Modeling the formation of high metal concentration zones in man-made deposits

Purpose.To study conditions of forming the zones of high metal concentration in metal-containing man-made deposits. To assess the likelihood of metal concentration in the placer core. Methods. Analysis of the conditions determining metal-containing placers formation and of metal losses at mining and processing plants, considering the local terrain. Findings. It is proved that the minerals that are carried away from the separators at mining and processing plants are concentrated in the core, which contains up to 90% of heavy metals. Originality. The studies have determined the main factors and regularities governing the distribution of heavy metals in technogenic placers, which help identify their location and calculate parameters of high metal concentration zones in the body of a man-made deposit. Practical implications. The research has proved the possibility of using metal-containing technogenic placers, and finding the zones of maximum metal concentration on the basis of the established regularities. The authors have developed a mathematical model of the gradual formation of technogenic deposits with zones of heavy metals concentration in metal-containing waste.