To Örebro University

A protocol for detailed investigation of mine sites is suggested. Results from the investigation are important when planning mine site reclamation. Initially, the mine site is divided into several sub sites according to topography. For general appearance the following parameters were developed and estimated directly in the field for every sub site:

(1) shape, (2) historical land use, (3) amount of waste rock, (4) weathering, (5) waste rock size, (6) carbonates and silicates, (7) vegetation cover, (8) low and high species, (9) moss and grass/herbs, (10) broad-leaf and coniferous, (11) spruce and pine, (12) birch and aspen, and (13) blueberries and lingonberries. Every parameter was designated a numerical value between 0 and 5. After sampling ocular mineral/rock classification was performed on composite samples from every sub site and the following major components were determined: (14) silicate, (15) mica, (16) granite/pegmatite, (17) carbonates, (18) iron oxide ore and (19) sulphide ore. In addition the relative distribution between the different sulphide minerals was also determined: (20) chalcopyrite vs sphalerite; (21) galena vs sphalerite; (22) chalcopyrite vs galena and (23) pyrite vs pyrrhotite.

Results from a historical mine site in Kopparberg, Sweden, are used to illustrate the methodology