Based on the geological and hydrologic data, the generation, enrichment, and transportation of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) ions in Yimin open-pit mining area were investigated using water quality analysis of groundwater samples, Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) principal component analysis, and geostatistics analysis by Geographic Information System (GIS). The water quality test results showed that the groundwater of this area was mainly the Na-Ca-HCO3 type, and the content of Fe and Mn ions significantly exceeded the national standard. The groundwater in the mining area was strongly affected by human activity, deep groundwater mixing effect, and water-rock interaction associated with mining activities. It was also found that Fe and Mn in the research area had a large variation in spatial distribution. On the whole, Fe and Mn ion concentrations found in the groundwater to the north of the research area were higher than those in the south area, with the mining area as the dividing line. The removing of non-mineral layer and the draining of gushing water in the mining area resulted in the formation of a water funnel and the strengthening of an effect between each aquifer. The change of hydrogeological and redox conditions in the mining area promoted the dissolution of Fe and Mn in soil and stratum and migration in groundwater.
Keywords: Groundwater; Hydrochemistry; Iron; Manganese; Mining behaviors.
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