Weathering of Zinc-(Zn)-bearing Mine Wastes in a Neutral Mine Drainage Setting, Gunnerside Gill, Yorkshire

Abstract

Numerous areas throughout the world are affected by circum-neutral pH, low iron (Fe) drainage with high concentrations of zinc (Zn) arising from discharges from, and weathering of, mine wastes. Gunnerside Gill, a small upland tributary in the headwaters of the River Swale in Yorkshire, is such a site affected by historic lead and zinc mining. The aim of the study is to assess the controls on Zn mobilisation from the mine tailings and floodplain sediments to the river water through a column leaching experiment. Sphalerite has been identified as the primary Zn mineral in the bedrock within Gunnerside Gill. However, there is more evidence of secondary phases of Zn were including Fe oxides and phosphates present within the samples and the BCR data suggests it is these phases that appear to be undergoing the majority of the Zn dissolution.