scholarly journals Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Seabed Sediments of the Chiloé–Taitao Area, Southern Chile, and Implications for Ore Deposits

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 903
Author(s):  
Marisol Pérez ◽  
Marcelo García ◽  
Brian Townley ◽  
Katja Deckart
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Xrd Analysis ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Geochemical Analyses ◽  
Seabed Sediments

The oceanic seabed contains a variety of mineral resources related exclusively to submarine environments. Limited information has been documented for the seabed offshore of Chile, which is particularly interesting due to its geodynamic context and large area. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses of 16 sites within the Chiloé–Taitao area, from 83 to 3388 m in depth, were carried out. The most abundant minerals are quartz, feldspars, pyroxenes, amphiboles, epidote, and biotite, with lower quantities of zircon, white mica, olivine, pyrite, magnetite, ilmenite, and hematite. Framboidal pyrites are mainly present at >900 m depth, and could be associated with methane hydrates, which have been reported in the area and its surroundings. Tenorite, sphalerite, tennantite, cordierite, birnessite, and tellurobismuthite were revealed by XRD analysis at low concentrations but at many sites. Birnessite, a Fe–Mn nodule-forming mineral, was widely detected, and Pearson correlations showed elemental associations related to the presence of Mn oxides. Samples did not evidence Fe–Mn nodules, probably due to the redox and depth conditions. Nonetheless, it is probable that to the west, polymetallic nodules are present in deeper zones. In the southern part of the area, reflective grains were identified, with up to 58.3 wt.% Cu; these grains might be derived from the continent or formed by in situ diagenetic precipitation.

scholarly journals Quantitative Expression of the Burial Phenomenon of Deep Seafloor Manganese Nodules

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
Akira Tsune
Keyword(s):  
Recent Progress ◽  
Mathematical Expression ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Economic Potential ◽  
Visual Data ◽  
Manganese Nodules ◽  
Quantitative Expression ◽  
Size Number ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Geological Origin

Manganese (polymetallic) nodules on the deep seafloor in the open ocean have attracted great interest because of their economic potential. Visual data on nodules found on the deep seafloor such as photographs and videos have increased exponentially with the recent progress of related technologies. These data are expected to reflect useful information for estimating these mineral resources, as well as understanding their geological origin. Although the size, number, and coverage of manganese nodules have been measured in seafloor images, the burial of such nodules has not been sufficiently examined. This paper focuses on mathematical expression of the burial of the manganese nodules and attempts to quantitatively elucidate relations among burial degree and nodule geological parameters. The results, that is, a dataset obtained by calculations of relations among parameters, are also utilized for considerations of quantitative expression of burial. These considerations are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the geological origin of manganese nodules.

Experience in the development of innovative underground geotechnologies for mining of ore deposits

2020 ◽  
pp. 338-350
Author(s):  
I. V. Sokolov ◽  
Y. G. Antipin ◽  
N. V. Gobov ◽  
I. V. Nikitin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Operating Costs ◽  
Processing Waste ◽  
Ore Preparation ◽  
Additional Value

Based on an analysis of the design principles and practice of underground mining of ore deposits, the most significant features, trends to develop and directions to enhance of underground geotechnology in the field of opening and preparation, mining systems, filling works and ore preparation have been established. The main signs of innovation - scientific research and implementation in production in order to obtain additional value, are highlighted. Various approaches to the development of innovative underground geotechnologies are shown and a methodology for their justification is formulated based on a systematic approach implemented in the framework of the concept of integrated development of mineral resources and on the principles of economic efficiency, industrial and environmental safety, completeness of subsoil development. The experience of the IM UB RAS on the development and implementation of innovative underground geotechnologies in the design and industrial operation of a number of ore deposits is given, which significantly increased the completeness and quality of ore extraction from the subsoil, increased labor productivity in sinking and stoping works, reduced capital and operating costs for ore mining and to utilize mining and processing waste in the mined-out space.

Estimation of copper ore deposit parameters – case study of Rudna Mine mining block R-1 (SW part of Poland) using geostatistics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Namysłowska-Wilczyńska
Keyword(s):  
Carbonate Rocks ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Upper Permian ◽  
Spatial Analyses ◽  
Copper Ore ◽  
Cu Content ◽  
Copper Mineralization ◽  
Rock Formations ◽  
Mineralized Zone

<p>This geostatistical study investigates the variation in the basic geological parameters of the lithologically varied deposit in mining block R-1 in the west (W) part of the Rudna Mine (the region Lubin – Sieroszowice, SW part of Poland).</p><p>Data obtained from the sampling (sample size N = 708) of excavations in block R-1 were the input for the spatial analyses. The data are the results of chemical analyses of the Cu content in the (recoverable) deposit series, carried out on channel samples and drilled core samples, taken systematically at every 15-20 m in the headings.</p><p>The deposit profile comprises various rock formations, such as: mineralized Weissliegend sandstones, intensively mineralized upper Permian dolomitic-loamy and loamy copper-bearing schists and carbonate rocks: loamy dolomite, striped dolomite and limy dolomite, of various thickness. No schists formed in some parts of block R-1, which are referred to as the schistless area. The deposit series here is considerably less mineralized (comparing with other mining blocks) even though the mineralization thickness of the sandstone and carbonate rocks reaches as much as 20 m.</p><p>The variation in the Cu content and thickness of the recoverable deposit and the estimated averages Z* of the above parameters were modelled using the variogram function and the ordinary (block) kriging technique. The efficiency of the estimations was characterized.</p><p>As part of the further spatial analyses the Z<sub>s</sub> values of the analysed deposit parameters were simulated using the conditional turning bands simulation. Confidence intervals for the values of averages based on the estimated averages Z* and averages <strong> </strong>based on the simulated values (realizations) Z<sub>s</sub>, showing the uncertainty of the estimations and simulations, were calculated.</p><p>The results of the analyses clearly indicate the shifting of the mineralized zone (the mineralizing solutions), sometimes into the sandstones while spreading throughout the floor of calcareous-dolomitic formations and sometimes into the carbonate rocks, partly entering the roof layers of sandstones. It can be concluded that the process of deposit formation and copper mineralization variation had a multiphase character and the lateral and vertical relocation of the valuable metal ores could play a significant role.</p><p>The combination of various geostatistical techniques - estimation and simulation - will allow for more effective management of natural resources of mineral resources, including copper ore deposits.</p>

scholarly journals Sponge and coral communities of potential mineral resources in the deep-sea: An overview

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Molodtsova ◽  
Christopher Kelley ◽  
Lénaick Menot ◽  
Les Watling
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Manganese Nodules ◽  
Cumulative Impact ◽  
Mining Sites ◽  
Intensive Exploitation ◽  
Coral Communities ◽  
Hard Substrata

Depletion of commercially valuable minerals on land and increased need of such resources for modern electronics and manufacturing is attracting more and more attention to deep-sea mineral deposits such as cobalt crusts, manganese nodules, phosphorites, polymetallic sulfides and even deep-sea ooze. In a few years we expect intensive exploitation in the deep-sea. Being suspension feeders, corals and sponges associated with hard substrata in potential mining sites would be adversely impacted by deep-sea mining. Deep-sea corals and sponges are characterized by extremely slow growth rates and, as can be seen from fishery impacts, they may take decades to centuries to restore. At the same time, they serve as a substrate, shelter and food for a number of associated deep-sea organisms, thus increasing the cumulative impact of their loss. We summarize here the available data on coral and sponge communities of solid deep-sea ore deposits and possible mechanisms driving their diversity.

scholarly journals Microbial communities across a hillslope-riparian transect shaped by proximity to the stream, groundwater table, and weathered bedrock

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adi Lavy ◽  
David Geller McGrath ◽  
Paula B. Matheus Carnevali ◽  
Jiamin Wan ◽  
Wenming Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Riparian Zone ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Metabolic Potential ◽  
Carbon And Nitrogen ◽  
East River ◽  
Mountainous Watersheds ◽  
Geochemical Analyses ◽  
Selenium Reduction ◽  
And Function

AbstractWatersheds are important suppliers of freshwater for human societies. Within mountainous watersheds, microbial communities impact water chemistry and element fluxes as water from precipitation events discharges through soils and underlying weathered rock, yet there is limited information regarding the structure and function of these communities. Within the East River, CO watershed, we conducted a depth-resolved, hillslope to riparian zone transect study to identify factors that control how microorganisms are distributed and their functions. Metagenomic and geochemical analyses indicate that distance from the East River and proximity to groundwater and underlying weathered shale strongly impact microbial community structure and metabolic potential. Riparian zone microbial communities are compositionally distinct from all hillslope communities. Bacteria from phyla lacking isolated representatives consistently increase in abundance with increasing depth, but only in the riparian zone saturated sediments did we find Candidate Phyla Radiation bacteria. Riparian zone microbial communities are functionally differentiated from hillslope communities based on their capacities for carbon and nitrogen fixation and sulfate reduction. Selenium reduction is prominent at depth in weathered shale and saturated riparian zone sediments. We anticipate that the drivers of community composition and metabolic potential identified throughout the studied transect will predict patterns across the larger watershed hillslope system.

Marine Authigenic Deposits Mineral - New Fields for the Development of Rare Earth Resources

2011 ◽  
Vol 291-294 ◽  
pp. 1748-1751
Author(s):  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Chang Shui Liu ◽  
Lian Feng Gao ◽  
Zhen Guo Zhang ◽  
Peng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Rare Earth ◽  
Rare Earth Metals ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Growth History ◽  
Valuable Metals ◽  
The World ◽  
Development And Utilization ◽  
Rare Earth Mineral

Rare earth metals are an important strategic resource. Due to scarce reserves, and large consumer demand, it is facing the crisis of resource depletion. Marine are the largest deposits sites in the world. In the long growth history, marine autogenic sedimentary mineral, such as polymetallic nodules, crusts with large quantities, not only contain the enrichment of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni and other valuable metals, but also contain extremely rare earth elements (REE) in the crust. Thus, in the process of developing marine mineral resources, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni and other metals are used, while it is possible for the development and utilization of the associated rare earth mineral. Marine may become a new field of rare earth resources development.

Mg-K-Fe fluid producing mineral reactions, metasomatism and microfabric development during formation of nodular sillimanite-gneiss in the middle crust

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ane K. Engvik ◽  
Claudia A. Trepmann ◽  
Håkon Austrheim
Keyword(s):  
Stress Condition ◽  
White Mica ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Preferred Orientation ◽  
Reaction Products ◽  
Subsequent Reaction ◽  
Crystallographic Preferred Orientation ◽  
Mineral Reaction ◽  
Metasomatic Fluid ◽  
Mineral Replacement

<p>The Proterozoic gneisses of the Bamble lithotectonic domain (south Norway) underwent intense scapolitisation caused by K- and Mg-rich fluids and extensive albitisation with formation of numerous ore deposits.</p><p>By detailed studies of mineral reaction fabrics we document release of the chemical active Mg, K and Fe-components forming the metasomatic fluid: Breakdown of biotite to muscovite releases K, Mg, Fe, Si and H<sub>2</sub>O. As reaction products tiny Fe-oxide needles are present in the transforming rock. H<sub>2</sub>O is reacting with K-feldspar to produce additional amounts of white mica and quartz. During a subsequent reaction muscovite is replaced to sillimanite again releasing quartz and a K-rich fluid. The reactions form the peculiar sillimanite-nodular quartzite, but also well-foliated sillimanite-mica gneiss.</p><p>Optical and EBSD microfabric studies reveal a shape preferred orientation for quartz, but despite of a pronounced foliation, quartz does not show a crystallographic preferred orientation. A crystallographic preferred orientation is present for mica and sillimanite. Coarse micas show sutured boundaries to quartz, implying low nucleation rates, no crystallographic or surface-energy control during growth and no obvious crystallographic relationship to quartz.</p><p>Our study illustrates the transformation of a quartzofeldspatic lithology into sillimanite-bearing quartzite. The mineral replacement and deformation show ongoing metamorphic reactions during deformation. The microfabric data indicates reaction at non-isostatic stress condition. The deduced mineral replacement reactions document a source of K-, Mg- and Fe-rich metasomatic fluids necessary to cause the pervasive scapolitisation and Fe-deposition in the area. The mineral reactions and deformation produce rocks with a new mineralogy and structure; an increased understanding of these processes is important for the modelling of crustal building and geological history.</p>

Mapping Magmatic and Hydrothermal Processes from Routine Exploration Geochemical Analyses

2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Halley
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Mineral Deposits ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Hydrothermal Processes ◽  
Geochemical Analyses

Abstract Analytical methods used by commercial assay laboratories have improved enormously in recent years. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry methods now report analyses for half of the periodic table with exceptional detection limits and precision. It is becoming commonplace for mining companies to use such methods routinely for the analysis of drill samples throughout mineral deposits. Improvements in software and computing power now allow rapid interrogation of upward of 100,000 assay samples. Geochemical analyses are quantitative, are independent of observer bias, and can form the basis for robust geologic and mineralogical models of mineral deposits, as well as shed light on scientific questions. In particular, consistently collected, high-quality geochemical analyses can significantly improve and systematize logging of lithological and hydrothermal alteration mineralogic changes within drill core. In addition, abundant, high-quality geochemical data provide insights into magmatic and hydrothermal processes that were previously difficult to recognize and that have obvious applications to mineral exploration and improved genetic models of ore deposits. This paper describes a workflow that mining industry geologists can apply to their multielement analysis data to extract more information about magma compositions and gangue mineralogy.

scholarly journals The Recovery of Valuable Metals from Ocean Polymetallic Nodules Using Solid-State Metalized Reduction Technology

Minerals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Zhao ◽  
Xunxiong Jiang ◽  
Shengdong Wang ◽  
Linyong Feng ◽  
Da Li
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Magnetic Separation ◽  
Ferrous Metal ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Metal Extraction ◽  
Metallic State ◽  
Ferrous Metals ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Valuable Metals ◽  
Pre Treatment

Ocean polymetallic nodules are oxide ores rich in Ni, Co, Cu, and Mn, which are valuable metals found in deep-sea mineral resources. Such non-ferrous metals do not exist in isolation, and producing concentrates using conventional mineral separation techniques is challenging without pre-treatment. We propose an effective, environmentally-friendly recovery technology combined with solid-state metalized reduction treatment and magnetic separation to recycle these metals from ocean polymetallic nodules. We conducted single-factor tests to investigate the effects of additives, anthracite dosage, duration, and reduction temperature on metal recovery and to obtain optimal operating parameters. We found that valuable metals in ocean polymetallic nodules may be selectively reduced to a metallic state. Only a fraction of Mn was reduced to metal. The reduced metals were recovered to concentrates using magnetic separation. More than 80% of these metals were concentrated to magnetic concentrates with mass ratios of 10–15%. The recovery rates of Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, and Fe in concentrates were optimum at 86.48%, 86.74%, 83.91%, 5.63%, and 91.46%, respectively, when using CaF2 4%, anthracite 7%, SiO2 dosage 5%, and FeS 6% at 1100 °C for 2.5 h. This approach to non-ferrous metal extraction using conventional hydrometallurgical processes could be a step toward practical industrial-scale techniques for the recovery of metals from polymetallic nodules.

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