Copper Reaction
ABSTRACT Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) problems are the most important environmental problems in sulphide mines especially mines which contain pyrite. Oxidation of sulphides in contact with air and water produces sulphuric acid which reduces the pH of water. The result of these reactions is increase in the solubility of heavy metals and consequently pollution of water resources. The Sarcheshmeh copper mine is one of the largest porphyry copper mines in the world which is located in south-eastern Iran. Chemical analysis of over than 600 water samples taken from streams and springs in the mining region and surrounding area of pit showed extensive changes in water quality and composition due to the passage of water through waste dumps and mining region. In this research the quality and composition of water in these two regions were analysed and discussed and the methods of water resources protection were also proposed.
Key words: Sarcheshmeh, AMD, Copper, Mine, Water quality, Heavy metals
INTRODUCTION The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit with a reserve about 1200 Mt. is located in a mountainous region with 2600 m height above sea level in south-eastern Iran. The average grade of this ore body is about 0.7% copper and approximately 0.03% molybdenum. A large scale open pit mining was started up in 1974 by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO). Presently Sarcheshmeh pit has an oval shape with 2300m long diameter and 1200m short diameter. The size of pit will be increased in next few years by executing the expansion plan. GEOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY The Sarcheshmeh copper deposit is located in central part of an elongated NW-SE mountain belt, which is principally composed of folded volcano-sedimentary complex. The geology of Sarcheshmeh deposit is complex, with widely varying rock types. Mineralization in this deposit is associated with a Late Tertiary granodiorite porphyry stock. The whole complex is criss-crossed by a
Key words: Sarcheshmeh, AMD, Copper, Mine, Water quality, Heavy metals
INTRODUCTION The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit with a reserve about 1200 Mt. is located in a mountainous region with 2600 m height above sea level in south-eastern Iran. The average grade of this ore body is about 0.7% copper and approximately 0.03% molybdenum. A large scale open pit mining was started up in 1974 by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO). Presently Sarcheshmeh pit has an oval shape with 2300m long diameter and 1200m short diameter. The size of pit will be increased in next few years by executing the expansion plan. GEOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY The Sarcheshmeh copper deposit is located in central part of an elongated NW-SE mountain belt, which is principally composed of folded volcano-sedimentary complex. The geology of Sarcheshmeh deposit is complex, with widely varying rock types. Mineralization in this deposit is associated with a Late Tertiary granodiorite porphyry stock. The whole complex is criss-crossed by a
References: 1. Growitz, D. (2005a) pagemaster, Factors Controlling Acid Mine Drainage Formation. In: http://www.osmre.gov/amdform.htm.