THE IMPACT OF UNCONFINED MINE TAILINGS AND ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION ONA SEMIARID ENVIRONMENT - AN INITIAL STUDY OF THE RODALQUILAR MINING DISTRICT, SOUTH EAST SPAIN

A geochemical study of stream sediments near Rodalquilar (South-east S pain) was undertaken to investigate the impact of processing activitie s associated with nearby gold mining. Despite the semi-arid nature of the area, visual inspection of tailings indicates that considerable fl uvial erosion occurs during rainfall events. Geochemical analysis demo nstrates that Mo, Sb, Te, Bi and As are all found at elevated levels i n stream sediments downstream of the tailings site. Elevated levels of Pb, Cu and Zn were also noted in stream sediments. Statistical analys is demonstrates that four factors control trace-element distribution. Factor 1 displays a strong association of Mo, Sb, Te and Bi and As and is attributed to the mine tailings. Factor 2 displays an association of Pb and Cu, and is most easily attributed to anthropogenic pollution . Factor 3 distinguishes Au and reflects the selective nature of ore-p rocessing methods employed at the site. Factor 4 only highlights Zn, r eflecting that it is derived from several, probably unrelated, sources .