Evaluation of the level of thorium in Yargalma gold ore by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry following a sample pretreatment was used to evaluate the elemental composition of Yargalma gold ore. The Yargalma gold ore contained Si(31.43%), Pb(8.72%), Fe(2.78%), Au(1.02%), Cu(0.39%), S(0.29%) Ba(0.26%), W(0.14%), Th(0.10%),  K(0.07%),  Ca(0.06%), Cr(0.06%),  Ti(0.01%),  Ni(0.02%),  Mn(0.02%),  and Hg(0.02%) respectively. The analytical study for the first time has provided a baseline data on the level of thorium and other elemental composition in Yargalma gold ore, a baseline information on the anthropogenic impact of environmental pollution in the mining community and the basis for planning management strategy to achieve better environmental quality. The main health concern for environmental exposure to thorium is generally bone cancer, blood disorders and liver tumors.

Keywords: Thorium, Goldore, Yargalma, Pellet, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry