Copper smelter slag and copper smelter slag flotation tailings were leached using sulphuric acid solutions, without or with the addition of either ferric sulphate or hydrogen peroxide. Copper extraction from the slag was typically found to be twice as high as that from the slag flotation tailings. Hydrogen peroxide was determined to be the best lixiviant. Thus, copper and iron extractions were ...

The noxious potential of metallurgical tailings from the Ag/Pb/Zn/Cu mining district of Sta. María de la Paz (Mexico) is ascertained via the chemical characterization of slag material. Batch experiments using various extraction solutions (e.g. natural rainwater, water rich in humic substances, ammonium nitrate solution) revealed information on the dissolution behaviour of the elements Fe, Mn, N...

Spontaneous combustion of coal is one of the most horrifying hazards in coal industries, especially in underground coal mines. Thus having a prior knowledge about the occurrence of this phenomenon in underground coal mines is of crucial importance in preventing this process, loss of life, huge economic loss, and environmental pollution. The aim of this work is to determine the spontaneous combu...

Mine tailings from an abandoned metal mine in Korea contained high concentrations of arsenic (As) and heavy metals [e.g., As: 67,336, Fe: 137,180, Cu: 764, Pb: 3,572, and Zn: 12,420 (mg/kg)]. US EPA method 6010 was an effective method for analyzing total arsenic and heavy metals concentrations. Arsenic in the mine tailings showed a high residual fraction of 89% by a sequential extraction. In To...

The oxi-hydroxides, present at trace level in uranium mill tailings, are responsible of about 70% of the 226 radium sorption, half being fixed on crystallized forms. This radionuclide (half time = 1622y), present at high level (50 to 100kBq.kg), can be released in groundwater, involving a possible contamination of the food chain (actual concentration limit = 0.37Bq.l). So, it is very important ...