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Vol 281 Iss. 1
Pages:
23-35
In press
Article
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

The chemical composition and environmental damage of cyanidation waste from the Berikul gold mining plant (Kemerovo Region)

Authors:
Natalia V. Yurkevich1
Sophiya P. Mishenina2
Svetlana B. Bortnikova3
Irina V. Provornaya4
About authors
  • 1 — Ph.D., Dr.Sci. Professor Institute of Ecology of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia ▪ Orcid ▪ Scopus
  • 2 — Ph.D. Researcher Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics SB RAS ▪ Orcid
  • 3 — Ph.D., Dr.Sci. Chief Researcher Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics SB RAS ▪ Orcid
  • 4 — Ph.D. Senior Researcher Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics SB RAS ▪ Orcid
Date submitted:
2026-04-02
Date accepted:
2026-06-25
Online publication date:
2026-10-14

Abstract

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the stored waste from the Berikul gold mining plant (Kemerovo Region), using geochemical, geophysical, and econometric methods. Using electrical tomography method, geoelectric sections (transverse and along the dam’s contour) and a 3D model of the storage facility were constructed; they describe the location of zones with a specific electrical resistance varying within the range of 3-800 Ohm·m, which makes it possible to determine the configuration of conductive zones in the internal structure. From the stored waste, which has a thickness of 5-7 m, mineralized water filters into the underground horizons, resulting in the formation of a depression characterized by an electrical resistivity (ER) of ~200 Ohm·m, which is significantly lower than the ER of the surrounding rocks. The zone of reduced resistance extends deeper than 40 m, which clearly indicates the vertical spread of the drainage system, possibly along a weakened zone in the granodiorite massif. Additionally, the formation of highly conductive areas is clearly visible on resistance maps up to 20-40 m. Samples of solid matter and water were taken from the resulting small bodies of water to determine their chemical composition. The stored waste is characterized by a contrasting composition in different parts of the storage facility; accordingly, both the physicochemical parameters and the ability of elements to transfer into solutions vary over a wide range. The majority of the waste material produces an acidic reaction in the pore waters and has a high mineralization. Water extracts from the samples cakes indicate a significant proportion of easily soluble compounds in the waste material. The content of metals and metalloids in water from surface ponds (maximum Fe 7800, Al 590, Zn 160, As 1600, Be 0.022 mg/l) indicates a high environmental hazard posed by these waste materials, while also suggesting the potential attractiveness of the site for the further recovery of useful components. An assessment has been carried out of the damage caused by the storage facility to water bodies within its influence zone – 470 million rubles.

Область исследования:
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Keywords:
cyanidation cakes gold-bearing ores electrotomography geoelectric zonation metals and metalloids mobility environmental damage
Funding:

The work was performed according to the state assignments of IGM SB RAS FWZN-2026-0007 and IPGG SB RAS FWZZ-2026-0055.

Go to volume 281

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