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- Potential accumulation of strategic elements in mining dams : from remining to rehabilitationPublication . Gomes, Patrícia; Valente, Teresa; Gazire Lemos, marianaABSTRACT: Raw materials, from oil to industrial minerals, are essential to the efficient functioning of the world economy. However, the extraction of base metals, for example, allowed the mobilization and accumulation of large amounts of reactive wastes, triggering critical environmental problems. The Iberian Pyrite Belt, one of the largest metallogenetic provinces in the world, is an example of this, as it presents numerous abandoned mining exploitations that were closed without or with inadequate environmental remediation. However, Europe is particularly vulnerable, as it depends on importing these metals. In this context, the present study addresses the theme of remining, assuming premises of rehabilitation and circular economy. The work focused on one of the most Portuguese paradigmatic mining complexes - the São Domingos mine. The methodological protocol was based on drilling to characterize stream sediments. The results revealed an estimate of the economic potential of accumulated sediments, offering a hopeful and optimistic outlook. These suggest reusing critical elements, such as Ag and Sc. The information in this research aims to help the competent authorities build a recovery strategy based on the valorization of resources centered on the circular economy.
- Copiapite group: occurrence and properties in mining contamination scenariosPublication . Barroso, Ana; Valente, Teresa; antunes, Isabel Margarida; Reis, Amelia; Correia Neves, IsabelABSTRACT: The copiapite group shows a wide range of chemical compositions, allowing the identification of several mineral phases (e.g., aluminocopiapite and magnesiocopiapite). These minerals, typically observed in mining environments, are formed from evaporation and acid mine drainage (AMD) precipitation. In these areas, the copiapite has been studied to comprehend its ability to store some potentially toxic elements (PTE), specifically the As. Therefore, the present work aims to characterize mineral samples of copiapite using different techniques (binocular microscope, XRD, SEM-EDS, and FTIR) to understand their morphology, mineralogical and chemical composition, and environmental role. Copiapite samples were collected in two abandoned mining areas of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB): São Domingos (Portugal) and Trimpancho (Spain). The results from the mining areas showed differences corresponding to two phases of the copiapite group, expressed by distinct occurrence modes and variations in morphology and chemical composition.