Geology of the recently discovered massive and stockwork sulphide mineralization at Semblana, Rosa Magra and Monte Branco, Neves–Corvo mine region, Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal

Simple Efflorescent Sulphates from Iberian Pyrite Belt ( Portugal )

Poorlyand well-crystallized efflorescent sulphates sequences beginning with the simple hydrated salts from divalent to trivalent cations are described in acid mine drainage (AMD) elsewhere (Alpers et al., 1994; Nordstrom, 1999; Nordstrom and Alpers, 1999; Buckby et al., 2003; Romero et al., 2006; among others). Weathering of pyrite and pyrrothite produces acidity and Fe, followed by precipitati...

Geology: A 120 yr record of widespread contamination from mining of the Iberian pyrite belt

A metal-enriched seawater plume entering the western Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar originates 300 km to the west in the Rio Tinto estuary of southwestern Spain. Mining of Rio Tinto ore, one of the largest metal-rich sulfide deposits in the world, started well before Roman times. Contemporary Rio Tinto waters draining the region are highly acidic (pH 2.5) with dissolved cadmi...

Evaluation of Dilution Processes in Streams Affected by Acid Mine Drainage in the Iberian Pyrite Belt

Monitoring the Extent of Contamination from Acid Mine Drainage in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain) Using Hyperspectral Imagery

Monitoring mine waste from sulfide deposits by hyperspectral remote sensing can be used to predict surface water quality by quantitatively estimating acid drainage and metal contamination on a yearly basis. In addition, analysis of the mineralogy of surface crusts rich in soluble salts can provide a record of annual humidity and temperature. In fact, temporal monitoring of salt efflorescence fr...

Pollution of a River Basin Impacted by Acid Mine Drainage in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (sw Spain)

The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) is one of the most famous sulfide mining regions in the world. Mining activity in the IPB dates back to prehistoric times, and though today there is no active mining, the pollution continues to generate. The result is acidic drainage containing elevated concentration of sulfate and heavy metals. This is responsible for the pollution and degradation of the Odiel Riv...