CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND DETERMINATION OF CONTAMINANT ELEMENTS IN LOW-GRADE CASSITERITE FROM THE BOM FUTURO MINE (RO), WESTERN AMAZON

Abstract

The present study aimed to perform the chemical characterization and determination of contaminant elements in low-grade cassiterite samples from the Bom Futuro Mine, located in the Western Amazon (RO), Brazil. The research sought to assess the elemental composition of the ore, identify potentially toxic metals, and provide technical support for discussions on mineral utilization and environmental risks associated with its exploitation. Representative samples were collected from different mining fronts and tailings piles, following geological and mineral exploration criteria. The samples were prepared according to standardized protocols for drying, grinding, and homogenization, and subsequently analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results revealed that tin (Sn) is the main element in the samples, with average contents ranging from 45% to 46%, characteristic values of secondary alluvial deposits in the region. Moderate concentrations of iron (Fe) and tungsten (WO₃) were observed, as well as low levels of potentially toxic metals such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn), all below environmental reference limits. The compositional homogeneity and low moisture contents (0.17–0.23%) reinforce the representativeness of the samples and the analytical reliability of the results. Thus, it was verified that the low-grade cassiterite from the Bom Futuro Mine presents a composition favorable to mineral recovery and low geoenvironmental risk, demonstrating economic potential and sustainability for regional mining.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.036-015