The Cambrian carbonatic rocks of the Iglesiente mining district contain important mineral deposits that have led to intense mining activity over the centuries. The same rocks have been affected by polycyclic karst phenomena since the Ordovician. The exploitation voids go down to -250 m, as a result of a pumping system, and have revealed many natural caves. The study of these caves has clearly demonstrated that "normal" karstification is less significant than hyperkarstic dissolution determined by different processes. The caves are filled with sediments, chemical deposits such as calcite speleothems, enrichments of economic minerals (Ag-rich galena, barite, smithsonite, etc.) and crystals (calcite, barite, quartz, etc.). The natural caves of the mines of Iglesiente and their morphologies and fillings related to hyperkarstic phenomena, represent a unique and inestimable scientific resource, that should be adequately protected and valued.
De Waele, J., Forti, P., Pema, G. (2001). Hyperkarstic phenomena in the Iglesiente mining district (SW-Sardinia). SCHIPHOLWEG 107C, PO BOX 447, 2316 XC LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS : A A BALKEMA PUBLISHERS.
Hyperkarstic phenomena in the Iglesiente mining district (SW-Sardinia)
De Waele, J;Forti, P;
2001
Abstract
The Cambrian carbonatic rocks of the Iglesiente mining district contain important mineral deposits that have led to intense mining activity over the centuries. The same rocks have been affected by polycyclic karst phenomena since the Ordovician. The exploitation voids go down to -250 m, as a result of a pumping system, and have revealed many natural caves. The study of these caves has clearly demonstrated that "normal" karstification is less significant than hyperkarstic dissolution determined by different processes. The caves are filled with sediments, chemical deposits such as calcite speleothems, enrichments of economic minerals (Ag-rich galena, barite, smithsonite, etc.) and crystals (calcite, barite, quartz, etc.). The natural caves of the mines of Iglesiente and their morphologies and fillings related to hyperkarstic phenomena, represent a unique and inestimable scientific resource, that should be adequately protected and valued.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
