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Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits

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A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2023) | Viewed by 17862

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Dr. Micol Bussolesi

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Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences—DISAT, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Interests: ore deposits; critical raw materials; platinum group elements; chromitites
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Dr. Giovanni Grieco

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Department of Earth Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: chromitites; mineral deposits; acid mine drainage; critical metals
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Dr. Alessandro Cavallo

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Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20090 Milano, Italy
Interests: Critical Raw Materials (CRM); sustainable mining & circular economy; characterization of ore & industrial minerals; quarries and mines; recovery of tailings and mining wastes; naturally-occurring asbestos (NOA); construction and building materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The economic interest in critical metals has increased in the last few years, leading to the enhanced exploration of previously subeconomic deposits and the re-evaluation of abandoned mines. New and advanced analytical techniques applied to the ore minerals are being employed in this area, providing important contributions to the ore genesis and critical metals distribution and mineralogy in ore deposits. This Special Issue will focus on, but is not limited to, mineralogy and geochemistry of critical metals within ore deposits, metallogenic models, tectonic control on the formation of ore deposits, and mechanisms of concentration for critical metals. Contributions on critical metal enrichments and recovery within waste and tailings dumps are also welcome.

Dr. Micol Bussolesi
Dr. Giovanni Grieco
Dr. Alessandro Cavallo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

critical metals
mineralogy
geochemistry
mineral deposits
waste and tailings

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 17693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nb-Ta-Sn Oxides from Lithium-Beryllium-Tantalum Pegmatite Deposits of the Kolmozero–Voronja Belt, NW Russia: Implications for Tracing Ore-Forming Processes and Mineralization Signatures

by Dmitry Zozulya, Lyudmila N. Morozova, Kåre Kullerud and Ayya Bazai

Geosciences 2024, 14(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14010009 - 24 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2034

Abstract

In this paper we present textural and compositional data for columbite group minerals (CGMs) and associated Nb-Ta-Sn oxides from lithium-beryllium-tantalum pegmatite deposits of the Kolmozero–Voronja belt, NW Russia, with the aim of deciphering these characteristics for minerals from deposits with different mineral signatures and lithium ore grade. Minerals from four deposits, including two of world-class (Kolmozero and Polmostundra), are examined. The main controlling factors for CGM compositional ranges are the diversity and rate of magmatic fractionation, hydrothermal overprint and mineral paragenesis, following the specific geochemical signature of the different pegmatite deposits. CGM from Kolmozero include several mineral species (columbite-(Fe), columbite-(Mn), tantalite-(Fe), and tantalite-(Mn)), showing large compositional variations, mainly controlled by Nb-Ta fractionation (Ta/(Ta + Nb) = 0.16–0.70; Mn/(Mn + Fe) = 0.45–0.63). Textural patterns are various (oscillatory, homogeneous, and patchy); spongy domains and overgrowing Ta-rich rims are also observed somewhere. This indicates the involvement of numerous magmatic and hydrothermal processes. The Polmostundra CGMs are represented by columbite-(Fe) with Ta/(Ta + Nb), ranging from 0.05 to 0.39; some crystals are homogenous, and others present normal, oscillatory, mottled and reverse-zoning patterns. The Okhmylk CGMs are irregular normal, patchy and homogeneous columbite-(Fe) and columbite-(Mn), with Ta/(Ta + Nb) = 0.09–0.24 and Mn/(Mn + Fe) = 0.29–0.92, indicating the suppressed magmatic fractionation and iron drop due to precipitation of Fe minerals. Columbite-(Fe) and columbite-(Mn) from the Be-Ta Shongui deposit are less evolved, with Ta/(Ta + Nb) = 0.07–0.23 and Mn/(Mn + Fe) = 0.31–0.55. The minerals are characterized by progressive normal, oscillatory, homogeneous and irregular reverse patterns. Associated pyrochlore minerals occur both as early magmatic (Kolmozero) and late hydrothermal (Polmostundra, Okhmylk). Cassiterite is found only in the Okhmylk dykes, and is apparently of hydrothermal origin. CGM from Li pegmatites have impurities of Ti (0.01–0.05 apfu) and W (up to 0.02 apfu), whereas CGM from Be pegmatites contains elevated Ti (up to 0.09 apfu). The mineral system analysis presented here is relevant for exploration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits)

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13 pages, 3937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uranium Isotope Characterization in Volcanic Deposits in a High Natural Background Radiation Area, Mamuju, Indonesia

by Ilsa Rosianna, Eka Djatnika Nugraha, Hirofumi Tazoe, Heri Syaeful, Adi Gunawan Muhammad, I Gde Sukadana, Frederikus Dian Indrastomo, Ngadenin, Fadiah Pratiwi, Agus Sumaryanto, Sucipta, Hendra Adhi Pratama, Deni Mustika, Leli Nirwani, Nurokhim, Yasutaka Omori, Masahiro Hosoda, Naofumi Akata and Shinji Tokonami

Geosciences 2023, 13(12), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13120388 - 17 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2797

Abstract

Mamuju is an area of high natural radiation in Indonesia with high natural radiation levels (average 613 nSv h⁻¹). Mamuju is anomalous due to its high average ²³⁸U and ²³²Th concentrations of 22,882 and 33,549 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively, in laterite and rock. High natural radionuclide concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K have also been reported in soil samples from several locations in Mamuju, including Botteng, Northern Botteng, Takandeang, Ahu, and Taan. High radiation levels are related to radioactive mineral occurrences in the Adang volcanic complex, comprised of phonolitoid and foiditoid lithologies. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), uranium deposits can be classified into several types, among them a volcanic-related deposits, which include three sub-types: stratabound, structure-bound, and volcano-sedimentary deposits. This study aims to characterize volcanic rock deposit sub-types in the Mamuju area based on uranium radioisotope measurements. The uranium isotopes were measured using a tandem quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer combined with chemical separation by extraction chromatography using UTEVA resin. The analytical results for the ²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratios are used to determine the formation characteristics of minerals in each deposit sub-type based on mineral formation age, post-formation processes, and disturbances that affected the formation processes. Based on geochronological calculations using ²³⁴U/²³⁸U mineralization age, the deposits in the Mamuju area are 0.914–1.11 million years old and are classified as recent mineralization. These data have important implications for tracing uranium source rocks in the Mamuju area and may explain the anomalously high radiation levels in the Mamuju area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits)

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20 pages, 5635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Li-Cs-Na-Rich Beryl from Beryl-Bearing Pegmatite Dike No. 7 of the Shongui Deposit, Kola Province, Russia

by Lyudmila N. Morozova, Sergey G. Skublov, Dmitry R. Zozulya, Pavel A. Serov, Elena S. Borisenko, Anna N. Solovjova and Alexandra K. Gavrilchik

Geosciences 2023, 13(10), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13100309 - 16 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1978

Abstract

Beryl is both an accessory and a rock-forming mineral in pegmatites that contain beryl, making it a major source of Be. Beryl-bearing pegmatites of the Shongui deposit, located in the Kola province of the Northeastern Fennoscandian Shield, hold beryl with a yellowish-greenish color. An investigation into the chemical composition of this beryl from pegmatite dike No. 7 has been performed for the first time via the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) technique, and the chemical composition of the beryl-bearing pegmatites has been analyzed for the first time by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. These pegmatites have high concentrations (ppm) of Be (11.8), Li (30.9), Rb (482), Nb (50.3), Ta (14.6), Cs (66.8), and Mn (283) and low concentrations of Sr, Y, Ba, rare earth elements (REE), Zr, and Th. In the Shongui pegmatite field, concentrations of Be, Li, Rb, Cs, Nb, Ta, and Mn increase from barren to beryl-bearing pegmatites, whereas concentrations of Ba, Sr, Y, and REE decline. Rb/Ba, Rb/Sr, and Zr/Hf ratios, showing the fractionation degree, change from the barren to beryl-bearing pegmatites: Rb/Ba and Rb/Sr increase from 111 and 0.46 to 1365 and 8.06, respectively, and Zr/Hf decreases from 18.9 to 14.5. The chemical composition of beryl from the Shongui deposit is unique. This mineral has a concentration of 25,300 ppm of alkalis (Li, Cs, K, Rb, Na) and the average Li, Ce, and Na content is 4430, 5000, and 15,400 ppm, respectively. According to its chemical composition, the Shongui beryl belongs to the Li-Cs-Na type, a type that is not recognized in the available classifications. It is supposed that this beryl was mainly crystallized in the magmatic stage rather than in any hydrothermal and metasomatic stages. Two beryl groups have been distinguished in beryl-bearing pegmatite dike No. 7: beryl from the intermediate zone (Brl-I) and beryl from the core zone (Brl-II). These beryls are concluded to have crystallized in the following order: Brl-I and then Brl-II. Compared with Brl-I, Brl-II is depleted in Cs, Na, Cl, and H₂O and is enriched in Fe and Mn. The Fe/Mn ratio varies from 9.18 to 16.50 in these beryls and their yellowish-greenish shades are thought to be driven by a large amount of Fe compared to Mn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits)

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26 pages, 24283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Au-Cu Resources in Some Mines from Antiquity in the South Gabal Um Monqul and Gabal Al Kharaza Prospects, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

by Abdallah Atef, Adel A. Surour, Ahmed A. Madani and Mokhles K. Azer

Geosciences 2023, 13(9), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13090283 - 20 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1740

Abstract

Since Antiquity, sustainable resources of gold and copper have been mined at two prominent prospects in the north Eastern Desert of Egypt, namely the south Gabel Um Monqul (SGUM) and Gabal Al Kharaza (GKZ). Mineralization is hosted by Neoproterozoic shield rocks represented by dacite and monzo- to syenogranite at the SGUM prospect whereas they are diorite, granodiorite, and quartz feldspar porphyry at the GKZ prospect. These hosts have been emplaced in an island arc environment from calc-alkaline magmas with a peraluminous to metaluminous signature. They are hydrothermally altered including albitization, sericitization, silicification, epidotization, and chloritization. The Au and Cu mineralizations are confined to shear zones that lately filled with auriferous quartz veins adjacent to mineralized alteration zones. In the GKZ prospect, the old trenches trend mainly in a NW–SE direction whereas it is NE–SW and NW–SE in the SGUM prospect. Evidence of shearing ranges from megascopic conjugate fractures and shear planes in the outcrops to microscopic sheared and crumbled Au-Cu ore assemblages dominated by Fe-Cu sulfides, specularite, and barite. Microscopic investigation suggests that the formation of specularite is due to the shearing of early existing magnetite. The ore textures and paragenetic sequence indicate that pyrite in the alteration zones is oxidized, leading to the liberation of gold up to 3.3 g/t. The formulae of the analyzed electrum lie in the range Au_74.5-76.8 Ag_22.2-24.5. Integration of the field, geochemistry, and mineral chemistry data, combined with the gold fire assay data prove the presence of sustainable amounts of disseminated Au and Cu, not only in the mineralized quartz veins, but also in the alteration zones. Data materialized in our paper show similarities in the style of mineralization at the SGUM and the GKZ prospects with iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits elsewhere in the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) and other world examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits)

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17 pages, 3291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geochemical Behavior of Lanthanides and Actinides in an Old Uranium Mine, Portugal

by Andrés Cardenas, Maria I. Dias, Catarina Diamantino, Edgar Carvalho, Dulce Russo and Rosa Marques

Geosciences 2023, 13(6), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13060168 - 6 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1862

Abstract

New insights about the geochemical behavior of actinides and lanthanides in an old uranium mine are provided for the first time in this work. Fifteen samples (water, soil, and sediments) were collected inside and outside the Quinta do Bispo old mine (Portugal) in order to better understand the lanthanide and actinide behavior in the soil–water system. The chemical and mineralogical composition was obtained via ICP-MS, INAA, and XRD. The water sample from the open pit exhibits a higher U and REE dissolved concentration when compared to the other water samples. A positive Eu anomaly is found in this sample. The soil samples collected inside the mine area, including mine waste rocks and the minesoils surrounding the open pit, show uranium mineral phases, higher U contents, an enrichment of LREE relative to HREE, and a lower Th/U. This heterogeneity may be due to the open pit extraction and ore processes, as well as the percolation and water infiltration through the waste rock piles. Soils from outside the mine area have a similar mineralogical and chemical composition, despite their different geological context, which could be related to the influence of the granitic geological unit during the alluvial unit deposition. The sediments have similar REE patterns, negative Eu anomaly, and a high (La/Yb)_N. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits)

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50 pages, 11165 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Vein Formation and Reopening in a Cooling Yet Intermittently Pressurized Hydrothermal System: The Single-Intrusion Tongchang Porphyry Cu Deposit

by Xuan Liu, Antonin Richard, Jacques Pironon and Brian G. Rusk

Geosciences 2023, 13(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13040107 - 1 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

Porphyry deposits are the dominant sources of copper and major sources of several base and precious metals. They are commonly formed via the repeated emplacement of hydrous magmas and associated fluid exsolution. As a result, mineralized hydrothermal veins may undergo multiple deposition and reopening processes that are not fully accounted for by existing fluid models. The Tongchang porphyry Cu deposit is a rare example of being related to a single intrusion. The simplicity in intrusive history provides an ideal starting point for studying fluid processes in more complex multi-intrusion porphyry systems. Detailed scanning electron microscope (SEM) cathodoluminescence imaging (CL) revealed rich microtextures in quartz and anhydrite that point to a fluid timeline encompassing early quartz deposition followed by fluid-aided dynamic recrystallization, which was succeeded by an intermediate stage of quartz dissolution and subsequent deposition, and ended with a late stage of continuous quartz deposition, brecciation, and fracturing. Vein reopening is more common than expected. Fifteen out of seventeen examined vein samples contained quartz and/or anhydrite that was older or younger than the vein age defined by vein sequences. Thermobarometry and solubility analysis suggests that the fluid events occurred in a general cooling path (from 650 °C to 250 °C), interspersed with two episodes of fluid pressurization. The first episode occurred at high-T (>500 °C), under lithostatic conditions alongside dynamic recrystallization, whereas the second one took place at a lower temperature (~400 °C), under lithostatic to hydrostatic transition conditions. The main episode of chalcopyrite veining took place subsequent to the second overpressure episode at temperatures of 380–300 °C. The results of this study reaffirm that thermal and hydraulic conditions are the main causative factors for vein reopening and growth in porphyry deposits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits)

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17 pages, 6407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Molecular Weight Distribution of Occluded Hydrocarbon Gases in the Khibiny Nepheline–Syenite Massif (Kola Peninsula, NW Russia) in Relation to the Problem of Their Origin

by Valentin A. Nivin, Vyacheslav V. Pukha, Olga D. Mokrushina and Julia A. Mikhailova

Geosciences 2022, 12(11), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12110416 - 11 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1770

Abstract

The origin of hydrogen–hydrocarbon gases present in the rocks of the Khibiny massif in unusually high concentrations has been the subject of many years of discussion. To assess the role of potential mechanisms and relative time of formation of gases occluded in inclusions in minerals, the molecular weight distribution of C₁–C₅ alkanes in the main rock types of the Khibiny massif was studied. For this purpose, the occluded gases were extracted from rocks by mechanical grinding and their composition was analyzed on a gas chromatograph. It is established that the molecular weight distribution of occluded hydrocarbon gases in the Khibiny massif corresponds to the classical Anderson–Schulz–Flory distribution. In addition, the slopes of the linear relationships are relatively steep. This indicates a predominantly abiogenic origin of the occluded gases of the Khibiny massif. At the same time, a small proportion of biogenic hydrocarbons is present and is associated with the influence of meteoric waters. It was also found that in the Khibiny massif, the proportion of relatively high-temperature gases decreases towards the Main foidolite Ring in the following sequence: foyaite and khibinite–trachytoid khibinite–rischorrite and lyavochorrite–foidolites and apatite–nepheline ores. In the same sequence, an increase in the proportion of heavy hydrocarbons and the increasing role of oxidation and condensation reactions in the transformation of hydrocarbons occurs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Critical Metal-Bearing Mineral Deposits)

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