Analysis of the environmental impact of phosphate mining on the example of Djebel Onk deposit (Tebessa), Algeria

The object of the study is natural phosphates, which play a major role in various industrial sectors, ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals, via the metallurgy and chemistry. In Algeria, their importance in the international market is significant, thanks to the deposits of Djebel Onk, located in the south-eastern part of the region of Tebessa. However, the mining and processing of these phosphates lead to waste significant, both in liquid form than in solid, raising significant environmental concerns. In this perspective, a thorough analysis is necessary for a rational and hard reliable, ensuring the preservation of the environment. This research was undertaken to quantify and analyze the distribution of various heavy metals in the phosphate waste generated by Djebel Onk plant (Kef Essennoun deposit). These wastes are crucial to achieve the objectives of sustainable development in relation to public health and the environment. The work focuses on the study of samples of the different releases of the treatment processes. These latter were subjected to a characterization of different analysis techniques, qualitative and quantitative, namely: XRD, IR, XRF, SEM and AAS. The results obtained distinguish differences are notable between the levels recorded by the raw phosphate and those samples wastes of treatment processes. Thus, the waste produced consists of 59.2 % dolomite, 20.5 % calcite, and 19.8 % fluorapatite. The presence of kaolinite was also noted in these residues, though in a small proportion (0.5 %). It has also been noted that these concentration of the elements in trace metal increases relatively with the decrease of the diameter of the grain size, in particular in the mud. This shows that the efficiency of the modes of treatment will allow for some cases, reduce the concentration of elements in the phosphate studied. This opens up promising research opportunities for scientists and engineers to develop more efficient and advanced treatment methods.