The Role of Mineral Assemblages in The Environmental Impact of Cu-Sulfide Deposits: A Case Study from Norway

Metallic mineral deposits represent natural geochemical anomalies of economically valuable commodities but, at the same time, their weathering may have negative environmental implications. Cu-sulfide been recognized as with a particularly large footprint. However, different Cu result in significantly impacts, mostly depending on conditions, but also geological characteristics (mineralogy, geochemistry, host-rock lithology) mineralization. This study presents new and data from Repparfjord Tectonic Window sediment-hosted Caledonian volcanogenic massive sulfides (VMS) deposits. The share similar features, chalcopyrite bornite main ore minerals, they differ according to trace element composition, gangue mineralogy, host lithology. studied are depleted most toxic metals metalloids like Zn, As, Cd, Hg, whereas Røros VMS mineralization brings elevated concentrations In, Bi, Cd. conducted leaching experiments were set simulate on-land submarine conditions. A high redox potential was confirmed driving force destabilization Cu-sulfides. Galvanic reactions contribute minerals low rest potentials, sphalerite pyrrhotite, even under near-neutral or slightly alkaline In addition, presence carbonates conditions increase reactivity mobilize Cu, likely CuCO3 (aq).