The general features of several important mineral deposits of polymetallic character in the Republic of Northern Macedonia that have been actively exploited in the past are described. These include ...the Buchim copper mine and Sasa, Zletovo and Toranica lead-zinc mines, as well as some ore prospects that have been extensively explored for years. In addition, sites with known ore reserves, but which are not yet at the exploitation stage are presented, including Plavica, Ilovica, Kadiica, Borov Dol and others. The elaborated RIS-RESERVES program is used to affirm numerous parameters related to the definition of ore reserves in the deposits, and has now provided the opportunity for preparation of an overview which shows the major metallogenetic characteristics of the deposits with their techno-economic parameters. This approach enables affirmation of the potential of the polymetallic ore deposits in the Republic of Northern Macedonia.
Contamination of soils with heavy metals is widespread and poses a long-term risk to ecosystem health. Abandoned and active mining sites contain residues from ore-processing operations that are ...characterised by high concentrations of heavy metals. The distribution and mobility characteristics of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in paddy soil samples from Kočani Field (Macedonia) using ICP-EAS and a sequential extraction procedure was evaluated. The results indicate that highly elevated concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were detected in the paddy soil sample from location VII-2 in the vicinity of Zletovo mine and Zletovska river in the western part of Kočani Field, which drains the untreated acid mine waters and mine wastes from the active Zletovo mine. The degree of contamination based on index of geoaccumulation (
I
geo
) from strong to weak in the paddy soils samples is Pb > As > Cd > Zn > Cu. The mobility potential of heavy metals in all paddy soil samples increases in the order As < Cu < Pb < Zn < Cd. According to the results of the anthropogenic impact on the paddy soils, a further study on the heavy metal concentrations in rice and other edible crops, the remediation process of the paddy soils and a dietary study of the local population are needed.
PDF
