The behaviour of (heavy) metals during alkaline mine drainage from the abandoned Feragen chromite mines, East-Central Norway 

Project title

The behaviour of (heavy) metals during alkaline mine drainage from the abandoned Feragen chromite mines, East-Central Norway 

Supervisor 

Desiree Roerdink, Andreas Beinlich

Project description 

This project will investigate the behaviour of (heavy) metals (e.g. Cr, Ni, Fe, Cu) during alkaline mine drainage in the Feragen chromite mining field in E Norway, by comparing geochemical compositions of paired fluid and solid (host rocks, sediments, carbonates) samples. Natural weathering of exposed sulphide- and oxide ore bodies and their tailing materials inevitably increases the contamination risk of the surrounding environment. Alkaline mine drainage from peridotite-hosted Cr-Ni-Co deposits may have concerning consequences for drinking water quality and the composition of agricultural soils. Even though Cr, Ni, and Co are considered essential for humans, long-term exposure to concentrations above the low tolerable daily intake (1.4 (Co) – 5 (Cr) µg kg-1 body weight day-1) can result in severe health issues including allergic reactions, cancer diseases of stomach and respiratory system, heart problems and mortality.