Lead Deposits Research Articles

Lead and Barium strata-bound deposits in eocene carbonate ramps of Iran: Implications for the influence of sedimentary environment characteristics on the distribution of Ore reserves

In the case of ore deposits that are formed in marine environments, including kuroko deposits, the effect of paleo-sedimentary environment parameters and microfacies changes is very important, but it is often neglected in economic geological research. These factors determine the dispersion and concentration of ore horizons in an ore deposit area, and recognition them leads us to the localization of high concentration ore horizons.In this regard, lead and barite ore deposit area in the southeastern of Tafresh city (the border of Markazi and Qom provinces, Iran) was investigated. This ore deposit is of the kuroko type and is of the early to middle Eocene epoch (Ypresian-Lutetian ages) and was formed in a relatively deep ancient carbonate ramp. Investigating the concentration of different minerals and ore minerals in the mentioned ore deposit area using by remote sensing techniques indicates that the distribution of minerals and ore minerals is non-uniform with a noteworthy correlation unto the carbonate ramp microfacies in the southeastern of Tafresh. The scrutiny of microfacies characteristics and paleo-sedimentary environment showed that the distance from hydrothermal smokers, the action of different seawaves, sedimentological changes, structural features and initial morphology of microfacies have a remarkable impressiveness in the dispersion of ore reserves and the formation of horizons with a high concentration of ore.

Geological formation conditions for lead and zinc ore deposits in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

Geological formation conditions for lead and zinc ore deposits in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

Determining the Structural Properties and Vibrational Modes of Annealed Lead Composite Material Deposit

Techniques for effectively harnessing lead (Pb) deposits for optimum utilization have attracted a lot of research interest. Results obtained from investigating the elemental composition, vibrational modes, and structural properties of a fired Pb composite deposit, which is purified using an electric kiln furnace and further annealed in palladium‐diffused hydrogen ambient, are reported in the present study. Both atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis on the deposit indicate that the Pb composite is composed of crystal‐like morphology. The vibrational modes obtained from the material are identical to the Raman spectrum reported for PbSO4. Also, data acquired from the energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis of the annealed Pb composite material confirm the presence of zinc, carbon, silicon, sulfur, and oxygen in the material. At the same time, Pb appears to be the primary constituent with reference to its weight percentage composition compared to other elements. The findings from the present study may be vital for providing an improved understanding of the electronic and structural properties of the annealed Pb composite deposit while promoting the development of a feasible approach for the recovery and recycling of Pb for future related applications.

Features of the Geological Structure and Polymetallic Mineralization of the Uspensky (Central Kazakhstan) and Dalnegorsky (Far East) Ore Districts

Polymetallic deposits of lead and zinc are of great importance in the economy of the developed countries of the world. Kazakhstan is among the world leading countries in terms of reserves and production of lead and zinc. There are large ore regions with polymetallic mineralization; these are the deposits of the Atasu and Uspensky ore regions in Central Kazakhstan. The former are genetically related to the final (taphrogenic) phase of the development of the large orogenic structure in the Central Kazakhstan (the Devonian volcano-plutonic belt), with the period of Late Frasnian-Famenian-Early Carboniferous formations of thick carbonate and carbonate-terrigenous sediments, including significant reserves of stratiform lead-zinc ores. Polymetallic mineralization of the Uspensky zone is singled out as an independent genetic Alaygyr type, and the tectonic nature of the ore-bearing Uspensky zone, as well as mineralization of this type, is still the subject of constant discussions. In this regard, the comparative characteristics of the Dalnegorsky and Uspensky ore regions, which have certain similarities in geodynamics, magmatism and metallogeny, are of great importance not only for solving the issues of the general patterns of formation, factors and criteria for controlling lead-zinc mineralization but also for an objective assessment of the ore potential of these and similar areas with polymetallic mineralization. Research methods: comparative analysis of the results of petrographic, chemical and mineralogical studies of ores enclosing near-ore metasomatically altered rocks and intrusions of different age and composition.

New Chemistries for Silver and Lead Recovery from End-of-Life Silicon Solar Modules

Two metals contained in silicon solar modules belong to the must-recover category: silver and lead. Silver is the main financial incentive for recyclers generating ~$5/module, while lead is toxic creating a potential environmental hazard when landfilled. The literature on silver recovery often employs nitric acid for leaching followed by precipitation, re-dissolution, and electrowinning to recover metallic silver, while lead recovery has been rarely attempted for silicon module recycling. In this talk we will report silver recovery with hydrofluoric acid. It involves two steps, leaching and electrowinning to recover over 95% of the silver as a pure metal. A two-step process of leaching and electrowinning for lead recovery with acetic acid will also be reported. A recovery rate of over 99% has been confirmed, with the lead content in the post-electrowinning leachate below 10 ppm and the recovered lead being a pure metal. However, the recovered lead tends to react with ambient and acetic acid to form surface oxide and/or acetate due to its dendritic morphology. A dense lead deposit is preferred.

Multi-stage magmatic fluid recharge and fluid mixing developed the Gongdongchong intermediate-sulfidation type epithermal Pb-Zn deposit, North Huaiyang, China: Constraints from petrography, fluid inclusion and in situ geochemistry studies of sphalerite

The Gongdongchong (GDC) lead and zinc deposit is located in the North Huaiyang (NHY) metallogenic belt, northern part of the Dabie orogen. Its Pb-Zn orebodies are predominately in the breccia pipe hosted by the Early Paleozic Foziling Group. Three stages of mineralization could be divided according to replacement relationships and petrography, and the ore and gangue mineral assemblages at the main base metal stage were recognized as combination of Fe-poor sphalerite + galena + pyrite + chalcopyrite + tetrahedrite with quartz and calcite. Three successive generations of sphalerite were distinguished through detailed petrographic observation on crystal-scale, namely Spc (core), Spm (mantle), and Spr (rim). Fluid inclusion petrography result shows that two-phase liquid-rich fluid inclusions are the dominant type in sphalerite. Microthermometric results show the homogenization temperatures and salinities of Spc ranged from 233 °C to 268 °C and 6.6 to 10.4 wt% NaCl equiv. While fluid inclusions in the Spm display homogenization temperatures of 241 °C to 284 °C, with salinities of 8.7 to 11.3 wt% NaCl equiv. This increasing trend may imply a magmatic fluid recharging from core to mantle. However, fluid inclusions in the Spr have homogenization temperatures of 231–254 °C, with salinities of 6.3–9.1 wt% NaCl equiv. A trend of mixing with meteoric water is manifested by the decrease of temperatures with decreasing salinities from mantle to rim. It suggests the combination of the magmatic fluid recharging and mixing of meteoric water should be the key mechanism responsible for the sphalerite precipitation at the GDC deposit. Meanwhile, the GDC deposit shows a similar range of homogenization temperatures and salinities with typical intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposits, and these homogenization temperatures also correspond well with the geological thermometer results acquired by trace element concentrations of sphalerite. In addition, the sphalerite geochemical results obtained from trace elements as Mn, Co, In and Ge illustrate that the GDC Pb-Zn deposit shares a good consistence with epithermal Pb-Zn deposit.Based on the evidences presented above, combined with the geological and geochemical features, the GDC deposit can be classified as an intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposit. Intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposits usually share spatial and genetic relationships with porphyry deposits. This may provide new implication for the mineral exploration of porphyry deposits at depth in the NHY metallogenic belt.

Mathematical model of the formation of barite-lead mineralization of the Ushkatyn III deposit (Central Kazakhstan)

The genesis of stratiform deposits of lead and barite in sedimentary rocks is of great interest from the point of view of replenishing reserves of polymetallic ores. The aim of the work is to establish the regularity of the hydrogenic formation of ores in limestones, taking into account the influence of the nanosurface of pores and cracks based on a mathematical model of the movement and characteristics of ore-bearing solutions in the pores. The thicknesses of the surface layer of limestones and minerals included in the ore-containing strata and sulfide minerals are calculated. The results indicate that they are nanostructures with special physical properties different from the rest of the substance, which is confirmed by the regularity of the formation of a heavy sulfur isotope in ores of various textural types. The influence of hydrotherms with different densities, kinematic viscosity, and velocity on the intensity of mineralization formation in cracks and pores of limestone, as well as the occurrence of new feathering cracks around the fractures of dismemberment, is estimated. The dependence of the hydrothermal flow density on the diffusion of the liquid is established. The equation of kinematic viscosity is derived from the pressure in the solution flow, the velocity of its movement, the mass of particles of ore-forming elements, and sulfur isotopes under thermodynamic conditions of determined Gibbs energies. The relationship of the viscosity of the solution with the surface tension of the nanolayer of limestone particles in cracks and pores is shown, indicating that the greater this energy, the greater the velocity of movement of ore-forming solutions, the fewer branches of newly formed cracks around the dissection crack. The mathematical model is applicable for the numerical analysis of the regularity of mineralization in cracks, taking into account the influence of the nanostructural layer of cracks and pores of limestone in the thermodynamic conditions of the occurrence of an ore-bearing formation.

Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process in Mineral Prospecting Prediction Based on an Integrated Geology-Aerogeophysics-Geochemistry Model

Determining mineral prospecting targets is crucial for mineral prediction and evaluation. In this study, an evaluation index system for solid mineral exploration and metallogenic target assessment was established using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for the Naoniushan area (China). Furthermore, an integrated model combining geology–aerogeophysics–geochemistry was developed for copper, lead, zinc, silver, and other polymetallic deposits. The information content of each index in the model was reasonably assigned, and the mineral prospecting targets in the central and southern parts of the Daxinganling were recommended. By focusing on the copper polymetallic mineral prospecting target in the Naoniushan area, this paper demonstrates that the AHP method can comprehensively consider various influencing factors and their interactions, realize a reasonable division of the optimal mineral prospecting target, and reflect the key factors affecting the mineral prospecting target to a certain extent. Importantly, this approach reduces the influence of human subjective factors, and the optimization results are objective and scientifically grounded.

Genesis of the Giant Huoshaoyun Non-Sulfide Zinc–Lead Deposit in Karakoram, Xinjiang: Constraints from Mineralogy and Trace Element Geochemistry

The Huoshaoyun zinc–lead deposit, a giant non-sulfide deposit in Xinjiang, is one of the most significant discoveries of zinc–lead deposit in China and globally in recent years. The deposit is dominated by zinc–lead non-sulfides, with minor occurrences of sulfides such as sphalerite, galena, and pyrite. The non-sulfide minerals include smithsonite, cerussite, anglesite, and Fe-oxide. This study focuses on the mineralogical characteristics of sulfide and non-sulfide ores, as well as the trace element characteristics of sphalerite, smithsonite, and Fe-oxide. Mineralogical analysis reveals that smithsonite is derived from the oxidation of primary sulfide minerals and can be classified into three types that are generated during different stages of supergene oxidation. The three types of smithsonite are formed through replacing the sphalerite and host limestone, as well as directly precipitating in the fissures and vugs. Trace element analysis of sphalerite indicates that it is rich in Cd, Tl, and Ge, but poor in Fe and Mn. The ore-forming temperature, calculated using the GGIMFis geothermometer, is mostly within the range of 100~150 °C. Moreover, the trace element characteristics, ore-forming temperature, and S and Pb isotope compositions of the sulfide ores of the Huoshaoyun deposit are similar to those of the Jinding and Duocaima MVT lead–zinc deposits, which are also located in the Eastern Tethyan zinc–lead belt. This suggests that the sulfide orebody in the Huoshaoyun Zn-Pb deposit could also be the MVT deposit. Study of the trace element of the non-sulfide minerals shows that the Mn and Cd are relatively enriched in smithsonite, while Ga, Ge, and Pb are enriched in Fe-oxide. This can be attributed to distinct geochemical properties of the trace elements in the non-sulfide minerals of the Huoshaoyun deposit and is consistent with those of the other oxidized MVT deposits, thus indicating the supergene oxidation process of this deposit.

Problems of the genesis of ore deposits of the Ozerninsky polymetallic ore cluster (western Transbaikalian region, Russia)

The Ozerninsky ore cluster is a unique geological megastructure in terms of the concentration of rich and diverse mineralization. More than 20 deposits of lead, zinc, iron, copper, barite, and gold are concentrated here, including the Ozernoye polymetallic deposit, the largest in Russia in terms of the zinc reserve. Our studies have shown that many morphological features of the ores of this deposit, which most researchers assign to the hydrothermal-sedimentary type, are ambiguous; some signs of a metasomatic origin of the sulfide mineralization are observed. Along with lead-zinc deposits, complex gold-polymetallic, iron-oxide (hematite-magnetite), and copper-barite deposits are known within the Ozerninsky ore cluster, the origin of which remains debatable. Due to the wide distribution of exogenous gold deposits, there exists a need to assess the gold content of various types of the endogenous ore mineralization as potential sources of the precious metals. Despite the rather long period of studies of the Ozerninsky ore cluster (more than half a century), many questions related to ratios of the different mineralization types, the age, genesis of the ores, and geodynamic settings of formation of the deposits are still the subject of discussion. Solution of these issues requires more detailed geochronological and lithological-stratigraphic investigations conducted in combination with studying the mineral composition of the ores, their isotope-geochemical characteristics, and the physico-chemical formation conditions.

Genesis of the carbonate-hosted zinc–lead deposits in the southwestern Yangtze Craton, SW China: Insights from the Maoping deposit

The southwestern Yangtze Craton represents one of the world's largest zinc–lead provinces and contains over 26 million tons of zinc–lead resources. It comprises more than four hundred carbonate-hosted zinc–lead deposits with various sizes; however, genesis of the deposits has long been debated and still remains controversial, due to a lack of comprehensive understanding on the geology and metallogeny. Located in the north of the area, the giant Maoping zinc–lead deposit (Zn + Pb: 3 Mt @ 10–30 wt%) provides an ideal objective to illustrate this issue. In this paper, we conduct detailed field geological investigation at Maoping and present new in situ LA–ICP–MS data of sulfur and lead isotopes and trace elements from 25 sulfide samples. The δ34S values of the sulfides vary from −22.8 ‰ to +22.5 ‰, and the ratios of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb of the sulfides vary in ranges of 18.247–18.767, 15.712–15.768, and 38.548–39.435, respectively. Combined with previous studies, we interpret that reduced sulfur is likely sourced from marine sulfates in the carbonate of the Upper Devonian Zaige Formation, and ore metals are mainly derived from the Neoproterozoic basement and the Zaige Formation carbonate. Titanium, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sb, and Pb are enriched in pyrite within the Maoping deposit, and low abundances of Co and Ni (0.01 × 10−6–21.09 × 10−6) and low Co/Ni ratios (0.04–4.95) in pyrite constrain its low-temperature hydrothermal origin. New geological and geochemical data demonstrate that geology, mineralization, and geochemistry of the Maoping deposit coincide with those of the Mississippi-Valley type (MVT) deposits worldwide. Together with previous studies, we suggest that genesis of the carbonate-hosted zinc–lead deposits in the southwestern Yangtze Craton resemble the MVT deposits.

Structural and geochemical constraints on the genesis of the Kuangshanchang carbonate-hosted zinc–lead deposit, Huize district, southwestern Yangtze Craton

Structural and geochemical constraints on the genesis of the Kuangshanchang carbonate-hosted zinc–lead deposit, Huize district, southwestern Yangtze Craton

Physical, Static, and Kinetic Analysis of the Electrochemical Deposition Process for the Recovery of Heavy Metal from Industrial Wastewater.

Through the electrodeposition technique, toxic metals in wastewater can be removed and deposited on a chosen substrate with excellent selectivity. In this work, we use this technique to extract lead cations from simulated wastewater by using fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate at various temperatures. In situ tracking of lead nucleation at advanced stages has been achieved by chronoamperometry. According to the experimental results, the theoretical models developed to study the kinetic growth of lead deposits in 2D and 3D are in good agreement. Nucleation rate and growth rate constants, for example, were found to be strongly influenced by temperature. Cottrell's equation is used to calculate the diffusion coefficient. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersiveX-ray techniques were used to investigate and characterize the lead deposits. The reported results could provide insight into the optimization of electrodeposition processes for heavy metal recovery from wastewater and electronic wastes.

НОВЫЕ ДАННЫЕ О ГЕНЕЗИСЕ ГЮМУШЛУГСКОГО СВИНЦОВО-ЦИНКОВОГО МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЯ НАХЧЫВАНСКОЙ АР АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНА

As a result of long-term geological and sedimentological investigation of the Gyumushlug stratiform lead and zinc deposit in the carbonate strata of the Middle Devonian and study of the geological structure of the Sharur massive of the territory and adjacent areas, it became possible to develop its sedimentary ore genesis. The source of metals for the formation of the deposit was not hypothetical hydrothermal solutions, as was confirmed by previous researchers, but polymetallic deposits and manifestations developed on the Baikal basement of the Zangezur microcontinent. The formation of ore deposits of the Gyumushlug tested a difficult and long path, amounting to several hundred million years. Three stages of ore formation were established: sedimento-logical-diagenetic; catagenetic with the participation of hot highly mineralized chloride-sulfate-calcium-magnesium groundwater; tectonic, which manifestate on the border of the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic as a result of the activation of the Early Alpine phase of tec-togenesis...

Phytoremediation study of mining soils: case of the Mibladen and Zaida mine (High Moulouya, Morocco)

The Upper Moulouya region, including the Mibladen (M) and Zaïda (Z) mines, is one of the highest lead (Pb) deposit areas in Morocco. These mines, abandoned without any measure of rehabilitation, constitute the main source of soil pollution by Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs) accumulation in the region. In this study, two greenhouse phytoremediation experiments (for the Mibladen and Zaida sites) were set up using Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) specie to assess its capacity and ability to remediate soils contaminated by zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and Pb. For both experiments, various factors including (i) three substrates (waste treatment [Wt]; clay uncovering [Cun]; and unpolluted control soil [Ucs]) and (ii) three treatments (no treatment, treatment with organic matter, and treatment with chemical fertilizers) were studied. The results before planting indicated that Wt substrates had poorer physicochemical properties than those of Cun, thus they are the most exposed to the degradation phenomena. This is confirmed by pollution index (PI) results that revealed the trend of PI (Z Wt)> PI (M wt)> PI (M Cun)> PI (Z Cun)> PI (Z Ucs)> PI (M Ucs). The results of experiments indicated that ryegrass crops can grow on substrates contaminated with MTEs. Depending on the applied fertilizers, available metals, and the type of soil, the phytoremediation results showed that L. multiflorum can tolerate, hyperaccumulate, and translocate MTEs from polluted substrates. Our findings suggest that this plant can be a solution for remediating alkaline soils polluted by Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu in Mediterranean conditions.

Lead Production in Morocco at the Zellidja Lead Smelter Company

The subsoil of Morocco is marked by a wealth of mineral resources (phosphate, lead, zinc, coal and others). For this reason, the mining sector is still considered one of the main pillars of the national economy. The Moroccan lead deposits are located mainly in the Atlas region and the Eastern region. The Zellidja lead smelter company has succeeded in distinguishing itself and being among the best lead smelters in Morocco. It is known nationally and internationally for its production of soft lead, antimonial lead oxide, fine silver, copper matte and triple alloy concentrate. The majority of its production is destined for international markets such as Europe, North Africa, Near East and Middle East. In addition, it is also recognized for its large capacity of processing lead concentrate from several mines. This capacity has obviously increased and decreased over time, depending on the number of mines exploited, the presence or absence of ore, the quality of the industrial equipment, the number of employees and other circumstances.

Green hydrometallurgical extraction of metallic lead from spent lead paste in the methanesulfonic acid system

As the mainstream process for recycling waste lead-acid battery paste to produce metallic lead ingots, pyrometallurgical smelting generally suffers from disadvantages such as high energy consumption, lead vapor and sulfur dioxide emissions. Hydrometallurgical extraction has received widespread attention because of its energy-saving and environmentally-friendly features. An innovative and efficient process for the hydrometallurgical recovery of lead paste was presented in this paper. In order to significantly improve the leaching efficiency of lead, PbSO4 in the lead paste was firstly converted into acid-soluble Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 or NaPb2(CO3)2OH in Na2CO3 solution. At the same time, the insoluble PbO2 was reduced to PbO by the addition of Na2SO3. The pretreated product was then leached in MSA solution to obtain the lead-containing leachate, which was finally electrodeposited to produce lead deposits and to regenerate MSA. Under the optimized conditions, a dense and flat lead plate (purity greater than 99.99 %) could be obtained and the total lead recovery ratio in the whole process can reach 95.28 %. The cathode current efficiency and specific energy consumption in the lead electrodeposition procedure were 99.31 % and 598.91 kWh/t Pb, respectively. The electrolyte waste could be returned to the leaching process as the leaching agent. In contrast to the traditional fluorosilicate/fluoroborate and chloride systems, the environmentally-friendly MSA system with high lead solubility and low volatility, has promising applications in the field of lead hydrometallurgy.

Adapted lead (Pb) histochemical detection procedure in tissue samples of blue crabs Callinectes danae (Smith, 1869)

Lead (Pb) cellular deposits can be detected by histochemistry using a classical potassium dichromate - formalin fixation and post-fixation with 3% potassium dichromate solution. Here we describe an alternative procedure for Pb histochemical detection in the blue crab Callinectes danae. Animals were exposed to Pb (2 µg/mL) for 24, 48 and 96h. Then, buffered formalin solution was used for hepatopancreas and gills fixation, with tissue sections incubated in 3% potassium dichromate at 40 °C for seven days. Counterstains were tested with better results reached using 0.5% phloxine and 1% methylene blue dyes. This adapted method favors Pb deposition studies in wildlife animals since it uses ordinary steps for tissue collection and standard histological procedures. Besides, this method is cheaper and simpler than the classical one for lead deposits detection.

Gray Gold: Lead Mining and Its Impact on the Natural and Cultural Environment, 1700–1840

Gray Gold: Lead Mining and Its Impact on the Natural and Cultural Environment, 1700–1840

Горно-геологическая и экономическая характеристика месторождений свинцово-цинковых руд в российской Арктике

The article analyzes the possibilities for prospecting, evaluation, exploration and extraction of zinc and lead deposits in the Arctic. The reserves and resources of zinc and lead deposits and ore occurrences on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, on Vaygach Island, in the Polar Urals and in the Northern Timan are cal-culated on the territory of the Russian Arctic. The predominant reserves are represented by the Pavlovskoye deposit, which is being prepared for development by JSC First Mining Company of the Rosatom State Corporation. In 2019, the design of a mining enterprise was initiated, no lead and zinc mining has been carried out within the Arctic zone. A promising object is the Saureyskoye deposit in the Polar Urals. The problem is the remoteness of the site from transport highways. It is necessary to plan the construction of a dirt road from the deposit to the railway. Cargo can then be sent to the ports of the Gulf of Ob or to the port of Indiga when it is put into operation. Lead and zinc deposits on the island of Vaygach and on the Arctic coast near Amderma were previously developed. It is necessary to reassess their reserves and to determine possible development options. The extracted ore will be transported through the port of Amderma. In the Northern Timan, reassessment of non-ferrous metal ores should be carried out in a complex (lead, zinc, molybdenum, copper, nickel). Ore mining may be appropriate in connection with the construction of the deep-water seaport of Indiga. The purpose of this article is to study the mining, geological and economic characteristics of lead-zinc ore deposits and the spatial organization of marine communications for the development of the mineral resource complex of the Arctic zone of Russia. Mining facilities in the Arctic have an important strategic importance for strengthening national security of the country.