Geology of the Kırkpavlı (Süleymanıye-Gümüşhane) Pb-Zn mineralization and determination of heavy metal content of surface water around the mine

This study investigates the geology, mineral paragenesis, and alteration zones of the Kırkpavli Pb-Zn mining area near Süleymaniye District, Gümüşhane. In addition, heavy metal contents in surface water and stream sediment samples from Sarı Dere were determined through geochemical analyses to evaluate potential environmental impacts. In the study area, mineralization has developed as veins, massive structures, and lenticular forms within the Paleozoic Gümüşhane Pluton, the Early-Middle Jurassic Şenköy Formation, and the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Berdiga Formation. The paragenesis includes sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and the Fahlerz group (tenantite-tetrahedrite), and alteration zones are observed. Microscopic examinations determined the paragenesis of the mineralization. A total of 20 samples (10 samples of stream water and 10 samples of stream sand) were taken from 10 different points in Sarı Dere, next to the mine, to determine heavy metal contamination. The pH concentrations of the stream water samples were classified as Class I water quality according to the "Quality Standards According to the Classes of Inland Surface Water Resources". According to trace element concentration results from the Chemical Analysis Laboratory in Canada, some samples of stream water showed concentrations of Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu, Al, and Mn exceeding the TS 266 limit values. Analysis of stream sand samples revealed that in all samples, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn elements were above high larch values; while Mo, Ni, Co, As, Cr, and S elements were above, below, or below the detection limit in some samples. Considering the presence of a previously operated, inactive gallery between sampling points DS-7 and DS-8, it is assessed that the enrichment of Al, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn observed in stream water and stream sand samples DS-8, DS-9, and DS-10 is not due to ongoing mining activities.