Grain size effect and chemical speciation of elements in tailings from the Han-Xing iron deposit: Implications for resource utilization and environmental protection
CHANG Hao1(), YUAN Zhao-Xian2()
1. No.1 Geological Team of Hebei Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration, Handan 056000, China 2. Institute of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China
Despite bearing valuable recyclable elements, mine tailings pose environmental risks. However, there is a lack of studies on the geochemical characteristics of tailings in China and abroad, hindering their appropriate treatment and reuse. This study collected tailing samples from the Han-Xing Iron deposit in Hebei Province, China and conducted the analysis and tests of these samples. This study determined the concentrations and chemical speciation (i.e., exchangeable, carbonate-bound, Fe-Mn oxide-bound, organic-bound, and residual forms) of elements including Fe, Co, S, Cu, and Zn in tailing particles with varying grain sizes. Accordingly, it explored the implications for the exploitation and utilization of tailing resources, along with the assessment of environmental risks. This study provides deeper insights into the geochemical characteristics of tailings, producing positive impacts on the exploitation and utilization of tailing resources, as well as the prevention of environmental risks.
常浩, 袁兆宪. 邯邢铁矿尾矿中元素的粒度效应和形态分布特征:资源和环境意义[J]. 物探与化探, 2025, 49(2): 470-478.
CHANG Hao, YUAN Zhao-Xian. Grain size effect and chemical speciation of elements in tailings from the Han-Xing iron deposit: Implications for resource utilization and environmental protection. Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, 2025, 49(2): 470-478.
Pan H J, Zhou G H, Cheng Z Z, et al. Advances in geochemical survey of mine tailings project in China[J]. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2014, 139:193-200.
Feng C. Considerations on improving the exploitation and utilization of mineral resources in China[J]. Natural Resource Economics of China, 2018, 31(4):20-24.
[3]
Hudson-Edwards K A, Jamieson H E, Lottermoser B G. Mine wastes:Past,present,future[J]. Elements, 2011, 7(6):375-380.
[4]
Tang L, Liu X M, Wang X Q, et al. Statistical analysis of tailings ponds in China[J]. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2020, 216:106579.
[5]
Lottermoser B G. Recycling,reuse and rehabilitation of mine wastes[J]. Elements, 2011, 7(6):405-410.
[6]
Jamieson H E. Geochemistry and mineralogy of solid mine waste:Essential knowledge for predicting environmental impact[J]. Elements, 2011, 7(6):381-386.
[7]
Mulenshi J, Gilbricht S, Chelgani S C, et al. Systematic characterization of historical tailings for possible remediation and recovery of critical metals and minerals-The Yxsjöberg case[J]. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2021, 226:106777.
[8]
Plumlee G S, Morman S A. Mine wastes and human health[J]. Elements, 2011, 7(6):399-404.
Xiong S F, Zhu Y J, Zhou R, et al. Chemical weathering intensity and its grain-size dependence for the loess-red clay deposit of the Baishui section,Chinese Loess Plateau[J]. Quaternary Sciences, 2008, 28(5):812-821.
Liu H L, Chi Q H, Wang W, et al. Geochemical methods for grassland-covered hilly terrains in central-eastern Inner Mongolia[J]. Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, 2013, 37(3):382-388.
Guan T X, He H B, Zhang X D, et al. The methodology of fractionation analysis and the factors affecting the species of heavy metals in soil[J]. Chinese Journal of Soil Science, 2011, 42(2):503-512.
Hu X, Chen M L, Wu Y H, et al. Chemical components and heavy metals in sludge from wastewater treatment plant[J]. Journal of Agro-Environmental Science, 2005, 24(2):387-391.
Xie H L, Zhang P, He H, et al. Distribution of heavy metal elements in the different diametral atmospheric particulate matters[J]. Environmental Engineering, 2002, 20(6):55-57,5.
Shen B F, Zhai A M, Li Z H, et al. The analysis of geological conditions for mineralization of the iron deposits of Han-Xing subtype in southern Hebei[J]. Acta Geological Sinica, 1981, 55(2):127-138,164.
Zheng J M. Ore-forming fluid and mechanism of skarn iron deposit in Hanxing area,southern Hebei Province[D]. Beijing: China University of Geosciences, 2007.
Xu G Z, Deng J H, Xu J P. Geochemical characteristics of Hanxing style iron ore tailings,Hebei Province[J]. Geological Bulletin of China, 2014, 33(9):1439-1444.
Qin F, Li Q, Ji H B, et al. Geochemical characteristics and granularity effect of rare earth elements in soils from iron ore areas along the Chao River[J]. Journal of the Chinese Society of Rare Earths, 2014, 32(1):108-116.
Wang Y P, Huang Y, Wang S M, et al. Chemical speciation of elements in sediments and soils and their sequential extraction process[J]. Geological Bulletin of China, 2005, 24(8):728-734.
Hu W, Wang H Y, Zha T G, et al. Soil heavy metal accumulation and speciation in a sewage-irrigated area along the Liangshui River,Beijing[J]. Ecology and Environment, 2008, 17(4):1491-1497.
Chen T H, Feng J H, Xu X C, et al. Simulation experiments on weathering and oxidation of sulfide minerals in mine tailings[J]. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 2002, 21(3):298-302.
[23]
Carmona D M, Faz Cano Á, Arocena J M. Cadmium,copper,lead,and zinc in secondary sulfate minerals in soils of mined areas in Southeast Spain[J]. Geoderma, 2009, 150(1/2):150-157.
[24]
牛晓鹏. 方铅矿、黄铜矿和黄铁矿表面氧化与可浮性研究[D]. 北京: 中国科学院大学, 2019.
[24]
Niu X P. Study on surface oxidation and floatability of galena,chalcopyrite and pyrite[D]. Beijing: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2019.
Ministry of Ecology and Environment,State Administration for Market Supervision and Administration. GB 15618—2018 Soil environmental quality risk control standard for soil contamination of agricultural land[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2018.
