Impact of Acid Mine Drainage on the environmental quality and potential accumulation of strategic metals in water dams located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt

Publications

Potential accumulation of strategic elements in mining dams : from remining to rehabilitation

Publication . Gomes, Patrícia; Valente, Teresa; Gazire Lemos, mariana

ABSTRACT: 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.

2025-04Journal article

Open access