Emphasizing Environmental Management and Monitoring - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 456

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Emphasizing

Environmental

Management

and Monitoring

Managing what Matters

SULPHUR

Sulphur is a yellow solid non-metal with a low melting point. Although sulphur is an
essential element for all organisms, many sulphur compounds such as sulphur dioxide
and hydrogen sulphide are toxic to humans. Sulphur combines with many metals to
form sulphides which form the major ores for copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc and
many less common metals. Oxidation of sulphides generates sulphates, most of which
are soluble. Native or elemental sulphur occurs in evaporates and around many
volcanic vents. The most common use of sulphur is in the manufacture of sulphuric
acid, one of the most common materials used in industrial processes. Sulphur is also
used in vulcanizing rubber and for a variety of medicinal purposes.