Mineralogy and environmental relevance of AMD-precipitates from the Tharsis mines, Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW, Spain)

The newly-formed minerals have monitoring significance and proved capable of participating in cycles of retention-liberation of hydrogen ions, sulfate, and metals. In a semi-arid climate, the importance of the AMD-precipitates as environmental indicators is stressed. They may help to understand the response of the system to the episodic rainfall events that occur after prolonged dry periods.