Abstract
Mobilization of environmentally hazardous elements from loparite ore tailings when exposed to various leaching agents was studied in laboratory conditions. Leaching of pollutants from fresh tailings when exposed to atmospheric precipitation and the processes of interaction of mature tailings dust particles (-0.071 mm) with soil water were examined. It was found that in both cases, there is an intensive decomposition of the minerals making up the tailings and conversion of heavy metals (Zn, Mn, Sr) and rare earth elements of the light group (La - Sm) into a dissolved, and therefore bioavailable form. At the same time, the pollutant concentrations were many times higher than the maximum permissible concentrations for fishery water bodies. The results of the experiments indicate the environmental hazard associated with loparite ore concentration tailings due to the pollution of environment with heavy metals and rare earth elements released when the tailings interact with rainwater and soil water.
Highlights
Various aspects of the negative environmental impact of the mining industry’s waste in the Arctic are widely studied presently [1 – 3]
The results of the experiments indicate the environmental hazard associated with loparite ore concentration tailings due to the pollution of environment with heavy metals and rare earth elements released when the tailings interact with rainwater and soil water
3.1 Mobilization of environmentally hazardous elements from loparite ore concentration tailings when exposed to atmospheric precipitation
Summary
Various aspects of the negative environmental impact of the mining industry’s waste in the Arctic are widely studied presently [1 – 3]. The Arctic is a global region highly vulnerable to environmental pollution. Murmansk Region is one of the most industrially developed and urbanized regions of the Russian Arctic. The mining industry, encompassing the extraction and processing of minerals, forms the core of the economic activity in the region. Overburden and tunneling rock leads to a whole range of long-term consequences for natural environments. Tailings storage facilities are locations where the tailings continuously chemically interact with atmospheric and percolating circulating ground water, which leads to the migration of pollutants into the environment. Ore crushing and grinding prior to concentration and, as a consequence, the presence of a fine fraction in the tailings results in a whole range of specific consequences [4, 5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
