Evaluación geoquímica de residuos mineros (jales o colas) de mineralización de tipo epitermal, Hidalgo, México

Abstract

The mining district Pachuca-Real del Monte is located to the center-east of Mexico, between the geographical coordinates 20°07'30" of north latitude and 98°44 '00 " of length west. The residues are derived from an epithermal mineralization. Concentrations of Pb and the Mn are significant. The mineralization consists of pyrite, limonite-goethite-hematite, sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite associated with quartz, calcite and silicates. X-rays diffraction patterns determined quartz as the mayor mineral phase, with minor gypsum, calcite, alunite, and pyrite. The statistical analysis showed the frequent association of Zn-Cd. The microanalysis with the scanning electronic microscope and electronic microprobe showed the neoformation of the pyrite and the oxidation and precipitate of sulfides. The tests NOM-053 and EPA-1312 showed that the Cd, Ni, Ag, Pb Mn, Zn, and As do not exceed the LMP. Only the Pb is superior to the LMP in the first test. These residues might be classified as dangerous with regard to the Pb.