Geochemical distribution and correlations of Cd-Ag-Sb in relation to Pb-Zn mineralization at the Trepça mine, Kosovo

Festim Kutllovci¹, Berat Sinani¹

¹University “Isa Boletini”, Mitrovica, Kosovo

Min. miner. depos. 2025, 19(4):12-21

https://doi.org/10.33271/mining19.04.012

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ABSTRACT

Purpose. The study aims to investigate the geochemical distribution and inter-element correlations of cadmium (Cd), silver (Ag), and antimony (Sb) within the polymetallic Pb-Zn ore system of the Trepça mine (Kosovo). These elements, considered technologically critical due to their growing industrial relevance, were examined to define their paragenetic relationships with the principal sulfide minerals (galena and sphalerite), and to elucidate their spatial patterns within the mineralized zones.

Methods. Representative samples were collected from each active ore body within Horizons VIII-XI of the Trepça deposit. Each sample underwent drying, multi-stage grinding, acid digestion, and chemical analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The obtained analytical data were statistically processed to determine descriptive parameters and Pearson correlation coefficients, while geochemical contour maps were generated using Surfer software to visualize spatial distributions.

Findings. Cadmium concentrations ranged from 34 to 1125 ppm (average ≈ 308 ppm), silver from 20 to 389 ppm (average ≈ 93 ppm), and antimony from 42 to 512 ppm (average ≈ 171 ppm). Strong positive correlations were observed between Ag and Pb (r = 0.94) and between Cd and Zn (r = 0.77), indicating two dominant geochemical associations: a Pb-Ag paragenetic group and a Zn-Cd-Sb assemblage. The vertical and spatial distributions confirm a continuous Pb-Zn-Ag-Cd-Sb zonation typical of hydrothermal replacement systems.

Originality. This work provides the first integrated statistical and spatial characterization of Ag-Cd-Sb in relation to Pb-Zn mineralization in the Trepça mine. It demonstrates the vertical persistence of these geochemical patterns across multiple horizons and highlights the evolving hydrothermal conditions controlling their deposition.

Practical implications. The identified Pb-Ag and Zn-Cd-Sb assemblages serve as reliable geochemical indicators for exploration and selective ore processing. The results confirm the potential recovery of Ag, Cd, and Sb as valuable by-products from Pb-Zn ores, contributing to more sustainable and resource-efficient utilization of the Trepça deposit.

Keywords: Trepça, mine, geochemistry, distribution, critical minerals

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