Z. Adamczyk

Accompanying Elements in Sphalerite in Pyrometallurgical Process of Zinc and Lead Production

The primary raw materials used in the imperial smelting process (ISP) are Zn and Pb concentrates. Dust generated in the course of ISP is recycled. The identified sphalerite grains indicate the presence of Pb, Fe, Cd sulfides, Fe and Zn oxides, as well as accompanying elements (Ca, Mn, Cu, As, Se, Ag, Sn, and Sb). The tests performed have demonstrated the differentiation in the content of the accompanying elements in sphalerite present in both charge mixture as well as in dusts. This differentiation may be an indication of the migration of these element from sphalerite to the products or to waste during the process.

Environmental mobility of trace elements present in dusts emitted from Zn-Pb metallurgical processes

The paper presents results of investigations into possibility of migration to the soil and water environment of trace elements present in one of the main phases, zinc sulphide, emitted in dusts from various operations of pyrometallurgical extraction of Zn and Pb at the Miasteczko Śląskie Zinc Smelting Plant. The quantity of elements was estimated on the basis of: (1) dust fall, (2) zinc sulphide content in dust, (3) element content in zinc sulphide and (4) mobility of zinc sulphide under the hypergenic conditions of the soil and water environment of the Smelting Plant area. Among the elements considered, arsenic emitted with zinc sulphide contained in dusts from the Sintering Machine will pose a potential hazard for the soil and water environment of the Miasteczko Śląskie Zinc Smelting Plant area.

AN INVESTIGATION OF DISTRIBUTION OF IRON COMPOUNDS IN ROCK WOOL PRODUCTION

This paper shows results of analyses based on samples of the material extracted during process of rock wool production: raw materials, final product, and wastes. On the basis of microscopic, chemical, X-ray diffraction, and Mössbauer spectroscopy analyses, different mineral forms of iron compounds are described. Distribution of iron was determined and ways of transformation of iron minerals were indicated. The raw material contained augite, diopside, olivine, hydrated iron hydroxides, Fe–Ti–Cr spinels, and ilmenite. In the rock wool there were ascertained microcrystallites of hypersthene, spinels, and ilmenite 0.002–0.005 μm in size. The waste slag contained hypersthene, augite, and ferrofayalite, or spherical concentrations of metallic iron. During the process of rock wool production, transformation of augite and diopside into hypersthene and also of olivine into ferrofayalite occur. Simultaneously, iron minerals in the raw material undergo decomposition resulting in the creation of secondary, stable forms of spinels, ilmenite, and metallic iron.

IMPACT OF MINING ACTIVITIES IN THE UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN ON SURFACE WATER AND POSSIBILITIES OF ITS REDUCTION

Due to the deposits of quality hard coal, the area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) has been one of the most industrialised regions in Europe for centuries. One of the most significant issues in terms of environmental impact and risks related to mining activities are the discharged mine waters. Mine water is pumped to the surface in great amount from mine workings of active underground mines both in Czech and Polish part of the USCB. In the past, the mine waters used to be discharged to nearby watercourses without systematic control of their amount and quality. It resulted in uncontrolled impacts on quality of the main rivers in the USCB. This is why a technically and economically demanding solution was adopted: discharging of mine (but also waste) waters through an artificial channel – so-called “Olza Collector” – directly to the Oder River, i.e. away of the Olza River and its minor tributaries. Automated control and dosing of waters to the Oder River depending on quality of the discharged waters and quality and quantity of the Oder surface water ensures maintaining of the total content of chlorides and sulphates in Oder below 500 mg/dm3 with the efficiency of more than 90% of days in a year.

Application of REACH and LCA System’s to the Materials Formed in the Production of Mineral Wool

Abstract The article analyses the application of two management systems - REACH directive and ISO 14040 (Life Cycle Assessment - LCA) with reference to the technological process as well as by-products of mineral wool production. It characterizes basic differences between the norms discussed, i.e. the strict formalization of REACH, which results in the analysis being conducted according to a precisely defined scheme, or the subjective character of LCA, which makes it possible to take into account the most important environmental aspects pertaining to the entire life cycle of a particular product. The discussion provides a basis for formulating the general conclusion that the classification criteria encompassed by REACH regulations do not allow for a complex analysis of the negative environmental impact of a particular substance (preparation, product) and should be complemented with elements of LCA analysis.