Towards a comprehensive geochemical model for antimony in the oxidized zone

Abstract

Recently, concerns have arisen over the toxic nature of Sb and the dispersion of Sb in waterways ultimately leading to pollution of drinking water supplies. This thesis presents a series of analyses of secondary Sb minerals thought to exhibit some control over the mobility of Sb, in order to better understand the dispersion of Sb in the natural environment. Furthermore, some contradiction exists in the literature regarding Sb mobility, and thus the development of a more reliable geochemical model allows an improved assessment of the mobility of Sb. Thermochemical investigations of a number of Sb phases have been undertaken in order to develop a comprehensive geochemical model for Sb in the oxidised environment. Thermochemical data have been determined for bystromite, MgSb2O6, ordonezite, ZnSb2O6, rosiaite, PbSb2O6, onoratoite, Sb8O11Cl2, klebelsbergite, Sb4O4SO4(OH)2, nadorite, PbSbO2Cl, brizziite, NaSbO3, and nano-sized domains of tripuhyite, FeSbO4. Supported by field observations, the thermochemical data have allowed the development of a strong understanding of Sb dispersion, ultimately enabling the better use of Sb in exploration geochemistry. The ability of Sb to pinpoint orebodies is clearly displayed by a study of the Pearse South deposit, Mineral Hill, New South Wales.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	English