Physicochemical Modeling of Sulfide Oxidation Processes in Tailing Dumps of the Kavalerovsky District and Their Impact on the Hydrosphere (Primorsky Krai)

Abstract

Oxidation of tailings in the tailing dump of Vysokogorskoe deposit (Kavalerovsky district) in the temperature range from 0 to +45°C was simulated with successive exclusion of each of the sulfide minerals present therein (pyrite, pyrrhotite, galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite). The Eh-pH parameters for anthropogenic mineral formation were determined at different host rock–sulfide ratios (95: 5, 90: 10, 80: 20, 60: 40, 40: 60, 20: 80) in the tailings. Crystallization of supergene minerals was analyzed, qualitative and quantitative ionic compositions of solutions were determined, and their impact on the hydrosphere was assessed.