PETROGRAPHIC AND GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF MINING TAILINGS FROM MIGMATITE CAMBORIÚ COMPLEX TOWARDS SOIL REMINERALIZING POTENTIAL

Abstract

Remineralization is a process capable of transforming ground silicate rocks into material to fertilize agricultural soils, by means of providing nutrients necessary for plant development, forming new functional mineral phases and contributing to the increase in soil pH. Soil remineralizers can be generated both from the development of new deposits and from the co-production of active mining. This is the case of materials from the mining company Construtora e Exploração de Rochas e Britagem, which explores the migmatite of the Camboriú Complex. Samples were collected for petrographic and geochemical studies to determine its potential as a soil remineralizer. The results confirmed that the rock was subjected to upper amphibolite facies metamorphism, with the presence of fluids. Chemical analyzes revealed significant levels of basic elements, essential in the definition of soil remineralizers, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. The petrographic and geochemical study of the samples from the mining company CERB indicate a potential for using the tailings in agriculture. The specific samples rich in biotite and hornblende showed a potential for the development of natural fertilizers. Thus, the use of mining company tailings can contribute to the regional economy and  greater sustainability in mining and agriculture.