Hydrogeological evaluation of heap leaching site of Sungun copper mine (East Azarbaijan) and analysis the potential environmental pollution

Release of toxic heap leaching fluids into the environment can affect the health of both the surrounding ecosystem and human population. Understanding the hydrogeological conditions based on the hydrogeochemical behavior of water resources at the heap leaching site of the Songun copper mine as the most important action which should be taken to prevent potential environmental problems provides the conditions for sustainable development at the surrounding of this mine. In this study, field surveys, sampling of groundwater resources, geophysical studies, geotechnical studies, and reverse geochemical modeling were used to analyze the hydrogeological status of the area. The presence of fractures and cracks extending to depths suggests that some of the deeper preferential paths can be considered for water flow in the area. Flowing the water in the fractures network along with the hydraulic gradient as well as the topographic status of the area towards the southern areas has caused the seepage face in some places. Based on the analysis of the hydrogeological conditions of the area, it seems that the potential of the geological structures and structures of the area as well as the fracture network in this area are not capable of high water transfer and storage. On the other hand, it should be noted that the hydrological and climatic capability of the region does not provide a significant volume of water and this has prevented the formation of groundwater resources (i.e) aquifer). Therefore, there is no potential for environmental problems at this site due to leakage from the heap leaching site as well as contamination at an alarming extent. However, the establishment and development of drainage facilities located on and near the surface of the land can minimize the risk of environmental problems.