Assessment of mineralization patterns in man-made solutions upon ignition of pyrite ores and flooding of the pit bowl and underground workings
R.S. Romanov1, V.I. Tatarnikov2, P.O. Zubkov2, B.V. Tskhovrebov3
1 LLC Geo Genesis, Magnitogorsk, Russian Federation
2 Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
3 Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №5S / 2025 p. 120-124
Abstract: The paper examines mineralization patterns in solutions upon ignition of pyrite ores and rocks and flooding of the pit bowl and underground workings, while assessing the role of the underspoil runoff discharge into the pit in forming the vertical mineralization structure in man-made solutions. Based on field observations and analytical data on pH, Eh, density, total dissolved solids, sulfate and chloride ion contents, as well as Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations vs. the depth in the pit lake, it is shown that underspoil runoff is the main source of the salt and metal load. Their high mineralization (tens of g/L of solids) and elevated density generate density currents that penetrate into the water layer of the pit lake and lead to a non-monotonic vertical distribution of components: minimum concentrations in the near-surface zone, elevated values at the intermediate depths, and a subsequent decrease in concentrations in the bottom layer due to sorption of metals into the bottom muds. It is demonstrated that this three-layer structure, i.e. the “diluted upper layer – mineralized intermediate layer – sorption-depleted bottom layer”, is a stable feature of the hydrochemical structure of the pit lake and must be taken into account when developing environmental measures for wet mine closure and for potential involvement of mine-impacted waters in processing.
Keywords: pit bowl, mine-made mineralized solutions, underspoil runoffs, density variations, stratification, bottom sediments, metal sorption
For citation: Romanov R.S., Tatarnikov V.I., Zubkov P.O., Tskhovrebov B.V. Assessment of mineralization patterns in manmade solutions upon ignition of pyrite ores and flooding of the pit bowl and underground workings. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(5S):120–124. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-5S-120-124
Article info
Received: 26.10.2025
Revised: 01.12.2025
Accepted: 01.12.2025
Information about the authors
Roman S. Romanov – Technical Director, LLC Geo Genesis, Magnitogorsk, Russian Federation
Valentin I. Tatarnikov – Postgraduate Student, Junior Researcher, Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pavel O. Zubkov – Postgraduate Student, Junior Researcher, Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
Badila V. Tskhovrebov – Master’s Student, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation
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