Chemical Characterization of Historical Slag from Gornji Potočari

Abstract

In this work, metallic slag from an abandoned mine in Gornji Potočari was analyzed. Evidence of mining activities can be seen in the form of large slag pits found throughout the field. Four samples of slag from different depths and parts of pits were chosen for analysis. Samples were ground, powdered and dissolved with concentrated HCl. Analysis was performed on a Varian 240 FS AAS. A total of 9 metals were analyzed: Cr, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb, Ag, Zn and Fe. Results were recalculated on oxides and presented as mass fractions. Results showed high content of Fe2O3 (35.66–46.70%), PbO (6.32–11.55%) and ZnO (1.46–8.56%). Trace amounts of chromium, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese and cadmium were also found. Content of Ag2O (0.0050–0.020%) correlated with content of PbO, supporting the thesis that the initial ore used was galena (PbS) which always contains some silver. High zinc content shows that sphalerite ((Zn,Fe)S) was also used in the processes.