Geostatistical Assessment of Critical Raw Materials in Nine Mining and Metallurgical Waste Types from the Cartagena–La Unión District (SE Spain)

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AudienciaPúblico en generales_ES
CoberturaMéxicoes_ES
Fecha de ingreso2026-09-15T00:31:48Z
Fecha de publicación2026-01-01
ResumenMining and metallurgical residues represent one of the largest untapped secondary raw-material resources in Europe; however, their critical raw material (CRM) potential remains insufficiently quantified. This study applies a comprehensive mineralogical, geochemical, and geostatistical framework to evaluate nine distinct waste types from the Cartagena–La Unión Mining District (SE Spain), a historically exploited polymetallic system. A total of 79 samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and advanced multivariate statistical techniques (correlation analysis, principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering) to identify geochemical associations controlling CRM distribution. The results reveal strong geochemical heterogeneity, with systematic enrichment in Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, Nb, and rare-earth proxies. Three dominant geochemical controls were identified: (i) a lithogenic silicate association governing Al–Si–Ti–Nb patterns, (ii) a sulphide-derived metalliferous association characterized by Cu–As–Sb, and (iii) an oxidation–adsorption association responsible for Ga–Y affinity. Several CRM concentrations approach or exceed typical global ore grades for secondary resources, particularly in flotation-derived and oxidation-rich residues. Geostatistical modelling confirms spatially coherent CRM hotspots, with base-metal enrichment linked to sulphide relics and Ga–Nb–Y controlled by Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides. Environmental assessment indicates potential metal mobility under acidic conditions, while also highlighting significant remediation benefits associated with residue reprocessing. Taken together, this study provides a robust and reproducible methodology for CRM assessment in legacy mining wastes and identifies priority residue types within the district with the highest strategic recovery potential.es_ES
Doihttps://doi.org/10.3390/min16050477es_ES
URIhttps://riuat.uat.edu.mx/handle/123456789/3512
Idiomaenes_ES
EditorialMDPI AGes_ES
RelaciónMineralses_ES
URL relacionadohttps://doi.org/10.3390/min16050477es_ES
DerechosAcceso restringido / Suscripción (Metadatos de producción científica)es_ES
Licenciahttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_16eces_ES
FuenteMinerals
TítuloGeostatistical Assessment of Critical Raw Materials in Nine Mining and Metallurgical Waste Types from the Cartagena–La Unión District (SE Spain)es_ES
TipoArtículoes_ES
ArbitradoHa sido Arbitradoes_ES
AutorBarrios, Ángel Brime
AutorAlcolea, Alberto
AutorMéndez, Ana
AutorRodríguez-Pacheco, Roberto
AutorBarrios, Ángel Brimees_ES
AutorAlcolea, Albertoes_ES
AutorMéndez, Anaes_ES
AutorRodríguez-Pacheco, Robertoes_ES
InstituciónUniversidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas
InstituciónUniversidad Autónoma de Tamaulipases_ES
Número5es_ES
Rango de páginas477es_ES
URL relacionadahttps://doi.org/10.3390/min16050477
Tipo de artículoIndexado
Tipo de artículoIndexadoes_ES
Volumen16es_ES

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