of industries ranging from electronics to aerospace to biomedicine. A new EU-funded project is helping ensure the environmental safety of the mining industry.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Acid mine drainage (AMD) containing high concentrations of dissolved metals represents the main environmental impact resulting from mining activities. Uncontrolled discharge of AMD can present a major threat to soil, water bodies, people and the biosphere for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Understanding the extent of AMD generation and developing appropriate remediation strategies presents a significant technical challenge. Therefore, the 'Copper isotopes as indicators of redox processes during acid mine drainage generation and mitigation' (CORAGEM) project was established to study geochemical processes in mines.

Project partners used new analytical techniques such the analysis of heavy stable isotopes in combination with synchrotron-based X-Ray absorption spectroscopy. They also focused on non-traditional metal stable isotopes such as copper, zinc (Zn) and nickel.

Besides serving as essential micronutrients for many organisms, these elements are important to economic growth. At the same time, they are also common contaminants at mine sites. Thus, their potentially harmful and toxic effects on microbial organisms and vegetation are of particular importance.

Studies of such isotopes have been carried out in environmental systems such as mineral deposits and water bodies. However, very few investigations have addressed the critical issue of generation, mitigation and remediation of AMD.

CORAGEM conducted detailed geochemical, microbiological and mineralogical analyses of metal-rich solid and liquid mine waste. The results were applied to reactive transport models to gain a better understanding of the main reaction pathways.

Results showed the benefit of applying Zn isotopes to track principal Zn sources and weathering processes in complex multi-phase matrices. It was also discovered that Zn isotope ratios of the waste-rock leachate can be used as a 'fingerprint' to track Zn from mining activities.

The project's findings have led to a better understanding of metal mobilisation and attenuation processes. They will make a major contribution in the future to the tracing of environmental pollution deriving from the metal mining industry.