Impact of an Abandoned Mining Site - Central Flotation Platform

The paper highlights a strong environmental impact due to a mining perimeter (Central Flotation - Baia Mare) in which significant quantities of complex and concentrated ores were abandoned without the most basic protection measures against environmental factors. The period of time since the cessation of activity has been more than 14 years, during which time an extreme reactivity took place, generating an acid drainage with very low pH and heavy metals exceeding hundreds and even thousands of times the maximum allowed values. These waters reach the natural receptors directly or infiltrate the groundwater. Another serious aspect is given by the fact that this site is located in the middle of the busiest community in Maramureș County (upstream of Baia Mare) and close to rural communities that practice agriculture and animal husbandry. Alongside the already existing environmental problems in the perimeter there is also added seepage of mine water through the exit of the tunnel from the Herja mine. Also adjacent is the Central pond with a supply of mine water and toxic dust.