Abstract
Field and laboratory studies of the sulphide-bearing tailings at Laver, northern Sweden, show that the present release of metals from the tailings is low, especially with regard to Cu. A large part of the Cu released by sulphide oxidation is enriched in a distinct zone just below the oxidation front. The enrichment zone occurs almost all over the tailings area except in areas with a shallow groundwater table. The Cu enrichment is caused by formation of covellite and adsorption onto mineral surfaces. The transport of Zn, Co, Cd, Ni and S seems to be controlled mainly by adsorption. No secondary zone or secondary minerals containing these metals have been found. Just below the groundwater table, metals are released into solution when the enrichment zone reaches the groundwater due to the low pH. An increased release of metals, especially Cu, can be expected in the future, since the enrichment zone is moving towards the groundwater table.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 4 December 1997 · Accepted: 17 December 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Holmström, H., Ljungberg, J., Ekström, M. et al. Secondary copper enrichment in tailings at the Laver mine, northern Sweden. Environmental Geology 38, 327–342 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002540050430
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002540050430