2023
Occurrence
Documented zinc and lead deposits occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern Poland. The Zn-Pb deposits occurring in this area are related mainly to a carbonate rocks formation of the Silesian-Cracow region built of the Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic sedimentary deposits. Along the regional tectonical Cracow-Libliniec zone these Paleozoic deposits are riddled by the acidic and alcalic igneous-volcanic deposits of the Carboniferous-Permian age. The rock hosting zinc and lead mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of the economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Middle Triassic (Muschelkalk). The zinc-lead ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses, nest-like replacements and pipes. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley-type deposits (MVT).
Resources and output
There are 4 areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. In 2020, the exploitation carried out so far of ores from the Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region was ended. The Olkusz-Pomorzany mine was put into liquidation, and the Minister of Climate and Environment on 15 January 2021 decided to extinguish an exploitation concession for above mentioned deposits as of 1 January 2021. The Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of the exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some anticipated sub-economic resources of mainly oxide ores (the so-called “calamines”) with minor participation of sulfide ores. The exploitation of deposits of the 4th region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. The location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
The Zn-Pb concentrations accompanying the sulfide copper and silver ores occur in the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. The average lead contents are only in the range of 0.05-0.3%, therefore the lead recovery is possible only in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2023 the copper and silver processing was accompanied by a recovery of 29.51 thousand tonnes of lead.
The most important prospects for the Zn-Pb ores resources growths are connected with the Silesian-Cracow region – where in the carbonate rocks of the Middle Triassic and the Devonian age the sulfide Zn-Pb mineralization of the MVT type occur. As of the 31 December 2018, in the Olkusz region, the estimated prognostic resources are equal about 35 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores, whereas in the Zawiercie region – about 25 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores*. The Zn oxide ores (the calamines), occurring in the Silesian-Cracow region have not been exploited for many years and their prognostic resources in the abandoned deposits have to be verified and assessed according to the current limit values of the parameters that define the deposit and its boundaries.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources in the Silesian-Cracow region have been changing markedly during the last several dozen years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration and exploitation of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (the calamines) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in the oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for the classification of oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
The anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31.12.2023 amounted to 91.94 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.90 million tonnes of zinc and 1.46 million tonnes of lead. The resources have not changed in comparison with the previous year.
The majority of the anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores is documented in C2 category (52.15%) and C1 category (25.46%), much less resources in A+B category (14.52%) and in D category (7.87%).
As of 31 December 2023, there was not any exploitation concession valid for zinc and lead deposits, therefore the exploitation of zinc and lead ores in Poland was not recorded.
Table 1. Zinc and lead ores – million tonnesThe figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2023.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of zinc in Poland in the years 1989-2023.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of lead in Poland in the years 1989-2023.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Marcin Tymiński
* Mikulski S.Z., Retman W., 2020 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu (zinc and lead ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 152-161. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].
2022
Occurrence
Documented zinc and lead deposits occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern Poland. The Zn-Pb deposits occurring in this area are related mainly to a carbonate rocks formation of the Silesian-Cracow region built of the Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic sedimentary deposits. Along the regional tectonical Cracow-Libliniec zone these Paleozoic deposits are riddled by the acidic and alcalic igneous-volcanic deposits of the Carboniferous-Permian age. The rock hosting zinc and lead mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of the economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Middle Triassic (Muschelkalk). The zinc-lead ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses, nest-like replacements and pipes. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley-type deposits (MVT).
Resources and output
There are 4 areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. In 2020, the exploitation carried out so far of ores from the Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region was ended. The “Olkusz-Pomorzany” mine was put into liquidation, and the Minister of Climate and Environment on 15 January 2021 decided to extinguish an exploitation concession for above mentioned deposits as of 1 January 2021. The Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of the exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some anticipated sub-economic resources of mainly oxide ores (the so-called “calamines”) with minor participation of sulfide ores. The exploitation of deposits of the 4th region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. The location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
The Zn-Pb concentrations accompanying the sulfide copper and silver ores occur in the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. The average lead contents are only in the range of 0.05-0.3%, therefore the lead recovery is possible only in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2022 the copper and silver processing was accompanied by a recovery of 28.77 thousand tonnes of lead.
The most important prospects for the Zn-Pb ores resources growths are connected with the Silesian-Cracow region – where in the carbonate rocks of the Middle Triassic and the Devonian age the sulfide Zn-Pb mineralization of the MVT type occur. As of the 31 December 2018, in the Olkusz region, the estimated prognostic resources are equal about 35 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores, whereas in the Zawiercie region – about 25 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores*. The Zn oxide ores (the calamines), occurring in the Silesian-Cracow region have not been exploited for many years and their prognostic resources in the abandoned deposits have to be verified and assessed according to the current limit values of the parameters that define the deposit and its boundaries.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources in the Silesian-Cracow region have been changing markedly during the last several dozen years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration and exploitation of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (the calamines) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in the oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for the classification of oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
The anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2022 amounted to 91.94 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.90 million tonnes of zinc and 1.46 million tonnes of lead. The resources of ore increased by 0.96 million tonnes, resources of metallic zinc by 0.05 million tonnes and those of metallic lead by 0.03 million tonnes. It was a result of approval of new documentations with recalculated resources for (supplements) for the Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits – documentations were elaborated to make the resources settlement after the exploitation end. The resources increased significantly especially for the Olkusz deposit (twofold – for ores and metallic zinc, and fourfold – for metallic lead).
The majority of the anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores is documented in C2 category (52.14%) and C1 category (25.46%), much less resources in A+B category (14.52%) and in D category (7.86%).
As of 31 December 2022, there was not any exploitation concession valid for zinc and lead deposits, therefore the exploitation of zinc and lead ores in Poland was not recorded.
In 2021, there was not any output of the Zn-Pb ores recorded in Poland.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2022.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of zinc in Poland in the years 1989-2022.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of lead in Poland in the years 1989-2022.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Marcin Tymiński, Stanisław Z. Mikulski
* Mikulski S.Z., Retman W., 2020 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu (zinc and lead ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 152-161. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].
2021
Occurrence
Documented zinc and lead deposits occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern Poland. The Zn-Pb deposits occurring in this area are related mainly to a carbonate rocks formation of the Silesian-Cracow region built of the Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic sedimentary deposits. Along the regional tectonical Cracow-Libliniec zone these Paleozoic deposits are riddled by the acidic and alcalic igneous-volcanic deposits of the Carboniferous-Permian age. The rock hosting zinc and lead mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of the economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Middle Triassic (Muschelkalk). The zinc-lead ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses, nest-like replacements and pipes. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley-type deposits (MVT).
Resources and output
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. In 2020, the exploitation carried out so far of ores from the Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region was ended. The “Olkusz-Pomorzany” mine was put into liquidation, and the Minister of Climate and Environment on 15 January 2021 decided to extinguish an exploitation concession for above mentioned deposits as of 1 January 2021. The Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of the exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some anticipated sub-economic resources of mainly oxide ores (the so-called “calamines”) with minor participation of sulfide ores. The exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. The location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
The Zn-Pb concentrations accompanying the sulfide copper and silver ores occur in the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. The average lead contents are only in the range of 0.05-0.3%, therefore the lead recovery is possible only in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2021 the copper and silver processing was accompanied by a recovery of 29.43 thousand tonnes of lead.
The most important prospects for the Zn-Pb ores resources growths are connected with the Silesian-Cracow region – where in the carbonate rocks of the Middle Triassic and the Devonian age the sulfide Zn-Pb mineralization of the MVT type occur. As of the 31 December 2018, in the Olkusz region, the estimated prognostic resources are equal about 35 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores, whereas in the Zawiercie region – about 25 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores*. The Zn oxide ores (the calamines), occurring in the Silesian-Cracow region have not been exploited for many years and their prognostic resources in the abandoned deposits have to be verified and assessed according to the current limit values of the parameters that define the deposit and its boundaries.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources in the Silesian-Cracow region have been changing markedly during the last several dozen years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration and exploitation of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (the calamines) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in the oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for the classification of oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
The anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2021 amounted to 90.98 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.85 million tonnes of zinc and 1.43 million tonnes of lead. The resources both of ore and of metallic zinc and lead have not changed due to the lack of the output. In 2021, as the result of the finished exploitation, there was a new geological documentation (supplement) approved for the Klucze I deposit – it did not change the resources volume in comparison with 2020. The resources remained in accordance with the last information on the resources changes sent to the PGI-NRI by the concession holder.
The majority of the anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores is documented in C2 category (52.69%) and C1 category (25.73%), less resources in A+B category (13.62%) and in D category (7.95%).
As of 31 December 2021, in the registry there were not any economic resources indicated due to the extinction of exploitation concessions for the following deposits: Klucze 1, Olkusz and Pomorzany.
In 2021, there was not any output of the Zn-Pb ores recorded in Poland.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2021.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of zinc in Poland in the years 1989-2021.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of lead in Poland in the years 1989-2021.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Marcin Tymiński, Stanisław Z. Mikulski
* Mikulski S.Z., Retman W., 2020 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu (zinc and lead ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 152-161. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].
2020
Occurrence
Documented zinc and lead deposits occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern Poland. The Zn-Pb deposits occurring in that area are related mainly to the carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region built of the Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic sedimentary deposits. Along the regional tectonical Cracow-Libliniec zone these Paleozoic deposits are riddled by the acidic and alcalic igneous-volcanic depoists of the Carboniferous-Permian age. The rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of an economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The zinc-lead ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley-type deposits (MVT).
Resources and output
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. in 2020, the exploitation was carried out from Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region. The Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of the exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some anticipated sub-economic accumulations of mainly oxide ores with minor participation of sulfide ores. The exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. The location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
The Zn-Pb concentrations accompanying the sulfide copper ores occur in the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. The average lead contents are only in the range of 0.05-0.3%, therefore the lead recovery is possible only in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2020 the copper processing was accompanied by a recovery of 28.79 thousand tonnes of lead.
The most important prospects for the Zn-Pb ores resources growths are connected with the Silesian-Cracow region – where in the carbonate rocks of the Middle Triassic and the Devonian age the sulfide Zn-Pb mineralization od the MVT type occur. As of the 31 December 2018, in the Olkusz region, the estimated prognostic resources are equal about 35 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores, whereas in the Zawiercie region – about 25 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores*. The Zn oxide ores (the calamines), occurring in the Silesian-Cracow region have not been exploited for many years and their prognostic resources in the abandoned deposits have to be verified and assessed according to the current limit values of the parameters that define the deposit and its borders.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources in the Silesian-Cracow region have been changing markedly during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration and exploitation of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (the calamines) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in the oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for the classification of oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
The anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2020 amounted to 90.98 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.85 million tonnes of zinc and 1.43 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 1.17 million tonnes of ore (that is by 1.27%), 0.05 million tonnes of zinc (1.28%) and 0.03 million tonnes of lead (2.05%). The resources changes were the result of the exploitation and losses.
The majority of the anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores is documented in C2 category (52.69%) and C1 category (25.73%), less resources in A+B category (13.62%) and in D category (7.95%).
The anticipated economic resources within the exploited deposits account for 15.21% of the total sulfide ore resources. The economic resources of exploited deposits amounted to 2.05 million tonnes of ore containing 0.08 million tonnes of zinc and 0.04 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 1.71 million tonnes (45.48%) in comparison with 2019 due to the exploitation and losses.
In 2020, Polish mines extracted 1,435 thousand tonnes of ore yielding 43 thousand tonnes of zinc and 18 thousand tonnes of lead. The exploitation of ore decreased by 75 thousand tonnes (4.97%), whereas the output of zinc grew by 3 thousand tonnes (7.50%) and that of lead dropped by 2 thousand tonnes (10.00%).
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2020.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of zinc in Poland in the years 1989-2020.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of lead in Poland in the years 1989-2020.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
* Mikulski S.Z., Retman W., 2020 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu (zinc and lead ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 152-161. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].
2019
Occurrence
Zinc and lead deposits of an economic value occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern Poland. The deposits occurring in that area are related mainly to the carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region built of the Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic sedimentary deposits. Along the regional tectonical Cracow-Libliniec zone these Paleozoic deposits are riddled by the acidic and alcalic igneous-volcanic depoists of the Carboniferous-Permian age. The rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of an economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The zinc-lead ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley-type deposits (MVT).
Resources and output
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. The exploitation is currently carried out from Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region. In this area, in 2019 there was a new Zn-Pb sulfide ores deposit documented – Laski 1 (the deposit was documentation was the result of Laski, Pomorzany and Bolesław deposits division). The Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of the exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some anticipated sub-economic accumulations of mainly oxide ores with minor participation of sulfide ores. The exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. The location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
The Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. The average lead contents are only in the range of 0.05-0.3%, therefore the lead recovery is possible only in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2019 the copper processing was accompanied by a recovery of 28.51 thousand tonnes of lead.
The most important prospects for the Zn-Pb ores resources growths are connected with the Silesian-Cracow region – where in the carbonate rocks of the Middle Triassic and the Devonian age the sulfide Zn-Pb mineralization od the MVT type occur. As of the 31 December 2018, in the Olkusz region, the estimated prognostic resources are equal about 35 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores, whereas in the Zawiercie region – about 25 million tonnes of the Zn-Pb ores*. The Zn oxide ores (the calamines), occurring in the Silesian-Cracow region have not been exploited for many years and their prognostic resources in the abandoned deposits have to be verified and assessed according to the current limit values of the parameters that define the deposit and its borders.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources in the Silesian-Cracow region have been changing markedly during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration and exploitation of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (the calamines) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in the oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for the classification of oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
The anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2019 amounted to 92.15 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.90 million tonnes of zinc and 1.46 million tonnes of lead. The resources increased by 8.19 million tonnes of ore (that is by 9.75%), 0.31 million tonnes of zinc (8.64%) and 0.05 million tonnes of lead (3.55%). It was mainly the result of the new deposit Laski 1 (+10.77 million tonnes of ore) and the better exploration of Zawiercie 3 deposit – described in the new geological documentation with recalculated resources (+2.94 million tonnes). Due to the documentation of Laski 1 deposit, there was the new documentation with recalculated resources elaborated – the resources decreased by 6.45 million tonnes. The new documentations with recalculated resources were also elaborated for Pomorzany and Klucze I. The anticipated economic resources changes were also the result of the exploitation and losses. Moreover, in 2019 there was also the new documentation with recalculated resources prepared for Bolesław deposit, in which the anticipated sub-economic resources decreased by 0.33 million tonnes – the part of the deposit was included into Laski 1 deposit.
The majority of the anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores is documented in C2 category (52.02%) and C1 category (25.41%), less resources in A+B category (14.72%) and in D category (7.85%).
The anticipated economic resources in exploited deposits account for 16.28% of the total sulfide ore resources. The economic resources of exploited deposits amounted to 3.76 million tonnes of ore containing 0.15 million tonnes of zinc and 0.07 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 0.65 million tonnes (14.74%) in comparison with 2018 due to the exploitation and losses. In 2019, there was a new mining development plan (the supplement no 2) for Klucze I elaborated as a result of the exploitation concession change.
In 2019, Polish mines extracted 1,510 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 40 thousand tonnes of zinc and 20 thousand tonnes of lead. The exploitation of ore decreased by 84 thousand tonnes (5.27%), whereas the output of zinc dropped by 3 thousand tonnes (6.98%) and that of lead increased by 7 thousand tonnes (53.85%).
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2019.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of zinc in Poland in the years 1989-2019.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of lead in Poland in the years 1989-2019.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
* Mikulski S.Z., Retman W., 2020 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu (zinc and lead ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 152-161. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.
2018
Zinc and lead deposits of an economic value occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern Poland. Deposits occurring in that area are related mainly to the carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region built of Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic sedimentary deposits. Along the regional tectonical Cracow-Libliniec zone these Paleozoic deposits are riddled by the acidic and alcalic igneous-volcanic depoists of the Carboniferous-Permian age. The rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of an economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The zinc-lead ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley-type deposits (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. The exploitation is currently carried out from Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of the exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some anticipated sub-economic accumulations of mainly oxide ores with minor participation of sulfide ores. The exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. In 2018, there were not any works carried out within concession areas. The location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. The average lead contents are only in the range of 0.05-0.3%, therefore the lead recovery is possible only in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2018 the copper processing was accompanied by a recovery of 27.21 thousand tonnes of lead.
The best prospective of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources growth can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in the Olkusz region amount to 50 million tonnes and in the Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009*. Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources in the Silesian-Cracow region have been changing markedly during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration and exploitation of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in the oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for the classification of oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2018 amounted to 83.96 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.59 million tonnes of zinc and 1.41 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 0.46 million tonnes of ore, 0.04 million tonnes of zinc and 0.02 million tonnes of lead. It was the result of the exploitation and losses. The majority of resources have been documented in a C2 category (51.53%) and a C1 category (25.77%), much less in A+B categories (14.86%), whereas only 7.84% in a D category.
Anticipated economic resources in exploited deposits account for 16.77% of the total sulfide ore resources. Economic resources of exploited deposits amounted to 4.41 million tonnes of ore containing 0.20 million tonnes of zinc and 0.07 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 0.55 million tonnes in comparison with 2017.
In 2018, Polish mines extracted 1,594 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 43 thousand tonnes of zinc and 13 thousand tonnes of lead. The exploitation of ore decreased by 117 thousand tonnes (6.84%), whereas the output of zinc dropped by 7 thousand tonnes (14.00%) and that of lead remained at the same level.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2018.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of zinc in Poland in the years 1989-2018.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of lead in Poland in the years 1989-2018.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
*Mikulski S.Z., Strzelska-Smakowska B., Retman W., 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 94-104. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.
2017
Zinc and lead deposits of an economic value occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern Poland. This area has a long tradition of a zinc and lead mining, dating back to the Middle Ages. Deposits occurring in that area are related mainly to the carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region with Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic sedimentary basement. The rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of an economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The zinc-lead ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley type (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposit in the Olkusz region are currently under exploitation. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of the exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some anticipated sub-economic accumulations of mainly oxide ores with minor participation of sulfide ores. The exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. In 2017, there were not any works carried out within concession areas. The location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. These concentrations are high enough for the lead recovery in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2017 the copper processing was accompanied by a recovery of 26.00 thousand tonnes of lead.
The best prospective of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources growth can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in the Olkusz region amount to 50 million tonnes and in the Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009*. Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources of the Silesian-Cracow region have been changing markedly during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration and exploitation of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in the oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for classification of Zn oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2017 amounted to 84.42 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.63 million tonnes of zinc and 1.43 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 0.58 million tonnes of ore, 0.02 million tonnes of zinc and 0.02 million tonnes of lead. It was the result of the exploitation and losses. The majority of resources have been documented in a C2 category (51.26%) and a C1 category (26.11%), much less in A+B categories (14.84%), whereas only 7.79% in a D category. The anticipated sub-economic resources of Jaworzno deposit, which were mistakenly given in the previous edition of “The balance…” – were corrected.
Anticipated economic resources in exploited deposits account for 17.22% of total resources. Economic resources of exploited deposits amounted to 4.96 million tonnes of ore (containing 0.23 million tonnes of zinc and 0.08 million tonnes of lead). These resources decreased by 0.89 million tonnes in comparison with 2016.
In 2017, Polish mines extracted 1,711 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 50 thousand tonnes of zinc and 13 thousand tonnes of lead. The exploitation of ore decreased by 461 thousand tonnes (21.22%), whereas the output of zinc and lead dropped by 11 thousand tonnes (18.03%) and 4 thousand tonnes (23.53%), respectively.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2017.
The figure below shows changes in resources and output of zinc in Poland in the years 1989-2017.
The figure below shows changes in resources and ouput of lead in Poland in the years 1989-2017.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
*Mikulski S.Z., Strzelska-Smakowska B., Retman W., 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 94-104. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.
2016
Zinc and lead deposits of an economic value occur in the area of the northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. This area has a long tradition of zinc and lead mining, dating back to the Middle Ages. Deposits occurring in that area are related to carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region with Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic basement. Rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of an economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, sub-horizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley type (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region are currently under exploitation. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of the historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in the result of exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some sub-economic accumulations of mainly oxide ores. Exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. Nowadays, there are exploration and documentation works carried out within concession areas. Location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. These concentrations are high enough for the lead recovery in the course of a copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2016 the copper processing was accompanied by a recovery of 26.06 thousand tonnes of lead.
The highest increase of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in the Olkusz region amounted to 50 million tonnes and in the Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009*. Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimations of Zn-Pb ores resources of the Silesian-Cracow region have been markedly changing during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from an intense exploration of the deposits and on the other – from a crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with a technology used at that time in oxide ore processing. The problems in the technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for classification of Zn oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2016 amounted to 85.00 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.65 million tonnes of zinc and 1.44 million tonnes of lead. The resources increased by 1.18 million tonnes of ore, 0.08 million tonnes of zinc and 0.02 million tonnes of lead. It was the result of the more detailed exploration of Klucze I deposit during mining works. The majority of resources have been documented in C2 category (51%) and C1 category (26%), whereas only 8% in D category.
Anticipated economic resources in exploited deposits account for 17.78% of total resources. Economic resources amounted to 5.85 million tonnes of ore (containing 0.27 million tonnes of zinc and 0.10 million tonnes of lead). These resources increased by 0.32 million tonnes in comparison with 2015.
In 2016, Polish mines extracted 2,172 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 61 thousand tonnes of zinc and 17 thousand tonnes of lead (table 2). The exploitation decreased by 69 thousand tonnes (3.08%).
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2016.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
*Mikulski S.Z., Strzelska-Smakowska B., Retman W., 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 94-104. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.
2015
The area of northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin has a long tradition of zinc and lead mining, dating back to the Middle Ages. Deposits occurring in that area are related to carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region with Permo-Mesozoic successions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic basement. Rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization ranges in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of economic importance are mainly related to the ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, subhorizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of Zn-Pb deposits occurrence of the so-called Mississippi Valley type (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. Klucze I, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region are currently under exploitation. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom and Chrzanów regions are of historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in result of exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some subeconomic accumulations of mainly oxide ores. Exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) have not started up to now. Nowadays, there are exploration and documentation works carried out within concession areas. Location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. These concentrations are high enough for lead recovery in the course of copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2015 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 29.00 thousand tonnes of lead.
The highest increase of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in Olkusz region amounted to 50 million tonnes and in Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009*. Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimates of Zn-Pb ores resources of the Silesian-Cracow region have been markedly changing during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from intense exploration of the deposits and on the other – from crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. The decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with technology used at that time in oxide ore processing. The problems in technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for classification of Zn oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2015 amounted to 83.82 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.57 million tonnes of zinc and 1.42 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 2.20 million tonnes of ore, 0.11 million tonnes of zinc and 0.03 million tonnes of lead. It was due to the new documentations with recalculated resources approved for Klucze and Klucze I deposits and due to the exploitation and losses. The part of the Klucze deposit was subsumed into Klucze I deposit, therefore these two documentations had to be elaborated. There was also the archival documentation with new resources for Jaworzno deposit taking into account in “The balance…”.
Anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits account for 16.6% of total resources. Economic resources amounted to 5.53 million tonnes of ore (containing 0.23 million tonnes of zinc and 0.10 million tonnes of lead). These resources decreased by 1.47 million tonnes.
In 2015, Polish mines extracted 2,241 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 65 thousand tonnes of zinc and 20 thousand tonnes of lead (table 2). The exploitation decreased by 56 thousand tonnes (2.4%).
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2015.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
*Mikulski S.Z., Strzelska-Smakowska B., Retman W., 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 94-104. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.
2014
The area of northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin has a long tradition of zinc and lead mining, dating back to the Middle Ages. Deposits occurring in that area are related to carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region with Permo-Mesozoic succesions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic basement. Rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization range in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of economic importance are mainly related with ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, subhorizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of occurrence of Zn-Pb deposits of the so-called Missisipi Valley type (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. The Balin-Trzebionka deposit in the Chrzanów region and the Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region are currently under exploitation. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom region are of historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in result of exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some subeconomic accumulations of mainly oxide ores. Exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) did not start up to now. Nowadays, there are exploration and documentation works carried on within concession areas. Location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. These concentrations are high enough for lead recovery in the course of copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2014 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 27.11 thousand tonnes of lead.
The highest increase of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in Olkusz region amounted to 50 million tonnes and in Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009*). Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimates of resources of Zn-Pb ores of the Silesian-Cracow region were markedly changing during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from intense exploration of the deposits and on the other – from crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. This decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with technology used at that time in oxide ore processing. The problems in technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for classification of Zn oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2014 are equal 86.02 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.68 million tonnes of zinc and 1.45 million tonnes of lead. The resources increased by 11.73 million tonnes of ore, 0.39 million tonnes of zinc and 0.11 million tonnes of lead. It was mainly due to the approving of new Zawiercie 3 deposit documentation. This deposit came into existence from Zawiercie I and Zawiercie obszar Zawiercie II deposits. Therefore, the resources of Zawiercie I decreased significantly whereas Zawiercie obszar Zawiercie II deposit was crossed out of “The balance…”. The resources (anticipated economic and economic) growth of Klucze I deposit was due to its better exploration.
Anticipated economic resources in exploited deposits account for 17.60% of total resources. Economic resources amounted to 7.00 million tonnes of ore (containing 0.29 million tonnes of zinc and 0.12 million tonnes of lead). These resources decreased by 1.18 million tonnes.
In 2014, Polish mines extracted 2,297 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 70 thousand tonnes of zinc and 24 thousand tonnes of lead.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2014.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
(1)Mikulski S.Z., Strzelska-Smakowska B., Retman W., 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 94-104. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.
2013
The area of northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin has a long tradition of zinc and lead mining, dating back to the Middle Ages. Deposits occurring in that area are related to carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region with Permo-Mesozoic succesions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic basement. Rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization range in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of economic importance are mainly related with ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, subhorizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of occurrence of Zn-Pb deposits of the so-called Missisipi Valley type (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. The Klucze 1, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region are currently under exploitation. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom region are of historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in result of exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some subeconomic accumulations of mainly oxide ores. Exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) has not started up to now. Nowadays, there are exploration and documentation works carried on within concession areas. Location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. These concentrations are high enough for lead recovery in the course of copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2013 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 26.71 thousand tonnes of lead.
The highest increase of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in Olkusz region amounted to 50 million tonnes and in Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009(1). Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimates of resources of Zn-Pb ores of the Silesian-Cracow region were markedly changing during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from intense exploration of the deposits and on the other – from crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. This decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with technology used at that time in oxide ore processing. The problems in technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for classification of Zn oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the new Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2013 are equal 74.29 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.30 million tonnes of zinc and 1.34 million tonnes of lead. The resources decreased by 2.86 million tonnes of ore, 0.12 million tonnes of zinc and 0.11 million tonnes of lead mainly due to the exploitation and the reset of oxide ore resources from Sikorka deposit.
Anticipated economic resources in exploited deposits account for 21.64% of total resources. Economic resources amounted to 8.18 million tonnes of ore (containing 0.34 million tonnes of zinc and 0.14 million tonnes of lead). These resources decreased by 1.45 million tonnes.
In 2013, Polish mines extracted 2,328 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 73 thousand tonnes of zinc and 25 thousand tonnes of lead.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2013.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
(1) S.Z. Mikulski, B. Strzelska-Smakowska, W. Retman, 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’ in ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicza, T. Smakowskiego, S. Speczika. PIG-PIB Warszawa.
2012
The area of northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin has a long tradition of zinc and lead mining, dating back to the Middle Ages. Deposits occurring in that area are related to carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region with Permo-Mesozoic succesions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic basement. Rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization range in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of economic importance are mainly related with ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, subhorizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of occurrence of Zn-Pb deposits of the so-called Missisipi Valley type (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. The Klucze 1, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region are currently under exploitation. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom region are of historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in result of exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some subeconomic accumulations of mainly oxide ores. Exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) did not start up to now. Location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. These concentrations are high enough for lead recovery in the course of copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2012 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 30 thousand tonnes of lead.
The highest increase of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in Olkusz region amounted to 50 million tonnes and in Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009(1). Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimates of resources of Zn-Pb ores of the Silesian-Cracow region were markedly changing during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from intense exploration of the deposits and on the other – from crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. This decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with technology used at that time in oxide ore processing. The problems in technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for classification of Zn oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. According to the new Geological and Mining Law obliging since the 1 January 2012 there are separated criteria for sulphide and oxide ores deposits called “the limit values of the parameters that defines the deposit and its boundaries”.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2012 were equal 77.15 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.42 million tonnes of zinc and 1.45 million tonnes of lead. Anticipated economic resources in exploited deposits account for 23% of total resources. Economic resources amounted to 9.63 million tonnes of ore (with 0.41 million tonnes of zinc and 0.18 million tonnes of lead). These resources decreased by 1.76 million tones.
In 2012, Polish mines extracted 2,329 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 75 thousand tonnes of zinc and 27 thousand tonnes of lead. The domestic production of ores is too small for full use of production potential of Zn-Pb processing plants.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2012.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
(1) S.Z. Mikulski, B. Strzelska-Smakowska, W. Retman, 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’ in ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicza, T. Smakowskiego, S. Speczika. PIG-PIB Warszawa.
2011
The area of northern and north-eastern margin of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin has a long tradition of zinc and lead mining, dating back to the Middle Ages. Deposits occurring in that area are related to carbonate rock formations of the Silesian-Cracow region with Permo-Mesozoic succesions resting monoclinally on the Paleozoic basement. Rock hosting Zn-Pb mineralization range in age from the Devonian to Jurassic. Resources of economic importance are mainly related with ore accumulations in the so-called ore-bearing dolomites of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic). The ores occur in the form of pseudo-layers, subhorizontal lenses and nest-like replacements. The Silesian-Cracow region is regarded as the world's largest area of occurrence of Zn-Pb deposits of the so-called Missisipi Valley type (MVT).
Four areas of Zn-Pb ore deposits are recognized in the Silesian-Cracow region: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Bytom and Zawiercie regions. The Klucze 1, Olkusz and Pomorzany deposits in the Olkusz region are currently under exploitation. Zn-Pb deposits of the Bytom region are of historical and scientific importance only. The deposits have been exhausted in result of exploitation conducted since the Middle Ages and now comprise some subeconomic accumulations of mainly oxide ores. Exploitation of deposits of the fourth region (Zawiercie) did not start up to now. Location of Zn-Pb ores deposits in Poland are presented on the general and detailed maps.
Zn-Pb concentrations occur also in copper ores of the Zeschstein copper-silver deposits in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. These concentrations are high enough for lead recovery in the course of copper concentrate treatment in smelters. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper S.A., in 2011 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 30 thousand tonnes of lead.
The highest increase of sulfide Zn-Pb ore resources can be expected in the Silesian-Cracow region. Prognostic resources in Olkusz region amounted to 50 million tonnes and in Zawiercie region to 15 million tonnes as of 31 December 2009(1). Zinc oxide ore (galmans) prognostic resources are assessed to be equal 60 million tonnes, including 51 million tonnes in abandoned deposits and 9 million tonnes in mining dumps.
Estimates of resources of Zn-Pb ores of the Silesian-Cracow region were markedly changing during the last 50 years. These changes resulted on one hand from intense exploration of the deposits and on the other – from crossing out the resources of zinc oxide ores (galmans) from the official records of domestic resources of mineral raw materials. This decision to cross out the resources was connected with high occupational and environmental hazards associated with technology used at that time in oxide ore processing. The problems in technology were finally solved. Therefore, it appeared necessary to introduce special criteria for classification of Zn oxide ore resources not meeting those of the sulfide ores. Such separate criteria for Zn oxide ore resources were established by the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on classification for mineral reserves and resources of 9 January 2007. Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of Zn-Pb deposits.
Anticipated economic resources of Zn-Pb ores as of 31 December 2011 were equal 79.01 million tonnes of ore yielding 3.52 million tonnes of zinc and 1.48 million tonnes of lead.
In 2011, Polish mines extracted 2,345 thousand tonnes of ores yielding 82 thousand tonnes of zinc and 28 thousand tonnes of lead. The domestic production of ores is too small for full use of production potential of Zn-Pb processing plants.
The figure given below shows changes in resources and production of zinc and lead ores in Poland in the years 1989-2011.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński
(1) S.Z. Mikulski, B. Strzelska-Smakowska, W. Retman, 2011 – ‘Rudy cynku i ołowiu’ w ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicza, T. Smakowskiego, S. Speczika. PIG-PIB Warszawa.