Abstract
The extensive mining of Zn-Pb ores in the Olkusz region resulted in significant changes of both water table level and chemical composition of water in all aquifers in the area. This was caused by intensive dewatering of mining excavations and development of a thick aeration zone reaching 150 m in a central part of the area. That created favorable conditions for oxidation of metal sulfides occurring in the ore-bearing dolomites (Middle Triassic) and started the process of forming readily soluble hydroxysulphates which then migrated to lower aquifers, including the Permian. As a result of those processes, various metals and other elements toxic to the water environment appeared in leaks observed in mine galleries. Changes in concentrations of selected elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ba, Ni, Co, As, Cr, Hg, Tl, Ag, Cd, B) in mine waters over the period of the last nearly 50 years were described. Water samples were collected from exploratory boreholes, piezometers, and wells located in investigated area inflows and seepages occurring in shafts and drifts excavated in Permian conglomerates. Mean concentrations of metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Tl) and other toxic elements were surprisingly low; Pb, 3.94 μg/L; Cd, 0.2 μg/L; Cr, up to 2.26 μg/L; Hg, 0.25 μg/L; Tl, 3.59 μg/L; and As, 6.31 μg/L. However, the observed concentrations varied significantly over time, reaching respectively up to 190 μg Pb/L, 60 μg Cd/L, 15.6 μg Cr/L, 2.67 μg Hg/L, 81.3 μg Tl/L, and 155 μg As/L.
Highlights
Underground mining of ore deposits usually leads to significant changes in surrounding environments
One of them is the Olkusz Zn-Pb ore mining region (Mississippi-Valley-type Zn-Pb ore region). It is a part of the Cracow-Silesian monocline, a regional tectonic structure with the SE-NW direction formed as a result of the Alpine orogeny and located in southwestern Poland
Samples collected from the leaks during the period of drilling mining excavations in the Permian conglomerates presented very diversified chemical compositions
Summary
Underground mining of ore deposits usually leads to significant changes in surrounding environments. It affects land surface and both surface and groundwater. Depending on the type of rock hosting the ore and the type of ore minerals, the influence on water chemistry could vary significantly but usually leads to deterioration of water quality. The most common phenomenon associated with sulfide-type. Sulfide ores of zinc and lead occur in numerous locations in the world. One of them is the Olkusz Zn-Pb ore mining region (Mississippi-Valley-type Zn-Pb ore region). It is a part of the Cracow-Silesian monocline, a regional tectonic structure with the SE-NW direction formed as a result of the Alpine orogeny and located in southwestern Poland.
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