Search Results (233)

The Junggar Basin contains a large amount of coal resources and is an important coal production base in China. The coal seam in Zhundong coalfield has a large single-layer thickness and high content of inertinite, but large particle Fe-sulphide minerals are associated with coal seams in some mining areas. A series of economic and environmental problems caused by the combustion of large-grained Fe-sulphide minerals in coal have seriously affected the economic, clean and efficient utilization of coal. In this paper, the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation in the Yihua open-pit mine of the Zhundong coalfield is taken as the research object. Through the analysis of coal quality, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer test of major elements in coal, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry test of trace elements, SEM-Raman identification of Fe-sulphide minerals in coal and LA-MC-ICP-MS test of sulfur isotope of marcasite, the coal quality characteristics, main and trace element characteristics, macro and micro occurrence characteristics of Fe-sulphide minerals and sulfur isotope characteristics of marcasite in the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation are tested. On this basis, the occurrence state and genesis of large particle Fe-sulphide minerals in the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation are clarified. The main results and understandings are as follows: (1) the occurrence state of Fe-sulphide minerals in extremely thick coal seams is clarified. The Fe-sulphide minerals in the extremely thick coal seam are mainly marcasite, and concentrated in the YH-2, YH-3, YH-8, YH-9, YH-14, YH-15 and YH-16 horizons. Macroscopically, Fe-sulphide minerals mainly occur in three forms: thin film Fe-sulphide minerals, nodular Fe-sulphide minerals, and disseminated Fe-sulphide minerals. Microscopically, they mainly occur in four forms: flake, block, spearhead, and crack filling. (2) The difference in sulfur isotope of marcasite was discussed, and the formation period of marcasite was preliminarily divided. The overall variation range of the δ³⁴S value of marcasite is wide, and the extreme values are quite different. The polyflake marcasite was formed in the early stage of diagenesis and the δ³⁴S value was negative, while the fissure filling marcasite was formed in the late stage of diagenesis and the δ³⁴S value was positive. (3) The coal quality characteristics of the thick coal seam were analyzed. The organic components in the thick coal seam are mainly inertinite, and the inorganic components are mainly clay minerals and marcasite. (4) The difference between the element content in the thick coal seam of the Zhundong coalfield and the average element content of Chinese coal was compared. The major element oxides in the thick coal seam are mainly CaO and MgO, followed by SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ and Na₂O. Li, Ga, Ba, U and Th are enriched in trace elements. (5) The coal-accumulating environment characteristics of the extremely thick coal seam are revealed. The whole thick coal seam is formed in an acidic oxidation environment, and the horizon with Fe-sulphide minerals is in an acidic reduction environment. The acidic reduction environment is conducive to the formation of marcasite and is not conducive to the formation of pyrite. (6) There are many matrix vitrinite, inertinite content, clay content, and terrigenous debris in the extremely thick coal seam. The good supply of peat swamp, suitable reduction environment and pH value, as well as groundwater leaching and infiltration, together cause the occurrence of large-grained Fe-sulphide minerals in the extremely thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation in the Zhundong coalfield. Full article

The formation of acidic goaf water in abandoned coal mines poses significant environmental threats, especially in karst regions where the risk of groundwater contamination is heightened. This study investigates the geochemical processes responsible for the generation of acidic water through batch and column leaching experiments using coal mine surrounding rocks (CMSR) from Yangquan, China. The coal-bearing strata, primarily composed of sandstone, mudstone, shale, and limestone, contain high concentrations of pyrite (up to 12.26 wt%), which oxidizes to produce sulfuric acid, leading to a drastic reduction in pH (approximately 2.5) and the mobilization of toxic elements. The CMSR samples exhibit elevated levels of arsenic (11.0 mg/kg to 18.1 mg/kg), lead (69.5 mg/kg to 113.5 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.6 mg/kg to 2.6 mg/kg), all of which exceed natural crustal averages and present significant contamination risks. The fluorine content varies widely (106.1 mg/kg to 1885 mg/kg), with the highest concentrations found in sandstone. Sequential extraction analyses indicate that over 80% of fluorine is bound in residual phases, which limits its immediate release but poses long-term leaching hazards. The leaching experiments reveal a three-stage release mechanism: first, the initial oxidation of sulfides rapidly lowers the pH (to between 2.35 and 2.80), dissolving heavy metals and fluorides; second, slower weathering of aluminosilicates and adsorption by iron and aluminum hydroxides reduce the concentrations of dissolved elements; and third, concentrations stabilize as adsorption and slow silicate weathering regulate the long-term release of contaminants. The resulting acidic goaf water contains extremely high levels of metals (with aluminum at 191.4 mg/L and iron at 412.0 mg/L), which severely threaten groundwater, particularly in karst areas where rapid cross-layer contamination can occur. These findings provide crucial insights into the processes that drive the acidity of goaf water and the release of contaminants, which can aid in the development of effective mitigation strategies for abandoned mines. Targeted management is essential to safeguard water resources and ecological health in regions affected by mining activities. Full article

Mine ventilation systems are critical for ensuring operational safety, yet air leakage remains a pervasive challenge, leading to energy inefficiency and heightened safety risks. Traditional tracer gas methods, while effective in simple networks, exhibit significant errors in complex multi-entry systems due to static empirical parameters and environmental interference. This study proposes an integrated methodology that combines multi-path airflow analysis with dynamic longitudinal dispersion coefficient correction to enhance the accuracy of air leakage detection. Utilizing sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as the tracer gas, a phased release protocol with temporal isolation was implemented across five strategic points in a coal mine ventilation network. High-precision detectors (Bruel & Kiaer 1302) and the MIVENA system enabled synchronized data acquisition and 3D network modeling. Theoretical models were dynamically calibrated using field-measured airflow velocities and dispersion coefficients. The results revealed three deviation patterns between simulated and measured tracer peaks: Class A deviation showed 98.5% alignment in single-path scenarios, Class B deviation highlighted localized velocity anomalies from Venturi effects, and Class C deviation identified recirculation vortices due to abrupt cross-sectional changes. Simulation accuracy improved from 70% to over 95% after introducing wind speed and dispersion adjustment coefficients, resolving concealed leakage pathways between critical nodes and key nodes. The study demonstrates that the dynamic correction of dispersion coefficients and multi-path decomposition effectively mitigates errors caused by turbulence and geometric irregularities. This approach provides a robust framework for optimizing ventilation systems, reducing invalid airflow losses, and advancing intelligent ventilation management through real-time monitoring integration. Full article

Traditional coal quality assessment methods rely exclusively on the laboratory testing of physical samples, which impedes detailed stratigraphic evaluation and limits the integration of intelligent precision mining technologies. To resolve this challenge, this study investigates geophysical logging as an innovative method for coal quality prediction. By integrating scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray analysis, and optical microscopy with interdisciplinary methodologies spanning mathematics, mineralogy, and applied geophysics, this research analyzes the coal quality and mineral composition of the Shanxi Formation coal seams in northern Jiangsu, China. A predictive model linking geophysical logging responses to coal quality parameters was established to delineate relationships between subsurface geophysical data and material properties. The results demonstrate that the Shanxi Formation coals are gas coal (a medium-metamorphic bituminous subclass) characterized by low sulfur content, low ash yield, low fixed carbon, high volatile matter, and high calorific value. Mineralogical analysis identifies calcite, pyrite, and clay minerals as the dominant constituents. Pyrite occurs in diverse microscopic forms, including euhedral and semi-euhedral fine grains, fissure-filling aggregates, irregular blocky structures, framboidal clusters, and disseminated particles. Systematic relationships were observed between logging parameters and coal quality: moisture, ash content, and volatile matter exhibit an initial decrease, followed by an increase with rising apparent resistivity (LLD) and bulk density (DEN). Conversely, fixed carbon and calorific value display an inverse trend, peaking at intermediate LLD/DEN values before declining. Total sulfur increases with density up to a threshold before decreasing, while showing a concave upward relationship with resistivity. Negative correlations exist between moisture, fixed carbon, calorific value lateral resistivity (LLS), natural gamma (GR), short-spaced gamma-gamma (SSGG), and acoustic transit time (AC). In contrast, ash yield, volatile matter, and total sulfur correlate positively with these logging parameters. These trends are governed by coalification processes, lithotype composition, reservoir physical properties, and the types and mass fractions of minerals. Validation through independent two-sample t-tests confirms the feasibility of the neural network model for predicting coal quality parameters from geophysical logging data. The predictive model provides technical and theoretical support for advancing intelligent coal mining practices and optimizing efficiency in coal chemical industries, enabling real-time subsurface characterization to facilitate precision resource extraction. Full article

Flotation tailings (FT), as a product of the exploitation and processing of copper ore, represent a significant environmental and health risk due to the high content of heavy metals and sulfide compounds. Contemporary concepts of sustainable development and circular economy increasingly emphasize the need for rational use of resources and minimization of all types of waste, including mining waste. In this context, the reuse of flotation tailings in the construction industry represents a significant step towards closing the material flow in the mining and construction sectors. In order to reduce the negative impact of FT on the environment, the possibility of its application as a substitute for a portion of cement in the production of concrete was investigated. The main challenge is to reduce the negative impact of sulfides, originating from sulfide compounds, in order to achieve the desired concrete quality. Limestone aggregates of different size fractions (0/4, 4/8, 8/16 mm) were used for sulfide neutralization. Pyrite concentrate was used as a sulfide source, which together with FT provides the mixtures FT-7, FT-14, FT-25, and FT-40, with sulfur contents of 7.56, 13.84, 25.02, and 39.82%, respectively. FT mixtures were used as a substitute for Portland cement (PC) in the preparation of concrete. Test methods included XRD (X-ray diffraction), XRF (X-ray fluorescence), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), LP (leaching procedure), TCLP (toxicity characterization leaching procedure), assessment of acid eluate generation potential (AP—acid potential, NP—neutralization potential, and NNP—net neutralization potential), NEN (determination of heavy metals in cured concrete eluate), and UCS (uniaxial compressive strength of cured concrete). The results showed that the chemical characteristics of FT, as well as the chemical and mechanical properties of hardened concrete, allow the efficient use of these tailings in concrete mixes, which significantly utilizes FT, reduces the generation of mining waste, and contributes to the reduction of the negative impact on the environment and achieving sustainable development in mining. Full article

In practical coal preparation processes, influenced by mining methods and mechanization levels, the proportion of fine and even ultrafine pulverized coal continues to increase. However, due to the small particle size, significant inter-particle interactions, and the low efficiency of conventional physical separation techniques, the efficient deashing of fine coal remains a significant technical challenge. Consequently, in the face of growing demand for fine coal processing, efficient and mature dry separation technologies are still lacking. To address this issue, a pulsating circulating airflow separation device was designed and developed in this study to deash and desulfurize pulverized coal with a particle size of less than 1 mm. The effects of gas velocity and pulsating airflow frequency on the deashing performance were investigated. Using Design-Expert software (version 13), an optimized formula for deashing efficiency was established, and the optimal operating parameters were evaluated. The separation results demonstrated that under the optimal conditions of fluidization, the number N = 1.2 and pulsating airflow frequency f = 2.375 Hz, the standard deviation of ash segregation (σ_ash) reached 25%, and the ash content in the cleaned coal was reduced from 37.28% to 22.32% in the cleaned sample. Furthermore, the sulfur content decreased significantly from 0.971% in the raw coal to 0.617% in the cleaned coal, indicating effective desulfurization. In addition, the concentrations of other harmful elements in the raw coal were also reduced to varying degrees. These findings demonstrate that the application of pulsating airflow can effectively enhance ash and sulfur removal from pulverized coal particles smaller than 1 mm. This approach offers a novel and promising method for the dry beneficiation of fine coal particles. Full article

The genus Acidithiobacillus has been widely used in bioleaching, and novel strains in this genus, such as A. ferriphilus, have also been confirmed to possess bioleaching capabilities. In this study, an Acidithiobacillus ferriphilus strain, QBS3, was isolated from zinc-rich sulfide mine drainage using the gradient dilution method. QBS3 is a Gram-negative, 1.3 µm rod-shaped bacterium with small red colonies. It showed a high iron oxidation efficiency of 0.361 g/(L·h) and a sulfur oxidation efficiency of 0.206 g/(L·d). QBS3 has sphalerite bioleaching ability; using QBS3 for pure sphalerite bioleaching, 18.8% of zinc was extracted in 14 days at 1% pulp density. Whole genome sequencing was performed on QBS3. Functional prediction showed that 9.13% of the genes were involved in replication, recombination, and repair. Bioleaching-related genes were analyzed, including iron and sulfur oxidation genes, and carbon and nitrogen fixation genes. For iron oxidation, the Cyc2→RusA pathway and Iro→RusB pathway were found in QBS3. In terms of sulfur oxidation, QBS3 has an incomplete SOX system and lacks the SDO gene, but Rho and Trx may complement the SOX system, enabling QBS3 to oxidize sulfur. QBS3 has multiple sets of carbon fixation genes, and nitrogen fixation genes were also identified. A hypothetical sphalerite bioleaching model is proposed; this study provides a theoretical basis for the zinc sulfide ore bioleaching industry. Full article

Organophosphorus compounds (OPC) are a large class of organic compounds that provide a wide range of applications, and their importance has grown steadily in recent years. In each category and family, these compounds have similarities and differences. Due to their immense variety, these chemicals have various properties and, therefore, various applications. In fact, various works have been published recently that present the main applications of OPC, especially in metal extraction. Despite their extemsive range of use, optimizing their performance as extractant agents remains a challenge due to their structural variability and sensitivity to process parameters. This review provides a critical analysis of pentavalent OPCs, focusing on how their chemical nature influences heavy metal extraction efficiency. For the first time, we present a novel classification system for OPCs based on phosphorus valency and heteroatom coordination, offering a framework to guide future research. Our findings reveal that the direct coordination of the phosphorus to heteroatoms such as oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen has a great influence on the physicochemical characteristics of the extractant and the metal extraction efficiency. This observation is in line with Pearson’s Hard and Soft Acids and Bases (HSAB) theory in the sense that it demonstrates that altering the heteroatom alters the metal affinity of the ligand. As a result, these structural modifications can improve the extraction performance by up to 40% for some heavy metals, highlighting the potential for optimized molecular designs to maximize industrial applications. In the future, this work offers a solid foundation for future studies on the rational design of organophosphorus-based extractants. Using HSAB theory and our novel classification system, researchers can rationally design OPCs for their target metal with unparalleled precision. These results have transformative impacts on metal recovery efficiency-intensive sectors like mining, waste recycling, and clean energy technologies. Full article

The forced-air self-aspirating flotation machine is the core equipment for achieving a horizontal configuration in a large-scale flotation circuit. During scale-up, power consumption increases significantly due to the requirement for a greater pulp suction volume, while flotation dynamics deteriorate. Therefore, it is difficult to meet the horizontal configuration requirement for a large-scale flotation process. In this study, the key factors influencing pulp suction capacity were analyzed, revealing that as impeller submergence depth increases, pulp suction capacity decreases sharply, while power consumption rises, which was determined to be the main limitation in scaling up a forced-air self-aspirating flotation machine. To address these challenges, a new design concept for large-scale forced-air self-aspirating flotation machines was developed, featuring an impeller–stator system positioned in the middle of a trough. This design eliminated the issue of the impeller moving farther from the overflow weir and prevented increasing pulp suction resistance during scale-up. Additionally, an independent design of the upper blades was introduced based on pulp suction demand, and the design method and scale-up equations for the new impeller were established. An industrial experiment system based on a 50 m³ forced-air self-aspirating flotation machine was established to verify the developed design schemes. The new impeller with a middle placement design achieved the best separation performance, exhibited low unit pulp suction power consumption, and demonstrated the most favorable overall performance. Using CFD simulations, the flow pattern and dynamic performance were calculated, including the pulp suction volume, circulation volume, and gas–liquid dispersion for large-scale forced-air self-aspirating flotation machines. The first and largest 160 m³ large-scale forced-air self-aspirating flotation cell was successfully developed and applied in a copper–sulfur mine, where the function of self-absorbing pulp was achieved and power consumption was effectively controlled. Finally, the feasibility and accuracy of the new large-scale forced-air self-aspirating flotation machine design and scale-up method were verified. In this paper, a large forced-air self-aspirating flotation machine is designed and developed which is capable of supporting horizontally configured large-scale flotation processes. This innovative approach significantly simplifies the processing layout and reduces both the equipment configuration complexity and energy consumption, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution for large-scale mineral processing operations. Full article

The Konduyak gold–quartz–sulfide deposit is one of the most promising gold mines in the Ayakhta gold ore cluster on the Yenisei ridge. This article is devoted to the study of the composition of the volatile compounds in the ore-forming fluid, since this is one of the key aspects in understanding the conditions of deposit formation. The compositions of the fluids that formed quartz and pyrite in the deposit ore zone were determined using Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-free gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The study of the fluid inclusions in the minerals showed that complex C-H-O-S-N multi-component fluids formed the quartz–sulfide ore zones. A range of 232 to 302 various volatile compounds were found in the fluids. The mineralizing fluids mainly consist of H₂O (14.25–96.02 rel. %) and CO₂ (2.07–54.44 rel. %). A high SO₂ content (14.60–44.95 rel. %) is typical of fluids trapped by pyrites. Moreover, a wide range of hydrocarbons (oxygen-free aliphatic, cyclic, heterocyclic, and oxygenated) and nitrogenated and sulfur compounds were found among the volatiles in the fluid. The variable H/(H + O) ratios, from 0.51 to 0.81, and CO₂/(CO₂ + H₂O) ratios, from 0.02 to 0.56, indicate changes in the redox conditions during ore formation. Full article

Nanotechnology offers effective solutions for removing contaminants and harmful bacteria from polluted water. This study synthesized copper nanoparticles using a carbohydrate-based bioflocculant derived from Proteus mirabilis AB 932526.1. The bioflocculant is a natural polymer that facilitates the aggregation of particles, enhancing the efficiency of the nanoparticle synthesis process. Characterization of the bioflocculant and copper nanoparticles was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Transmission Electron Microscopy techniques to assess their properties, flocculation efficiency, and antibacterial characteristics. The optimal flocculation efficiency of 80% was achieved at a copper nanoparticle concentration of 0.4 mg/mL, while a concentration of 1 mg/mL resulted in a lower efficiency of 60%. The effects of biosynthesized copper nanoparticles on human-derived embryonic renal cell cultures were also investigated, demonstrating that they are safe at lower concentrations. The copper nanoparticles effectively removed staining dyes such as safranin (90%), carbol fuchsine (88%), methylene blue (91%), methyl orange (93%), and Congo red (94%), compared to a blank showing only 39% removal. Furthermore, when compared to both chemical flocculants and bioflocculants, the biosynthesized copper nanoparticles exhibited significant nutrient removal efficiencies for nitrogen, sulfur, phosphate, and total nitrates in coal mine and Vulindlela domestic wastewater. Notably, these biosynthesized copper nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Full article

The main focus of this study, from a sustainable perspective, was to develop mineral circularity actions for the minimization of environmental impacts, generated over decades by the processing of run-of-mine (ROM) coal in the Catarinense coal basin–Brazil (CCB–Br), from the use of potential residual fractions (candidate residues) as raw materials for the production of organo-mineral fertilizers, or OMFs (candidate products). Therefore, the objective was to assess the potential of the residual fractions, generated in the distinct phases of ROM coal processing, as candidate waste for valorization, contributing directly to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The samples from ROM processing resulted in 24 waste fractions identified by geological characteristics and a sustainable processing methodology. These fractions were subjected to a systematic analysis using the criteria for waste valorization CPQvA (classification (C) of hazardousness, potentiality (P), quantities/viability (Qv), and applicability (A)). Two samples were identified with significant potential for valorization in the agro-industry as sustainable raw materials for the organo-mineral fertilizers. Both samples exhibited neutral stock pH values (7.0 and 7.1), low percentage Fe₂O₃ content (4.2% and 3.2%), low SO₃ content (0.5% and 1.2%), and low total sulfur content (1.0%). These characteristics qualified the studied ROM samples as raw materials suitable for the production of organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs), and which comply with Brazilian legislation. Full article

Bacterial communities from three different sampling sites of a copper mine tunnel were characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing (NGS). A high presence of halophilic bacteria was confirmed by comparison with literature data and with reference samples from other highly salt-exposed soils. Among others, high read numbers of Gracilimonas, Kangiella, Limibacillus, Marinobacter, Woseia, and uncultivated strains of Actinomarinales, Gammaproteobacterium AT-s16, Actinobacteria 0319-7L14, and Thiotrichaceae were found. The community in a sample from the surface of the copper seam was significantly different from the community composition of a sample from the mine tunnel floor. The specificity in the appearance and in the abundance of special bacterial types (for example, Thiogranum, Thiohalophilus, Sulfuriflexus, Sedimenticolaceae, Desulfomonile, Desulfosporosinus, and Cand. Thiobios) can be partially explained by the different local conditions for sulfur-related metabolisms at the sampling sites. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria residing in the rhizosphere and are capable of enhancing plant growth through various mechanisms. Streptomyces sp. GD-4 is a plant growth-promoting bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Leymus secalinus. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of the strain on plant growth, we evaluated the growth-promoting effects of Streptomyces sp. GD-4 on forage grasses and conducted comprehensive genome mining and comparative genomic analysis of the strain. Strain GD-4 effectively colonized the rhizosphere of three forages and significantly promoted the growth of both plant roots and leaves. Genome sequence functional annotation of GD-4 revealed lots of genes associated with nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur metabolism. Additionally, genes potentially involved in plant growth promotion such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis, trehalose production, siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization were annotated. Whole-genome analysis revealed that GD-4 may possess molecular mechanisms involved in soil nutrient cycling in rhizosphere soil and plant growth promotion. The bacteria also possess genes associated with adaptability to abiotic stress conditions, further supporting the ability of Streptomyces sp. GD-4 to colonize nutrient-poor soils. These findings provide a foundation for further research into soil remediation technologies in plateau regions. Full article

The Biggenden gold-bearing Fe skarn deposit in southeast Queensland, Australia, is a calcic magnetite skarn that has been mined for Fe and gold (from the upper portion of the deposit). Skarn has replaced volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Early Permian Gympie Group, which formed in different tectonic settings, including island arc, back arc, and mid-ocean ridge. This group has experienced a hornblende-hornfels grade of contact metamorphism due to the intrusion of the Late Triassic Degilbo Granite. The intrusion is a mildly oxidized I-type monzogranite that has geochemical characteristics intermediate between those of granitoids typically associated with Fe-Cu-Au and Sn-W-Mo skarn deposits. The skarn mineralogy indicates that there was an evolution from prograde to various retrograde assemblages. Prograde garnet (Adr_11-99Grs_1-78Alm_0-8Sps_0-11), clinopyroxene (Di_30-92Hd_7-65Jo_0-9), magnetite, and scapolite formed initially. Epidote and Cl-bearing amphibole (mainly ferropargasite) were the early retrograde minerals, followed by chlorite, calcite, actinolite, quartz, and sulfides. Late-stage retrograde reactions are indicated by the development of nontronite, calcite, and quartz. Gold is mainly associated with sulfide minerals in the retrograde sulfide stage. The fluids in equilibrium with the ore-stage calcites had δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values that indicate deposition from magmatically derived fluids. The calculated δ¹⁸O values of the fluids in equilibrium with the skarn magnetite also suggest a magmatic origin. However, the fluids in equilibrium with epidote were a mixture of magmatic and meteoric water, and the fluids that deposited chlorite were at least partly meteoric. δD values for the retrograde amphibole and epidote fall within the common range for magmatic water. Late-stage chlorite was deposited from metasomatic fluids depleted in deuterium (D), implying a meteoric water origin. Sulfur isotopic compositions of the Biggenden sulfides are similar to other skarn deposits worldwide and indicate that sulfur was most probably derived from a magmatic source. Based on the strontium (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) and lead (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) isotope ratios, the volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Gympie Group may have contributed part of the metals to the hydrothermal fluids. Lead isotope data are also consistent with a close age relationship between the mineralization at Biggenden and the crystallization of the Degilbo Granite. Microthermometric analysis indicates that there is an overall decrease in fluid temperature and salinity from the prograde skarn to retrograde alterations. Fluid inclusions in prograde skarn calcite and garnet yield homogenization temperatures of 500 to 600 °C and have salinities up to 45 equivalent wt % NaCl. Fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite from the retrograde sulfide-stage homogenized between 280 and 360 °C and have lower salinities (5–15 equivalent wt % NaCl). In a favored genetic model, hydrothermal fluids originated from the Degilbo Granite at depth and migrated through the shear zone, intrusive contact, and permeable Gympie Group rocks and leached extra Fe and Ca and deposited magnetite upon reaction with the adjacent marble and basalt. Full article