Mining-environmental evaluation of Santa Lucía polymetallic orebody, Pinar del Río, Cuba

Abstract

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the physical environment of the Santa Lucía pyritic poly-metallic ore deposit (Pinar del Río, Cuba) from the mining and environmental points of view. The deposit was exploited through opencast mining and nowadays it is an environmental liability and a potential source of environmental degradation. Baryte deposits, rusty material from the iron cap overburden, quarries and old exploration holes were characterized. Photo interpretation methods, collection of data on the current environmental condition, detailed geotectonic description of the deposit and surrounding areas, consultation to the experts involved in the project and those with experience on the site, socioeconomic and statistic information of the population, check lists, projects and compared scenarios. Two zones have been identified, one having a serious impact compared to the other one with a lesser impact. Generation of acid drain and the contamination of the waters with high levels of toxicity are among the most significant impact; therefore, one of the actions proposed is treatment of the waters for human consumption for being contaminated with heavy metals.