Thermodynamics of Arsenates, Selenites, and Sulfates in the Oxidation Zone of Sulfide Ores. XIV. Selenium Minerals in the Oxidation Zone of the Yubileynoe Massive Sulfide Deposit, the South Urals

Abstract

Selenium is one of the most important minor elements in massive sulfide ores. This study focuses on selenium minerals present in the oxidation zone of the Yubeleinoe massive sulfide deposit, the South Urals, Russia: clausthalite (PbSe), tiemannite (HgSe), and naumannite (Ag₂Se). These minerals are associated with goethite and siderite. Thermodynamic modeling was used to estimate the physicochemical parameters of selenide stability and the possible formation of Pb, Hg, and Ag selenites as a result of sulfide ore oxidation. The Eh–pH diagrams for the Fe–S–CO₂–H₂O and Fe–Se–CO₂–H₂O systems were calculated to estimate the physicochemical formation conditions of the Yubileinoe oxidation zone, as well as for the M–Se–Н₂О and M–S–H₂O (M = Hg, Pb, Ag) systems. The physicochemical parameters of clausthalite, naumannite, and tiemannite stability are consistent with these conditions. Only the formation of PbSeO3 is theoretically possible among Pb, Ag, and Hg selenites.