Galena cubic unit cell much like the mineral halite of the halide mineral group. Zinc, cadmium, iron, copper, antimony, arsenic, bismuth and selenium also occur in variable amounts in galena. Selenium substitutes for sulfur in the structure constituting a solid solution series. The lead telluride mineral altaite has the same crystal structure as galena. Within the weathering or oxidation zone galena alters to anglesite (lead sulfate) or cerussite (lead carbonate). Galena exposed to acid mine drainage can be oxidized to anglesite by naturally occurring bacteria and archaea, in a process similar to bioleaching. One of the oldest uses of galena was
Mineral industry of Europe a row; the increase was 2% from the previous year, and production amounted to almost 89.1 million tons. Of all the global market mining of ore, eastern Europe was the smallest region accounting around just 1% of the market, the use of robots in the metal ore mining industry is improving the efficiency and productivity of mines and reduces operational costs. The EU metallic mining sector produces a wide range of ores yielding metal substances. Mineral industry of Europe The European mining industry has a long tradition, right now it is by far the continent's most modern and innovative industrial