ABSTRACT
Alum shales found in Sweden are enriched in As and trace metals like Mo, Zn, Cd, Ni and U with the redox conditions being crucial for the mobilization of those elements. The shales have been mined, e.g. for uranium. Uranium is mobilized under oxidizing conditions, while arsenic is mobilized under reducing conditions. This plays a role under natural conditions in the alum shale but more so in the tailings after mining. An investigation of a natural area indicates small environmental risks while the utilization of the shales has left tailings that tend to leak into the environment.
