Geochemistry of Mining Discharges from the Ppolymetallic Deposit of the Perkoa Underground Zinc Mine in Central-western Burkina Faso – West Africa

Abstract

Effective management and control of mining discharges is essential to minimise their negative impact on the environment and local communities. This study focuses on the assessment of the pollution risks that may be posed by Perkoa mining discharges. After characterizing the different mining discharges, the main physicochemical parameters were determined. The level and risk of pollution have also been assessed. The results show that these mining discharges are already oxidized, therefore acidic, with contents of potentially harmful elements well above the standards in force. They are therefore potentially a generator of acid mine drainage, which is harmful to the environment and communities.