Metal Mining Areas Research Articles

FFECTIVENESS OF USING RIVER INSECT LARVAE AS AN INDEX OF CU, ZN AND AS CONTAMINATIONS IN RIVERS, JAPAN

Analysis of Dobsonfly (a kind of Megaloptera, Protohermes grandis) larvae forconcentrations of Cu and Zn was found to be an effective method of determining levels of Cu and Zncontamination of rivers in metal mine areas and non-metal mine catchments. Metal concentration inDobsonfly larvae was used as an index of metal contamination because the amount of metal concentration inDobsonfly larvae decreased with the dry weight of the larvae and also on the degree of metal present in theriver water. Dobsonfly makes an excellent tool for contamination evaluation because of their easyclassification, wide distribution and commonness. Furthermore, due to their relatively lengthy 2-3 yearlifespan, river contamination assessment over a long term could be performed. In this study, Cu, Zn and Asconcentrations in river insect larvae in metal mine areas were found to be higher than those in non-minecatchments.

Effect of episodic rainfall on aqueous metal mobility from historical mine sites

Environmental contextEpisodic extreme rainfall events may affect metal dynamics in rivers flowing within historical metal mining areas. This study provides an analysis of the water chemistry and geochemical processes associated with mobilisation of metals during episodic rainfall events. Findings could be used to assess the environmental quality of streams draining spoil waste areas with similar geochemical conditions, and thereby be used to guide future management strategies. AbstractThe increasing frequency and magnitude of episodic rainfall events may affect historical metal mining areas by remobilisation and deposition of metal-rich sediments and enhancing metal-rich run off, impacting river water quality. This study assesses the effects of episodic rainfall in a Carboniferous headwater catchment contaminated by historical Pb and Zn mining. Comprehensive hourly water chemistry measurements combined with modelling using PHREEQC, WHAM/Model VII and WHAM-FTOX were used in this assessment. For the episodic event, we measured flow increases from a baseline of 0.05 to 2.12 m3 s−1 at peak flow. Changes in metal concentration were most marked for ephemeral tributary, with Pb increasing from a baseline concentration of 55 μg L−1 to a peak of 576 μg L−1. Behaviour for Pb showed great affinity to form organic complexes or bind to colloidal Al and Fe oxides, whereas for Zn and the tributary flowing subsurface a more complex behaviour was observed. For example, the dissolution of secondary metal carbonate minerals (e.g. smithsonite (ZnCO3)) is likely constrained by higher concentrations of carbonate and bicarbonate derived from increased bedrock weathering under flow conditions induced by episodic rainfall. The abundance of secondary mineral sources and circumneutral pH present during episodic rainfall are important factors controlling the mobilisation of Pb and Zn. Furthermore, episodic rainfall events could enhance metal toxicity but there are aggravating and mitigating factors that depend on site-specific chemical changes. Overall, this study highlighted the complexity of metal mobility and toxicity during these events.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil and Brown Rice and Human Health Risk Assessment near Three Mining Areas in Central China.

Background Metal mining and waste discharge lead to regional heavy metal contamination and attract major concern because of the potential risk to local residents. Methods This research was conducted to determine lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), and antimony (Sb) concentrations in soil and brown rice samples from three heavy metal mining areas in Hunan Province, central China, and to assess the potential health risks to local inhabitants. Results Local soil contamination was observed, with mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Sb, and As of 0.472, 193.133, 36.793, and 89.029 mg/kg, respectively. Mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Sb, Mn, and As in brown rice were 0.103, 0.131, 5.175, 6.007, and 0.524 mg/kg, respectively. Daily intakes of Cd, As, Sb, Pb, and Mn through brown rice consumption were estimated to be 0.011, 0.0002, 0.004, 0.0001, and 0.0003 mg/(kg/day), respectively. The combined hazard index for the five heavy metals was 22.5917, and the total cancer risk was 0.1773. Cd contributed most significantly to cancer risk, accounting for approximately 99.77% of this risk. Conclusions The results show that potential noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks exist for local inhabitants and that regular monitoring of pollution to protect human health is urgently required.

폐금속광산 지역 농작물섭취경로의 인체위해도 산정을 위한 생물농축계수와 토양분석방법에 관한 연구

폐금속광산 지역 농작물섭취경로의 인체위해도 산정을 위한 생물농축계수와 토양분석방법에 관한 연구

Gene expression profiling to identify the toxicities and potentially relevant human disease outcomes associated with environmental heavy metal exposure

Heavy metals are the most commonly encountered toxic substances that increase susceptibility to various diseases after prolonged exposure. We have previously shown that healthy volunteers living near a mining area had significant contamination with heavy metals associated with significant changes in the expression of some detoxifying genes, xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, and DNA repair genes. However, alterations of most of the molecular target genes associated with diseases are still unknown. Thus, the aims of this study were to (a) evaluate the gene expression profile and (b) identify the toxicities and potentially relevant human disease outcomes associated with long-term human exposure to environmental heavy metals in mining area using microarray analysis. For this purpose, 40 healthy male volunteers who were residents of a heavy metal-polluted area (Mahd Al-Dhahab city, Saudi Arabia) and 20 healthy male volunteers who were residents of a non-heavy metal-polluted area were included in the study. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood using PAXgene Blood RNA tubes and then reversed transcribed and hybridized to the gene array using the Affymetrix U219 GeneChip. Microarray analysis showed about 2129 genes were identified and differentially altered, among which a shared set of 425 genes was differentially expressed in the heavy metal-exposed groups. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that the most altered gene-regulated diseases in heavy metal-exposed groups included hematological and developmental disorders and mostly renal and urological diseases. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction closely matched the microarray data for some genes tested. Importantly, changes in gene-related diseases were attributed to alterations in the genes encoded for protein synthesis. Renal and urological diseases were the diseases that were most frequently associated with the heavy metal-exposed group. Therefore, there is a need for further studies to validate these genes, which could be used as early biomarkers to prevent renal injury.

Exposure factors of cadmium for residents in an abandoned metal mine area in Korea

This study evaluated blood and urine cadmium (Cd) levels and human exposure factors for residents in an abandoned metal mine in Korea. We collected blood, urine, soil, water, and rice grain samples to analyze Cd concentrations and analyzed heavy metal concentration patterns in soil. We estimated the major exposure factor of Cd through non-carcinogenic risk assessment depending on exposure routes. The blood Cd concentration in the case group was 5.33 μg/L (geometric mean), significantly higher than that in the control group (1.63 μg/L, geometric mean). Urine Cd concentrations were also similar. The Cd concentrations in paddy soil (1.29 mg/kg) and rice grains (0.14 mg/kg) in the study area were higher than those in the control area (0.91 and 0.07 mg/kg, respectively). The analysis of heavy metal concentration in soil showed that the Cd levels in agricultural soil in the case group were attributable to the mine. The hazard quotient (HQ) of Cd by rice ingestion in the case group (1.25) was 2 times higher than that in the control group (0.6). We found that the HQ of rice ingestion contributed to more than 97 % of the total HQ, indicating that rice grains were the major exposure source. However, it is likely that the continuous intake of Cd-exposed crops led to chronic exposure among the residents in mine area.

A novel uncultured bacterium of the family Gallionellaceae: Description and genome reconstruction based on metagenomic analysis of microbial community in acid mine drainage

Drainage waters at the metal mining areas often have low pH and high content of dissolved metals due to oxidation of sulfide minerals. Extreme conditions limit microbial diversity in- such ecosystems. A drainage water microbial community (6.5'C, pH 2.65) in an open pit at the Sherlovaya Gora polymetallic open-cast mine (Transbaikal region, Eastern Siberia, Russia) was studied using metagenomic techniques. Metagenome sequencing provided information for taxonomic and functional characterization of the micro- bial community. The majority of microorganisms belonged to a single uncultured lineage representing a new Betaproteobacteria species of the genus Gallionella. While no.acidophiles are known among the cultured members of the family Gallionellaceae, similar 16S rRNA gene sequences were detected in acid mine drain- ages. Bacteria ofthe genera Thiobacillus, Acidobacterium, Acidisphaera, and Acidithiobacillus,-which are com- mon in acid mine drainage environments, were the minor components of the community. Metagenomic data were -used to determine the almost complete (-3.4 Mb) composite genome of the new bacterial. lineage desig- nated Candidatus Gallionella acididurans ShG14-8. Genome analysis revealed that Fe(II) oxidation probably involved the cytochromes localized on the outer membrane of the cell. The electron transport chain included NADH dehydrogenase, a cytochrome bc1 complex, an alternative complex III, and cytochrome oxidases of the bd, cbb3, and bo3 types. Oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds probably involved the Sox system, sul- fide-quinone oxidoreductase, adenyl sulfate reductase, and sulfate adenyltransferase. The genes required for autotrophic carbon assimilation via the Calvin cycle were present, while no pathway for nitrogen fixation was revealed. High numbers of RND metal transporters and P type ATPases were probably responsible for resis- tance to heavy metals. The new microorganism was an aerobic chemolithoautotroph of the group of psychrotolerant iron- and sulfur-oxidizing acidophiles of the family Gallionellaceae, which are common in acid mine drainages.

Temporal and spatial changes of land use in rare metal mining areas of Rwanda

To analyse the effects of mining activities on land use and land cover changes in the Gatumba mining district of Rwanda, aerial photos from 1958, 1974 and 2009 were classified using segmentation approaches. Drastic land cover changes were observed in the study region with the highest mining activities in 1974. From 1958 to 1974, woodland decreased by 54% and cropland increased rapidly. From 1974 to 2009 the process reversed, with woodland increasing while cropland decreased by 51%. This was mainly due to enforced legal regulations of the Government of Rwanda to control land degradation and a decline of mining activities.

Arsenic and heavy metals in paddy soil and polished rice contaminated by mining activities in Korea

Rice plays an essential role in Asian sustenance. Moreover, it can take up toxic elements through its roots from contaminated soils, and even its leaves and grain can absorb the elements deposited on the soil surface. Hence in 2010, forty soil and polished rice samples were collected from four representative abandoned metal mining areas in Korea and analyzed for As and heavy metals, including Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Average levels of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in agricultural soil samples were 64.4, 2.31, 63.5, 146 and 393mgkg−1, respectively. In addition, the average content of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in rice grain grown on the contaminated soils evaluated was 0.247, 0.174, 4.69, 0.804 and 16.8mgkg−1 (dry weight, DW), respectively. These levels are relatively higher than worldwide averages reported by various researchers. Assuming the average rice consumption of 199gday−1 by overall households in Korea, the amount of daily intake of As and the heavy metals was estimated. The appraised daily intake of As and Cd from the rice grown in the study areas is up to 50% and 80% of ADI (acceptable daily intake) suggested by the FAO/WHO Joint Food Additive and Contaminants Committee, respectively. Consequently, regular rice consumption grown in soils especially in the mining areas can cause health problems for local residents.

江西省赣县白水寨铜钼矿矿床地质特征

白水寨铜钼多金属矿区位于赣南于山构造带中段，牛岭向斜中部。岩浆岩活动频繁，有多其次花岗岩出露。结合对白水寨铜多金属矿区的地层、构造和岩浆岩的研究，矿区铜、钼矿体产出于二叠系上统乐平组沉积岩内和侏罗纪晚世夏汶滩超单元的黑云母花岗岩中，矿区内已查明的矿体均分布在矿区北东部，其中V4、V5矿体控制程度较高，且矿体的稳定性、规模都较为理想，可成为矿区开发的首采矿体。 Baishuizhai copper-molybdenum metal mining area is located in the middle of Yushan tectonic belt in Jiangxi and Niuling central syncline. Magmatic activity is frequent, followed by a number of granite outcrops. With combination of the stratigraphic, structural and magmatic rocks of Baishuizhai copper- molybdenum metal mining area, it summarizes that copper-molybdenum ore body mining area output on the Permian series yaumcha group of Jurassic sedimentary rocks and modern times Xia Men beach superelement biotite granite. The ore bodies which have been identified in the mining area are distributed in the eastern part of the mining area, where the V4 and V5 ore bodies are controlled by a high degree, the stability and size of the ore bodies are relatively ideal, which can be the first mining ore bodies in the mining area.

Human Risk Assessment of Arsenic and Heavy Metal Contamination and Estimation of Remediation Concentration within Abandoned Metal Mine Area

This study was initiated to propose the method for human risk assessment suitable to metal mine area. Using a variety of exposure parameters extracted from the investigation of abandoned metal mines, the proposed method was applied to assess the risk of As and heavy metal contamination for inhabitants (male and female adults and child) within an abandoned mine area. Based on the results of risk assessment, in addition, target remediation concentrations of each media (soil, groundwater, and surface water) were estimated. The results indicate that total carcinogenic risk (TCR) and hazard index (HI) representing carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, respectively, were calculated to exceed the tolerable levels (1.00E-6 and 1) with regard to two exposure pathways (groundwater and crop intakes) and As. Thus, the human risk of study area was evaluated to be significant. Based on the target risk (TR) for carcinogens, the remediation concentrations of soil were computed to be 6.83~6.85 mg/kg and 18.41~18.46 mg/kg for As and Pb, respectively. In terms of target hazard index (THI) for non-carcinogens, the remediation concentrations of soil were calculated to be 17.38 mg/kg for Cu and 9.13 mg/kg for As.

국내 두 폐금속 광산의 중금속오염 인체위해성평가 비교

This study was conducted to propose the methodology of human risk assessment specialized to domestic mine areas and to quantify the human risk of heavy metal (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) contamination around two abandoned metal mines. To attain the goals, we established a relevant exposure scenario, including 7 exposure pathways and extracted a variety of exposure factors reflecting the characteristics of inhabitants around abandoned metal mine areas. Finally, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were compared between two areas, exposure pathways, heavy metal contaminants, and receptors. The total excess carcinogenic risks of two mine areas of concern were calculated to be larger than the acceptable carcinogenic risk (), indicating those two areas are not safe for carcinogenic hazard. In addition, the hazard indices of two areas were computed to be higher than unit risk (1), suggesting that the areas of concern have non-carcinogenic risk. Ingestion of crop and intake of groundwater were evaluated to be main exposure pathways contributing to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks within the areas. Also, the results show that carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards were mostly attributed to As and As, Cd, and Pb, respectively.

Geochemical and environmental assessment of heavy metals in soils and sediments of Forumad Chromite mine, NE of Iran

Heavy metal concentration in the soils and sediments has increased worldwide during the last century due to the mining, smelting, and industrial activities. The Forumad chromite deposit is located in the Sabzevar ophiolitic complex (SOC), with a long history of mining activities, yet very little is known about the heavy metal contamination in its surrounding environment. In this research work, the soil pollution by heavy metals was investigated with respect to the geochemical, statistical, and environmental indicators over the chromite mine in Forumad. The concentrations of heavy metals were analyzed, and the results obtained showed that the mean concentrations of Cr (5837.5 ppm) and Ni (570.7 ppm) in the nearby soils and sediments were significantly high. On the other hand, the mean concentrations of the other heavy metals present such as As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, and V were close to the geological background values. The multivariate statistical analyses (Pearson coefficient analysis, Cluster analysis, and principal component analysis) were used to understand the various anthropogenic and geological (lithogenic) sources. Our geochemical and environmental assessments suggested that Cr, Ni, Co, and V had similar properties, and their presence in the soils was mainly from the ultramafic rocks and chromite deposits. However, the calculated enrichment factors for Cr and Ni were more than 10, suggesting their anthropogenic sources due to the mining activities. The significant Cr and Ni contaminations in the Forumad nearby soils indicated that the status of heavy metal contaminations of the area should receive further considerations in the metal mine areas throughout SOC.

Pedogenesis in mine tails affects macroporosity, hydrological properties, and pollutant flow

Mining activities take a direct impact on the environment, particularly when this activity is focused on metal-ore exploitation. Abandoned metal mine areas contain different types of residues from ore-processing operations that are typically characterized by high concentrations of heavy metals. One consequence is the generation of acid-mine drainage, caused by the oxidation and hydrolysis of metal sulphides. Mine tail soils have been studied under several points of view, but not on how crack formation affects their properties and functioning, before irreversible hardening. The Cartagena–La Union mining district is one of the more ancient Spanish mining regions. This region is placed at the south-eastern part of Spain, and contains one of the largest lead and zinc ore deposits in South Europe, which was exploited for Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Fe and Cu from the Phoenician and Carthaginian times. The aim of this research work was to characterize the pedogenesis that occurred in mine tailings of different age and properties, to highlight the physical and hydrological changes that occurred as a consequence of pedogenesis, and their consequences on the environmental pollution risk. Soil profile morphology was studied in the field likewise the surficial pattern of cracks, shear strength, bulk density, and erosion. Laboratory analyses were conducted to characterize physical, chemical, elemental, mineralogical, and hydrological differences between the soil mass in the macro aggregates and in the fissures. Macroporosity was studied through image analysis of thin sections of undisturbed soil samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed on the clay fraction. Studied soils resulted strongly polluted, especially as for Zn, Pb, Cd, Cl, Mn, and Ni and were classified as different kinds of Spolic Technosol. Crack formation significantly affected shear strength, bulk density, macroporosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and element distribution. Gully and tunnel erosion was also driven by crack formation. The mineralogy of the clay fraction revealed that smectites are present, favouring crack opening. Crack formation deeply affected soil features and behaviour, namely hydrological properties and flow of pollutants, which in turn condition environmental health and possible soil stabilization and reclamation strategies.

Metal mining and natural protected areas in Mexico: Geographic overlaps and environmental implications

Abstract Because the high biodiversity of Mexico about 12% of the country's total area is included as a Natural Protected Areas (NPAs); however, in the last years, according to the official data, an astonishing number of mining concessions covering 28% of the total area of the country has been granted already. The objective of this work is to quantify the geographical overlap of mining concessions with the federal NPAs of Mexico including the exploration/exploitation status of minerals to be extracted. We use geo-referenced polygons of the NPAs and those of mining exploration and exploitation concessions until 2010 and calculated their overlap extension with the application of ArcView GIS 3.3 (ESRI; Redland, CA, U.S.A.). Our results showed that a total of 1609 mining concessions covering an area of 1,486,433 ha geographically overlaps with the NPAs. With the exception of Natural Monuments (NM), all the different categories of NPAs in Mexico showed mining concessions; 75% of Natural Resources Protection Area (NRPA); 63% of Biosphere Reserve (BR); 47% of Protected Area for Flora and Fauna (PAFF); 22% of Sanctuary (S); and 15% of National Park (NP). The impacts of metal mining activities on NPAs are not only limited to biodiversity and affectation to human communities, but they also have a radius of influence not yet evaluated since most of the NPAs have a special role in supplying watersheds and aquifers. Obviously, currently in Mexico a NPA decree does not represent an obstacle to megamining projects; in consequence, their real environmental impacts are underestimated. It is a priority to legally support canceling the mining concessions already granted in the NPAs and stop granting new ones in the future. In the proportion to which environmental authorities continue to openly accept mining concessions within the NPAs, through modifying management programs that allow these activities, they may cause a significant increase in rejections of local people toward the changes in management programs and on the promotion of new NPAs in Mexico.

Spatial distribution, temporal variation, and sources of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a century-old nonferrous metal mining and smelting area in China.

This study first presents the spatial distribution, temporal variation, and sources of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a nonferrous metal mine area in China. Unconfined groundwater was polluted by Pb, Zn, As, and Cu, in order, while confined karst water in the mines showed pollution in the following sequence: Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, and As. Pollution by Pb was widespread, while Zn, As, Cu, and Cd were found to be high in the north-central industrial region and to decrease gradually with distance from smelters and tailings. Vertically, more Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd have accumulated in shallow Quaternary groundwater, while more As have migrated into the deeper fracture groundwater in the local discharge area. Zn, Cd, and Cu concentrations in groundwater along the riverside diminished owing to reduced wastewater drainage since 1977, while samples in the confluence area were found to have increasing contents of Pb, Zn, As, Cu, and Cd since industrialization began in the 1990s. Sources of heavy metals in groundwater were of anthropogenic origin except for Cr. Pb originated primarily from airborne volatile particulates, wastewater, and waste residues and deposited continuously, while Zn, Cd, and Cu were derived from the wastewater of smelters and leakage of tailings, which corresponded to the related soil and surface residue researches. Elevated As values around factories might be the result of chemical reactions. Flow patterns in different hydrogeological units and adsorption capability of from Quaternary sediments restricted their cross-border diffusion.

Mechanical properties of anti-seepage grouting materials for heavy metal contaminated soil

Cement-based composite grouting materials were used to construct grouting cutoff wall for heavy metal contaminated soil in non-ferrous metal mining areas. Cement, fly ash, and slag as principal ingredients were mixed with water glass in different ways to produce three composite grouting materials. In order to investigate the effect of water glass mixing ratio, Baume degree, fly ash and slag contents on the mechanical properties of the composite grouting materials, particularly their gel time and compressive strength, the beaker-to-beaker method of gel time test and unconfined compressive strength test were conducted. In addition, the phase composition and microstructure of the composite grouting materials were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The test results show that their gel time increases when water glass mixing ratio and Baume degree increase. The gel time increases dramatically when fly ash is added, but decreases slightly if fly ash is partly replaced by slag. When the mixing ratio of water glass is below 20%, their compressive strength increases with the increases of the ratio; when the ratio is above 20%, it significantly decreases. The compressive strength also tends to increase as Baume degree increases, and improves if fly ash and slag are added.

Human exposure and risk assessment of cadmium for residents of abandoned metal mine areas in Korea.

The objective of this study is to find the Cd levels in agricultural crops compared to soil, to evaluate the relationship between daily intake dose through the multimedia/multi-pathway of human exposure and biomarker levels of the residents in mine vicinity area. We collected and cited the data of four out of ten health impact assessments for the residents of abandoned mine areas undertaken by the Korea Ministry of Environment in 2008. The Cd levels in soil were significantly decreased by the separation distance from the mines. The Cd levels in blood were significantly different between residents in mine areas and in comparative areas, but urinary Cd levels did not differ. The Cd levels in blood were related to the age; the separation distance from mine to residence; the daily intake dose via ingestion of drinking water, crops, and surface soil; and inhalation of ambient air of Cd, but urinary Cd levels were not relevant with various sociodemographic characteristics and exposure factors. The average hazard quotient (HQ) value of Cd in the mining site was below 1.0, but the maximum HQ was closed to 1.0. The results indicated that the ingestion of Cd-contaminated soil and agricultural crops by local inhabitants could pose potential adverse health effects to long-term residents consuming rice grown near to the mining areas.

Study on Heavy Metal Accumulation of Plantsin Gejiu Tin Mining Area

Based on determination of heavy metal contents in soils and plants, understanding pollution of heavy metal in soils and plants, as well as the heavy metal accumulation in plants, in order to provide scientific basis for phytoremediation of heavy metals in mining areas. The determination and analysis on the concent of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn was made in Niuba and southern mining area in Gejiu City. The result showed that the soil pollution from Cd is the most serious while the pollution from Zn was relative to minimum in Niuba abandoned mining area. In southern mining area, Pb in soil pollution was the most serious while Cu was relative to minimum Analysis on correlation between the heavy metal content in plants and soils was made based on the 5 plant samples (Pyracantha fortuneana, Zea mays, Acroptilon repens, Equisetum ramosissimum and Cucurbita moschata) collected from Niuba reclamation area and 5 plant samples (Corylus yunnanensis, Alnus nepalensis, Pyracantha fortuneana,Cupressus torulosa,Acacia dealbata) from recovery area of southern mining area. The results show that Pyracantha fortuneana has a better correlation with soil than other plants, Cucurbita moschata and soil have poor correlation, Corylus yunnanensis has better correlation with soil compared to other plants, Acacia dealbata has poor correlation with soil.

Lead isotope analyses on Late Republican sling bullets

Forty-two lead objects (mainly sling bullets) from archaeological sites in Spain and Italy, dating into the late Roman Republican period, two ore samples from Portman (Cartagena region) and one further ore sample from a deposit on Ibiza were analysed for their lead isotope ratios by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC ICP-MS). The objective of the present study was to answer questions, which cannot be solved by conventional archaeological methods alone but require further information on the materials composition. For this, MC ICP-MS as a modern and fast analytical method to obtain both chemical and isotopic information paired with very low material consumption is a helpful analytical tool to answer archaeological and technological considerations and questions like (a) on the origin of the raw metals used for the objects, (b) if individual production sites used more than one metal source and (c) if certain metal mining areas were preferred during particular periods in time. The results of this study, which were obtained by combining lead isotope analysis with common archaeological methods, clearly demonstrate that Late Republican sling bullets and some other lead objects of other usage from Menorca originate from ore minerals that were predominantly mined on the Iberian mainland. Mixing relationships also show that a number of them were manufactured from reprocessed material. This is also true for single Italian lead sling bullets. Additionally, some of the objects have lead isotope signatures interpreted as mixing relationships, which point towards a manufacturing from reprocessed material.