Hydrogeochemistry in the zinc—lead mining district of “Les Malines” (Gard, France)

Abstract Sensitive multi-element analysis techniques together with major-element and isotopic analyses were applied to spring, mine and surface waters in the vicinity of an important known zinc—lead deposit in a carbonate environment, in the “Les Malines” area (Gard, France). Both the dissolved and suspended phases were investigated, and concretions and sediments were also considered in some cases. This methodological test shows that the ore body leaves various clear fingerprints, such as the Zn, As, Sb, Pb and U levels in the dissolved phase, the sulfate increment and the δ 34 S. Some of the elements in solution are controlled by slightly soluble compounds, e.g. Zn by smithsonite and hydrozincite, Ba by barite, and Pb by hydrocerussite. Mapping the saturation indices for these elements appears useful for displaying the hydrogeochemical anomaly.