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Hydrochemical Characteristics, Controlling Factors and Groundwater Sources of Zaozigou Gold Mine

Author

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  • Wenqiang Jiang

    (Department of Geology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, China)

  • Baozhu Li

    (Department of Geology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, China)

  • Zhen Zhang

    (The Third Geological and Mineral Exploration Institute of Gansu Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Lanzhou 730050, China)

  • Ying Zhang

    (The Third Geological and Mineral Exploration Institute of Gansu Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Lanzhou 730050, China)

Abstract

The Zaozigou gold deposit is recognized as one of the largest and most significant independent gold deposits in northwest China, representing a colossal orogenic gold-antimony deposit. It is imperative to delve into the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors within the mining area to unveil the groundwater circulation evolution process and enhance water resource management. In 2018, a comprehensive collection of 50 groups of groundwater samples was conducted, alongside 17 groups of surface water and underground mine water samples in 2023. Compositional descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, Piper three-plot, Gibbs map, ion ratio method, hydrogeochemical simulation and PCA methods were employed to reveal the chemical characteristics and evolution process of groundwater in the Zaozigou gold mine. Furthermore, employing water isotopes theory allowed for the identification of recharge sources and circulation conditions within the Zaozigou Gold Mine. The findings indicated a transition from HCO 3 -Na·Ca type polluted water in 2018 to primarily the SO 4 -Ca·Mg type and HCO 3 ·SO 4 -Na·Ca·Mg type groundwater hydrochemistry types by 2023. The hydrochemical characteristics of the study area are closely related to the mining depth and time. The chemical characteristics are influenced by various factors such as rock weathering, mineral dissolution, cation exchange processes, atmospheric precipitation as well as human activities related to pollution from industrial mining activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenqiang Jiang & Baozhu Li & Zhen Zhang & Ying Zhang, 2024. "Hydrochemical Characteristics, Controlling Factors and Groundwater Sources of Zaozigou Gold Mine," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:7989-:d:1476934
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jaivime Evaristo & Scott Jasechko & Jeffrey J. McDonnell, 2015. "Global separation of plant transpiration from groundwater and streamflow," Nature, Nature, vol. 525(7567), pages 91-94, September.
    2. Junju Zhou & Juan Xiang & Lanying Wang & Guoshuang Zhong & Guofeng Zhu & Chunfang Liu & Meihua Huang & Wei Feng & Qiaoqiao Li & Dongxiang Xue & Yaru Zhao & Li Lei, 2019. "The Impacts of Groundwater Chemistry on Wetland Vegetation Distribution in the Northern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-15, September.
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