Geochemistry and mineralogy of Cu and Co in mine tailings at the Copperbelt, Zambia

Abstract

Behavior of Cu and Co was investigated at mine tailings sites at the Coppebelt, Zambia. At old tailings site Cu and Co are bound to hematite and gypsum is another principal mineral.

At new tailings site Cu and Co are bound to amorphous Fe phases. Acidity generated by the oxidation of sulfides is completely neutralized by carbonates in solid phase.

Keywords

• Geochemistry
• mineralogy
• mine tailings
• Copperbelt
• Zambia