Formation of Soil Chemical Composition and Properties under the Impact of Tin‑Ore Processing Tailings

This study examines the ecological condition of soils operating under the combined influence of natural factors and tin-ore beneficiation wastes, developing both on the surfaces of waste dumps and in adjacent areas. Sampling locations were optimized in SAGA-GIS from digital terrain analysis and prevailing wind directions. External soil functions were assessed via aeolian deposition of marker elements (Cu, As, S), while internal functions were quantified by microbial activity—substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and microbial biomass carbon (Cmic). Results were fitted with a macro-kinetic growth model to identify characteristic points (z₃–z₆) and to rank soil quality using an integrated state index (p). Geometric-mean pollutant concentrations decreased with distance from the tailings storage facility (TSF) following a power law (R² ≈ 0.83). Most surveyed sites fell into Quality Category I (background state). The boundary of Category II occurred at ~284 m, the response optimum (z₄) at ~0.7 km, and the zone of conditionally acceptable facility siting—subject to impact-mitigation measures and monitoring—extended to ~467 m. The combined chemical–biological framework proved informative for supporting nature-based reclamation decisions and for judging whether tailings-derived technogenic landforms can be maintained as natural-anthropogenic objects within a restored landscape. The findings made it possible to evaluate the potential for the recovery of soil functions under technogenic (anthropogenic) pressure.

Gorlenko1 A. S., Murmantseva E. Y. Formation of Soil Chemical Composition and Properties under the Impact of Tin‑Ore Processing Tailings. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2025;(11-1):149—165. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2025_111_0_149.

Gorlenko A. S., PhD, Senior Researcher, Department of Land Resources and Soil Assessment, Faculty of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, anastasrcru@gmail.com;
Murmantseva E. Y., Postgraduate Student at the Department of Land Resources and Soil Assessment, Faculty of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University.

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