Main aspects of the theory of ore-bearing weathering mantles in the 21st century

Abstract

The theory of ore bearing weathering mantles (WM) was developed at the Institute of Geological Sciences, USSR Academy of Sciences (currently the Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences) in the 1930s. I.I. Ginzburg was an originator of this theory. The extensive new data on the bauxite , Ni , Au , REE bearing and other rare metal WM has led to the development of a general theory of exogenic ore deposits, which has been confirmed by forecasting, prospecting, and exploration of solid mineral resources. On considering the current status of the WM theory based on the results of precision research methods (XRD, IRS, EPR spectroscopy, DTA, electron micros copy, etc.), the main aspects determining its advance can be pointed out: (1) physicochemical simulation of WM formation; (2) identification and study of nanominerals in WM; (3) study of the contribution of organic matter to weathering; and (4) use of WM as indicators of climatic change in the Earth's history. As is presently established, WM are natural chemical reactors of nanoparticles of various minerals. The progress in nanom ineralogy of WM will facilitate the choice of rational methods of mining and recovery of valuable compo nents. As has been proved by electron microscopy, fossilized microbial communities, biofilms, and cyanobac terial mats occur in almost all WM. The importance of studying mutual relations of inorganic and organic substances of WM in more detail is evident. Development of the idea of using WM as indicators of paleocli mate will provide insights into global changes in the environment and complement the results obtained by traditional paleoclimatic methods. This aspect is especially topical in connection with widely discussed prob lem of global climatic warming.