Academic literature on the topic 'Ore mineral genesis'

The results of an experimental study of phase relations and distribution of elements in silicate melt–salt systems (carbonate, phosphate, fluoride, chloride) melt, silicate melt I–silicate melt II, and also in fluid – magmatic systems in the presence of alkali metal fluorides are presented. Salt extraction of a number of ore elements (Y, REE, Sr, Ba, Ti, Nb, Zr, Ta, W, Mo, Pb) was studied in liquid immiscibility processes in a wide temperature range of 800–1250°С and pressure of 1–5.5 kbar. It is shown that the partition coefficients are sufficient for the concentration of ore elements in the quantity necessary for the genesis of ore deposits. In the fluid-saturated melt of trachyrhyolite, the separation into two silicate liquids has been determined. The partition coefficients of a number of elements (Sr, La, Nb, Fe, Cr, Mo, K, Rb, Cs) between phases L1 and L2 has been obtained. The interaction processes of a heterophase fluid in the granite (quartz)–ore mineral–heterophase fluid (Li, Na, K-fluoride) system were studied at 650–850°C and P = 1 kbar. The formation of the phase of a highly alkaline fluid–saturated silicate melt – Ta and Nb concentrator is shown as a result of the reaction of the fluid with the rock and ore minerals.

Research subject.This research study was aimed at investigating metasomatic minerals and ores in the Tamunier Deposit, which is located in the Northern Urals, at the Eastern side of the Tagil megazone within the Auerbach volcano-plutonic belt.Materials and methods.Well core samples were investigated using a complex of research methods, including optical and electron microscopy, X-ray spectral microanalysis, mineral geothermometry, thermobarogeochemistry (microthermometry, gas chromatography, determination of the salt composition of fluid inclusions in minerals) and isotope geochemistry (isotopes C, O, S, Sr, Pb).Results.A genetic model describing the formation of the Tamunier deposit was developed using the data obtained on its geological structure, mineral composition of metasomatites and ores, fluid formation mode, sources of ore matter and ore-bearing fluid. In the proposed model, the magmatogenic sodium chloride fluid carrying ore components and S is separated from the Auerbach complex at the depth of intrusion. Penetrating to the surface, this fluid interacts with the rocks of volcanic-sedimentary strata, thereby extracting a number of components, including CO2, S and Sr.Conclusion.Despite the presence of sulphide mineralization of hydrothermal-sedimentary genesis in the volcanogenic-sedimentary rock mass, the data obtained has allowed us to refer the gold-sulphide ores under study to magmatogenic-hydrothermal formations. The estimated P-T conditions (t= 100–370ºС andP= 0.4–0.6 kbar) and the shallow depth of the Tamunier field have shown its correspondence to the sub-epithermal level in the model of the porphyry-epithermal ore-magmatic system.

The main ore structure of the deposit include: disseminated structure, emulsion droplet-like structure, banded structure, vein-like structure, the massive structure, brecciated structure, etc.; The main ore texture include: crystalline granular texture, the replacement texture, solid solution separation texture, interstitial texture, etc. According to the ore fabric characteristics and metal minerals and gangue mineral combination, type and shape since the degree and mineral in space analysis of characteristics of the relationship, the mining area can be roughly divided into three periods: sedimentary diagenesis stage, the initial formation of the sources, hydrothermal reformation metallogenic stage and supergene stage. It was considered that Luziyuan Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit is the hydrothermal deposits for early deposition, the late hydrothermal transformation.

The authors present research results, the purpose of which is to study the specifics of noble metal mineralization and its genesis in sulfide cobalt-copper-nickel ores of the Kamchatka nickel-bearing province. The paper is dedicated to one of its many ore occurrences called Annabergitovaya Schel (Annabergite Gap). The material composition of platinoid, silver, gold, bismuth and tellurium minerals, as well as sulfarsenides in the ores of this occurrence was investigated. Based on the data of mineral formation sequence and the use of geosensors, conclusions were drawn regarding the genesis of noble metal mineralization. Formation of platinoid minerals, silver and gold at the Annabergitovaya Schel ore occurrence is mainly associated with the epigenetic effect of post-ore granitoids on ore-bearing intrusion rocks of the Dukuk complex of the cortlandite-norite formation and on syngenetic ores. An early association of noble metal minerals is represented by sperrylite, irarsite, and rare unnamed phases of Pt + Ir + Te. Irarsite and Pt + Ir + Te phases were formed at the contact-metasomatic stage. Sperrylite can be assumed to be of magmatic origin. Silver sulfides and tellurides, silver and palladium bismuth tellurides, and native gold were formed at the late, hydrothermal-metasomatic, stage. The occurrence conditions of mineral parageneses, associated with noble metal mineralization, correspond to the formation of shallow-depth metasomatic rocks (5 km). Sub-developed quartz-feldspar metasomatites, associated with the formation of early platinoid arsenides and sulfarsenides, are in equilibrium with circumneutral solutions (pH of 4.5-6.5) at temperatures of 350-600 °C. Late hydrothermal association with Pd, Ag and Au minerals is close to propylites and was formed at pH values of 4.5-6.5 and temperature of 150-350 °C.

Geological and mineralogical data are reported on the manganese occurrences of the Olkhon terrane (Western Baikal region), which are localized in metadolerites of the Ustkrestovsky Complex, high-temperature mafic hornfels, granites, calcitic marbles and calciphyres, and occasionally are developed as separate veins in gneiss granites or small lenses in quartzites. Most of them are made up of high-temperature mineral assemblages (Opx + Cpx + Pl + Ilm ± Grt± Bt ± Amp), the main manganese carriers in which are ferrorhodonite (33–36 wt % MnO), orthopyroxene (6–12 wt % MnO), and ilmenite (3–16 wt % MnO). Obtained data are in conflict with traditional concepts that these rocks are gondites (manganese-rich metamorphosed sediments) or that manganese flux in carbonate sediments was related to the volcanic activity that occurred simultaneously with sedimentation at about 500 Ma. The diversity of manganese occurrences was produced by metasomatic processes that occurred almost simultaneously with regional metamorphism and emplacement of subalkaline mafic bodies during collisional tectonogenesis (about 470 Ma).

The Bhainskati Formation of the Tansen Group in Palpa area is known for hematite iron ore deposit for long time. A prominent band of hematite of about 1-2 km thickness extending >5 km was identified in the upper part of the Bhainskati Formation in the present study and the band is repeated three times in the area by folding and faulting. Petrographic study shows that it is oolitic ironstone of sedimentary shallow marine origin. Main minerals in the band are hematite, goethite, quartz, calcite, siderite and albite. Hematite content varies considerably among samples and occurs mainly as oolite and cement. The Bhainskati ironstone with its ferrous mineral assemblage and well-rounded texture of the ooids suggests prodeltaicto estuarine with shallow marine environment reduced clastic input.

The Chuxiong basin, located in southwest China, is well known as a mineralization area of red-bed type copper deposits in China. These deposits are characterized by mineral zoning, which is especially true for the Dayao deposits. The mineral zoning is consistent for both horizontal and vertical zoning; from the base (center) of the ore body to the top (outermost), the mineral zones are from hematite, chalcocite, chalcocite + bornite, and bornite + chalcopyrite to pyrite. We studied the mineral zoning in detail using a thermodynamic phase diagram method, such as log⁡fO2-log⁡fS2, pH-log⁡fO2, and pH-Eh, and discussed the constraints on the order of the minerals precipitation under different physiochemical conditions. It is indicated that changes in temperature have little effect on pH and Eh in the formation of minerals. S2− is stable only below 473 K, and the forming temperature of chalcocite must be below 473 K. In this paper, we also explain the mineral zoning formation mechanism and propose that the main controlling factor of mineral zoning is pH. Because this mineral zoning is widespread in sediment-hosted deposits, studies on this mechanism can considerably promote better understanding of the genesis of ore deposits in order to guide the exploration.

The Bhainskati Formation of the Tansen Group in the Palpa area is known for hematite iron ore deposit for long time. A prominent band of hematite of about 1-2 m thickness and extending >5 km was identified in the upper part of the Bhainskati Formation in the present study. The band is repeated three times in the area by folding and faulting. Petrographic study shows that it is oolitic ironstone of sedimentary origin. Main minerals in the band are hematite, goethite, quartz, calcite, siderite and albite. Hematite content varies considerably among samples and occurs mainly as oolite and cement. The Bhainskati ironstone with its ferrous mineral assemblage and well-rounded texture of the ooids suggests shallow marine environment (prodeltaic to estuarine) with reduced clastic input. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v15i0.7418 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 15, 2012, pp. 63-68

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Gamsberg Zn-Pb deposit is a metamorphosed and multiply deformed sediment-hosted base metal deposit in the central Namaqua Province of South Africa. The deposit is hosted by the Bushmanland Group, a late Palaeoproterozoic (2000-1600 Ma) supracrustal succession of quartzite, metapelitic schist and interbedded metavolcanic rocks. Mineralisation occurs within the central part of the Gams Formation, a heterogeneous sequence of metamorphosed metalliferous sediments and fine-grained organic-rich shales. The ore horizon is subdivided into a lower unit of metapelite-hosted ore, an intermediate layer of phosphorite-hosted ore, and an upper unit of banded garnet-apatite ore. The ore body is enveloped by unmineralised silicate-, carbonate- and oxide-facies metalliferous rocks, which originally represented mixtures of Fe-Mn-rich hydrothermal precipitates, authigenic carbonate, and variable concentrations of detrital material. Based on mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, the metalliferous host rocks are subdivided into iron formations, coticules, Fe-Mn silicates, impure marbles and barite/Ba-rich quartzite. Minerals of the Gams Formation mostly represent solid solution between the Fe and Mn end-members of garnet, pyroxene, pyroxenoid, amphibole, olivine, spinel and ilmenite. Calcium-rich rock types are a typical feature and characterized by the occurrence of manganoan calcite, clinopyroxene, andradite-rich garnet and titanite. A successive increase in the (Mn+Ca):Fe value of rocks and minerals is evident with increasing distance from the ore horizon. Amphibole is restricted to Fe-rich ore-bearing assemblages, whereas orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, Fe-rich pyroxenoid and olivine are present in intermediate assemblages, and Mn-rich rhodonite and pyroxmangite in the most manganiferous assemblages. These variations are mimicked by an increase in the Mn:Fe value of coexisting garnet and ilmenite group minerals with increasing distance from ore. LA-ICP-MS analyses have been used to constrain the REE patterns of garnet and apatite. In the ore-body, these minerals display a positive Eu anomaly, which is interpreted to reflect a distinct hydrothermal signature. In contrast, garnet and apatite in unmineralised metalliferous rocks display nil or a negative Eu anomaly. Primary features of the Gams Formation, such as REE patterns, the banded nature of garnet-apatite ore, the presence of diagenetic apatite nodules, and the distribution of the redox-sensitive elements Ba and Mn have been used to constrain palaeo-environmental conditions. The results indicate that metapelitehosted ore has been deposited in a stratified ocean that was characterised by anoxic bottom waters and precipitation of Fe and Zn sulphides into organic matter-rich shales. These rocks were superceded by phosphorite-hosted ore, garnet-apatite ore and metalliferous host rocks that developed in a suboxic to oxic environment. The large size of the deposit, the internal lamination of the ores and the predominance of sphalerite and barite are consistent with a vent-distal setting and precipitation of the ore-forming constituents from dense and reduced hydrothermal fluids, which originated due to reactivation of dormant growth faults. Collectively, the geological evidence indicates that Gamsberg is bridging the gap betweenthe SEDEX and BHT classifications. The relationships demonstrate that differences between these two classes of sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits are predominantly related to environmental conditions within localised third order basins and not to fundamental differences in ore-forming processes.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Gamsberg Zn-Pb afsetting is ‘n meerfasig vervormde en gemetamorfiseerde sedimentgesetelde onedel metaal afsetting in die sentrale Namakwa Provinsie van Suid Afrika. Die afsetting word geherberg deur die Boesmanland Groep, ‘n laat Paleoproterosoïse (2000 – 1600 Ma) bokors-opeenvolging van kwartsiet, metapelitiese skis en tussengelaagde metavulkaniese gesteente. Mineralisasie word gevind in the sentrale deel van die Gams Formasie. Die Gams Formasie is ‘n heterogene opeenvolging van gemetamorfiseerde metaalhoudende sediment en fynkorrelrige organiese skalie. Die erts horison word onderverdeel in ‘n onderste laag van metapeliet-gesetelde erts, n sentrale laag van fosforiet-gesetelde erts, en ‘n boonste laag van gebande granaat-apatiet erts. Die erts-liggaam word omhuls deur ongemineraliseerde silikaat-, karbonaat- en oksied-fasies metal-ryke rotse. Hierdie gesteentes word geinterpreteer as oorspronklike mengsels van Fe-Mn-ryke hidrotermale partikels, outigeniese karbonaat, en verskeie hoeveelhede detritale materiaal. Gebaseer op mineralogiese en geochemiese kenmerke word hierdie rotse onderverdeel in ysterformasies, „coticules“, Fe-Mn silikate, onsuiwer marmer en barite/Ba-ryke kwartsiet. Minerale van die Gams Formasie form meestal soliede oplossingsreekse tussen die Fe en Mn endlede van granaat, pirokseen, piroksenoid, amfibool, olivien, spinel en ilmeniet. Kalsium-ryke rots tipes is ‘n tipiese kenmerk van die Gams Formasie en word gekenmerk deur mangaan-ryke kalsiet, klinopirokseen, andradiet-ryke granaat en sfeen. Daar word ‘n stapsgewyse vergroting van die (Mn+Ca):Fe verhouding in gesteentes en minerale gevind met toeneemende afstand van die erts horison. Amfibool is beperk tot Fe-ryke ertsdraende gesteentes, ortopirokseen, klinopirokseen, Fe-ryke piroksenoid en olivien tot intermediêre gesteentes, en Mn-ryke rodoniet en piroksmangiet tot Mn-ryke gesteentes. Hierdie variasies gaan gepaard met vergroting van die Mn:Fe verhouding in granaat en ilmeniet-groep minerale met toeneemende afstand van die erts. LA-ICP-MS analises was gebruik om die skaars-aarde element patrone van granaat en apatiet te bepaal. In die erts-liggaam wys hierdie minerale ‘n positiewe Eu anomalie, wat geinterpreteerd word as ‘n hidrotermale kenmerk. In ongemineraliseerde gasheer gesteentes wys granaat en apatiet geen of ‘n negatiewe Eu anomalie. Primêre kenmerke van die Gams Formasie, soos skaars-aarde patrone, the gebande voorkoms van granaat-apatiet erts, die teenwoordigheid van diagenetiese apatiet knolle, en die verspreiding van die redox-sensitiewe elemente Ba en Mn, was gebruik om afleidings oor die paleo-omgewing te maak. Die resultate het gewys dat metapeliet-gesetelde erts afgeset was onder anoksiese bodem water deur presipitasie van Fe en Zn sulfiedes in organiese skalie. Hierdie erts gaan oor in fosforiet-gesetelde erts, granaat-apatiet erts en metaal-ryke gasheer gesteente wat in ‘n suboksiese tot oksiese omgewing ontstaan het. Die grootte van die afsetting, die interne gelaagdheid van die erts, asook die teenwoordigheid van sfaleriet en bariet dui op ‘n distale omgewing relatief tot die hidrotermale bron en presipitasie van die ertsuit digte en gereduseerde hidrotermale vloeistowwe, wat ontstaan het deur die heraktiveering van rustende groeiverskuiwings. Gesaamentlik bewys die geologiese kenmerke van Gamsberg dat gemetamorfiseerde SEDEX en Broken Hill-tipe mineralisasie binne die perke van ‘n enkele afsetting kan voorkom. Die geologiese verhoudings dui aan dat verskille tussen hierdie twee tipes van sedimentgesetelde afsettings meestal veroorsaak word deur omgewings-toestande binne in gelokaliseerde derde orde komme en nie deur fundamentele verskille in ertsvormende prosesse nie.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Em trabalho de prospecção geoquímica regional por concentrado de bateia (PEREIRA e SANTOS, 1983) foi evidenciado na região de Cacaria, município de Piraí, ocorrências de scheelita. Com o objetivo de investigar a possível fonte litológica desta ocorrência, foram realizadas amostragens de sedimentos de corrente e concentrado de bateia além de investigações de campo para sua fonte. Elaborouse ainda um mapa geológico em escala de detalhe 1:25.000. As unidades estratigráficas base utilizadas no mapa foram definidas em trabalhos da empresa RIOFINEX (1977) durante pesquisas para mineralizações de Pb-Zn na região de Rio Claro. Ensaios laboratoriais envolvendo descrição de lâminas petrográficas, difratometria de raios X, fluorescência de raios X, espectrometria Raman, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e o auxílio do mineralight de ondas curtas. As mineralizações scheelitíferas encontradas foram classificadas segundo um modelo do tipo sedimentar exalativo, localmente com possíveis contribuições de atividades metassomáticas tardias, concentrando a mineralização, assim como proposto para algumas ocorrências já descritas no nordeste brasileiro.
In a mineral exploration panning concentrate programme PEREIRA AND SANTOS (1985) identified in the Cacaria region, near the Piraí City, occurences of scheelite. With the objective to investigate the lithological origin of this mineral a nonsystematic sampling by stream sediments and panning concentrate, was carried out to identify the tungsten mineralization source. A geological map was also executed at detailed scale of 1:25.000. The stratigraphic division applied to this map was defined in projects of RIOFINEX (1977) company during investigation of Pb-Zn mineralization in Rio Claro. Laboratorial trials involving description of petrography, Xray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, electronic microscopy scanning and short wave mineralight. The scheelite-bearing mineralization was classified according to a exhalative sedimentary model with possible contributions of a late metasomatic activities concentrating the mineralization as proposed for some occurrences observed in northeast part of Brazil.

L'etude petrogenetique des minerais de chessy-les-mines a permis de preciser la nature de la mineralisation et l'etude des deformations, de retracer l'evolution geologique complexe. Il est apparu que les metamorphismes ont amene une homogeneisation et une purification chimique des mineraux du minerai alors que leur recristallisation lors de la mise en place du granite a entraine un rajeunissement chimique. Cette approche petrogenetique et geochimique renforce la parente genetique entre chessy-les-mines et saint bel

Le gisement de beddiane appartient au district de touissit-bou beker, "chaine des horsts", maroc oriental. Il est encaisse dans la serie alleno-bajocienne, discordante sur le socle paleozoique, et se caracterise, par rapport aux gisements voisins, par sa richesse exceptionnelle en plomb, des concentrations exploitables de cuivre et peu de zinc. L'analyse sedimentologique de la formation carbonatee encaissante a permis de mettre en evidence des sequences transgressives et regressives, traduisant un environnement geologique instable: subsidences saccadees et emersions temporaires, suivies de phenomenes de dissolution-karstification pendant et apres le depot de la formation. L'examen petrographique a permis de distinguer plusieurs types de dolomies et de mettre en evidence deux phases principales de dolomitisation: un diagenetique precoce et une autre epigenetique, tardive. La lithogeochimie, effectuee a partir des carottes de sondages, a montre que toutes les assises carbonatees, sont fortement anormales en pb, zn et cu et plus particulierement les facies micritiques. Trois phases de mineralisations zn, pb et cu ont ete distinguees. La zonalite verticale et horizontale des mineralisations au sein du gisement et la geometrie des karsts mineralises suggerent que les solutions salines hydrothermales (100**(o)c) aient circule d'ouest en est dans cette couverture carbonatee. La presence dans le socle sous-jacent de filons a pb-cu pourrait temoigner d'une origine plus profonde des fluides mineralisateurs

On etudie l'indice cuprifere de santa blandina (bresil) provenant de l'alteration d'un skarn porteur d'une mineralisation sulfuree a chalcopyrite et bornite. Les produits argilomorphes provoquent l'epigenie des mineraux du skarn et des solutions percolantes provoquent l'evolution mineralogique de ces produits. Les analyses mineralogiques et cristallochimiques determinent la nature exacte de ces phases argilomorphes et montrent la difficulte de l'incorporation du cuivre dans un reseau regulier d'argile

Quatre parageneses successives decrivent la mise en place des mineralisations sulfurees de cambounes. Les 3 premieres sont dues a la remobilisation in situ d'une mineralisation stratiforme cambrienne lors de la deformation hercynienne majeure. La paragenese a antimoine, tardihercynienne est associee a des fluides hydrocarboniques et hypersalins. La paragenese a cu-pb est complexe et depend de la temperature de formation et de la proximite des mineralisations preexistantes

Cette etude porte sur les conditions des gisements d'uranium du saskatchewan de la region de waterbury lake, qui sont associes a la discordance entre le socle archeen/aphebien et la couverture sedimentaire helikienne. Deux episodes tardi-hudsoniens gouvernent la remobilisation in situ de l'uranium: une retromorphose (facies schiste vert) et une alteration hydrothermale affectant les zones tectonisees du socle. Les donnees isotopiques des phyllites revelent que la diagenese des gres est realisee en presence d'une saumure qui est egalement a l'origine du fluide mineralisateur

The base metal massive sulfide deposits of the Aggeneys-Gamsberg (A-G) District are hosted within the Mesoproterozoic Bushmanland Group of the Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Complex in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The district displays an apparent eastward trend in the economic concentration of base metals (+ barite) from relatively Cu-Pb-rich, Ba-poor mineralisation at Black Mountain to Zn- and Ba-rich ores at Gamsberg. Base metal sulfides at Gamsberg are restricted to the so called Gams (Iron) Formation which comprises a sulfidic mineralized unit (“B”) enveloped within a sequence of meta-sedimentary units (“A” and “C”). The aim of the study was to shed further light on the genesis and chemical evolution of the sulfide mineralisation at Gamsberg in the context of the entire A-G District, by interrogating further the apparent district-wide trend in base metal distribution. The Gams Iron Formation was sampled and studied from one key drill core intersection (“G1”) which intersects the largest part of it as described elsewhere; a small number of additional samples from a second drill core (“G2”) complemented the main sample suite. Minerals that make up the silicate assemblages across the studied section include quartz, garnet, pyroxene, pyroxenoid, phyllosilicates, carbonates, amphiboles, oxides (chiefly magnetite) and graphite. In a stratigraphic context, the mineralogical variations conform directly to those documented in the relevant literature from the Gamsberg locality. These are coupled, where possible, with mineral-chemical profiles of selected silicate species which replicate those of bulk-rock compositions, particularly with respect to Mn, Fe and Ca in the upper C Unit of the studied section. These signals collectively track the characteristic transition from a terrigenous, siliciclastic sediment-dominated footwall to an exhalative sediment-dominated hanging wall to the sulfide mineralisation as also seen in similar deposits elsewhere, particularly with respect to the characteristic Mn-rich signature increasingly observed in the hanging wall C Unit. The foregoing suggests that the examined section faithfully records the interpreted primary stratigraphy of the deposits, despite the complex structural and metamorphic overprint that characterises the region. This facilitates a stratigraphic analytical approach on the sulfidic Unit B, through a combination of mineral-chemical and stable isotope analyses. Dominant sulfides in Unit B are sphalerite and pyrite, with lesser pyrrhotite and minor galena. Sphalerite shows high and generally invariant contents of Fe (mean 12.18wt%, as FeS) whereas Zn anti-correlates with Mn (mean 5.58wt%, as MnS). Isotopic analyses for S, Fe and Zn in hand-picked sphalerite and pyrite separates were used with a view to providing new evidence for chemical and isotopic variation within the sulfide ore-body in a vertical (i.e. stratigraphic) sense, discuss the implications thereof, and ultimately interpret the new data in light of similar existing data from the A-G District and elsewhere. The δ³⁴S data for pyrite (plus a single pyrrhotite grain) and sphalerite from both cores G1 and G2 show comparable compositional ranges between 22.9 and 30.4‰ and between 27 and 30.1‰ respectively. The δ⁵⁶Fe data for pyrite show a range between -1.85 and 0.19‰, whereas seven sphalerite separates have a very narrow range of δ⁶⁶Zn from 0.06 to 0.20‰. The atypically high sulfur isotope data reported in this study are interpreted to reflect sedimentary deposition of primary sulfide ore at Gamsberg from an isotopically highly evolved seawater sulfate source through large-scale Rayleigh fractionation processes. Thermogenic sulfate reduction is proposed to have been the main reductive mechanism from seawater sulfate to sulfide, given the absence of very low δ³⁴S data for sulfides anywhere in the A-G District. By contrast, the δ⁶⁶Zn values for sphalerite are for all intents and purposes invariant and very close to 0‰, and therefore suggest little Zn isotope fractionation from an original exhalative fluid source. On this evidence alone, Zn isotopes therefore appear to hold little promise as a proxy of the chemical and isotopic evolution of SEDEX deposits in space and time, although this can only be verified through further application in the broader A-G District and similar deposits elsewhere. The apparent decoupling of Zn and S isotopes in the Gamsberg sulfide deposit, however, points towards diverse sources of these two components, i.e. ascending metalliferous brines versus seawater respectively. Finally, pyrite δ⁵⁶Fe data do show a stratigraphic trend of generally declining values up-section, which are interpreted to reflect the influence of broadly coeval precipitation of isotopically heavy Fe-oxides on a broader-scale – now preserved as abundant magnetite through metamorphism. Further work on the iron isotope composition of silicate-and oxide-hosted Fe on a local-to-district scale will assist in testing this interpretation.

Data on geology of the Oleninskoe deposit, and results of mineralogical and geochemical investigations of ores and altered rocks are presented. Mineralization is connected with granite porphyry sills, an end member of gabbrodiorite-diorite-granodiorite complex of minor intrusions. The main alteration processes are diopsidization and biotitization, formation of quartz-muscovite-albite, quartz-aresenopyrite-tourmaline, and quartz metasomatic rocks. More than 50 ore minerals (sulfides, sulfosalts, tellurides, and native metals) were identified in the ore, including 20 minerals of silver and gold. Mineral associations in the ore and sequence of mineral formation are defined. Five generations of gold-silver alloys are identified, its composition covers spectrum from native silver to high-grade gold. Mineralized fluids in the deposit are of high salinity (sodium and calcium chlorides), and rich in As, Sb, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ag. The Oleninskoe deposit is classified as an epithermal metamorphosed gold deposit.The book is of interest for specialists in economic geology, mineralogy and geochemistry of ore deposits.

While less apparent than outright hunger or obesity, the lack of essential vitamins and minerals in people’s diets is one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease. Current interventions, such as supplementation or fortification, are being implemented with varying success, but—while important—overall progress in the fight against micronutrient malnutrition has been limited. Biofortification, the breeding of crops for higher contents of vitamins and minerals, is a new approach to complement existing interventions. This chapter gives an overview of the problem of micronutrient malnutrition and how it is measured; it briefly discusses current micronutrient interventions, and then presents the reasoning behind biofortification before it examines the feasibility of biofortifying crops and summarizes studies on their potential impact and economic justification. After listing current biofortification programs, the chapter looks into the political controversy surrounding genetic engineering in agriculture and how it relates to biofortification; it then concludes with an assessment of the current status of biofortification and its potential.

Calcium homeostasis is maintained through a fine balance between calcium absorption, parathyroid hormone secretion and action, vitamin D production and action, cellular compartmentalization of calcium ions, and renal function. Although the extracellular calcium level does not vary with age, the maintenance of calcium faces the significant mineral requirement of skeletal growth and bone mass acquisition during childhood. Acquired or genetic defects in any determinants of blood calcium (i.e. vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium absorption, etc.) may manifest as hypocalcaemia, especially during childhood/adolescence. The discovery of hypocalcaemia in a patient should trigger two clinical responses: (1) therapy to restore the calcium level to normal and (2) investigations to determine the cause of hypo/hypercalcaemia.

Bones are multifunctional passive organs of movement that supports soft tissue and directly attached muscles. They also protect internal organs and are a reserve of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Each bone is covered with periosteum, and the adjacent bone surfaces are covered by articular cartilage. Histologically, the bone is an organ composed of many different tissues. The main component is bone tissue (cortical and spongy) composed of a set of bone cells and intercellular substance (mineral and organic), it also contains fat, hematopoietic (bone marrow) and cartilaginous tissue. Bones are a tissue that even in adult life retains the ability to change shape and structure depending on changes in their mechanical and hormonal environment, as well as self-renewal and repair capabilities. This process is called bone turnover. The basic processes of bone turnover are: • bone modeling (incessantly changes in bone shape during individual growth) following resorption and tissue formation at various locations (e.g. bone marrow formation) to increase mass and skeletal morphology. This process occurs in the bones of growing individuals and stops after reaching puberty • bone remodeling (processes involve in maintaining bone tissue by resorbing and replacing old bone tissue with new tissue in the same place, e.g. repairing micro fractures). It is a process involving the removal and internal remodeling of existing bone and is responsible for maintaining tissue mass and architecture of mature bones. Bone turnover is regulated by two types of transformation: • osteoclastogenesis, i.e. formation of cells responsible for bone resorption • osteoblastogenesis, i.e. formation of cells responsible for bone formation (bone matrix synthesis and mineralization) Bone maturity can be defined as the completion of basic structural development and mineralization leading to maximum mass and optimal mechanical strength. The highest rate of increase in pig bone mass is observed in the first twelve weeks after birth. This period of growth is considered crucial for optimizing the growth of the skeleton of pigs, because the degree of bone mineralization in later life stages (adulthood) depends largely on the amount of bone minerals accumulated in the early stages of their growth. The development of the technique allows to determine the condition of the skeletal system (or individual bones) in living animals by methods used in human medicine, or after their slaughter. For in vivo determination of bone properties, Abstract 10 double energy X-ray absorptiometry or computed tomography scanning techniques are used. Both methods allow the quantification of mineral content and bone mineral density. The most important property from a practical point of view is the bone’s bending strength, which is directly determined by the maximum bending force. The most important factors affecting bone strength are: • age (growth period), • gender and the associated hormonal balance, • genotype and modification of genes responsible for bone growth • chemical composition of the body (protein and fat content, and the proportion between these components), • physical activity and related bone load, • nutritional factors: – protein intake influencing synthesis of organic matrix of bone, – content of minerals in the feed (CA, P, Zn, Ca/P, Mg, Mn, Na, Cl, K, Cu ratio) influencing synthesis of the inorganic matrix of bone, – mineral/protein ratio in the diet (Ca/protein, P/protein, Zn/protein) – feed energy concentration, – energy source (content of saturated fatty acids - SFA, content of polyun saturated fatty acids - PUFA, in particular ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA), – feed additives, in particular: enzymes (e.g. phytase releasing of minerals bounded in phytin complexes), probiotics and prebiotics (e.g. inulin improving the function of the digestive tract by increasing absorption of nutrients), – vitamin content that regulate metabolism and biochemical changes occurring in bone tissue (e.g. vitamin D3, B6, C and K). This study was based on the results of research experiments from available literature, and studies on growing pigs carried out at the Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences. The tests were performed in total on 300 pigs of Duroc, Pietrain, Puławska breeds, line 990 and hybrids (Great White × Duroc, Great White × Landrace), PIC pigs, slaughtered at different body weight during the growth period from 15 to 130 kg. Bones for biomechanical tests were collected after slaughter from each pig. Their length, mass and volume were determined. Based on these measurements, the specific weight (density, g/cm3) was calculated. Then each bone was cut in the middle of the shaft and the outer and inner diameters were measured both horizontally and vertically. Based on these measurements, the following indicators were calculated: • cortical thickness, • cortical surface, • cortical index. Abstract 11 Bone strength was tested by a three-point bending test. The obtained data enabled the determination of: • bending force (the magnitude of the maximum force at which disintegration and disruption of bone structure occurs), • strength (the amount of maximum force needed to break/crack of bone), • stiffness (quotient of the force acting on the bone and the amount of displacement occurring under the influence of this force). Investigation of changes in physical and biomechanical features of bones during growth was performed on pigs of the synthetic 990 line growing from 15 to 130 kg body weight. The animals were slaughtered successively at a body weight of 15, 30, 40, 50, 70, 90, 110 and 130 kg. After slaughter, the following bones were separated from the right half-carcass: humerus, 3rd and 4th metatarsal bone, femur, tibia and fibula as well as 3rd and 4th metatarsal bone. The features of bones were determined using methods described in the methodology. Describing bone growth with the Gompertz equation, it was found that the earliest slowdown of bone growth curve was observed for metacarpal and metatarsal bones. This means that these bones matured the most quickly. The established data also indicate that the rib is the slowest maturing bone. The femur, humerus, tibia and fibula were between the values of these features for the metatarsal, metacarpal and rib bones. The rate of increase in bone mass and length differed significantly between the examined bones, but in all cases it was lower (coefficient b <1) than the growth rate of the whole body of the animal. The fastest growth rate was estimated for the rib mass (coefficient b = 0.93). Among the long bones, the humerus (coefficient b = 0.81) was characterized by the fastest rate of weight gain, however femur the smallest (coefficient b = 0.71). The lowest rate of bone mass increase was observed in the foot bones, with the metacarpal bones having a slightly higher value of coefficient b than the metatarsal bones (0.67 vs 0.62). The third bone had a lower growth rate than the fourth bone, regardless of whether they were metatarsal or metacarpal. The value of the bending force increased as the animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, the highest values were observed for the humerus, tibia and femur, smaller for the metatarsal and metacarpal bone, and the lowest for the fibula and rib. The rate of change in the value of this indicator increased at a similar rate as the body weight changes of the animals in the case of the fibula and the fourth metacarpal bone (b value = 0.98), and more slowly in the case of the metatarsal bone, the third metacarpal bone, and the tibia bone (values of the b ratio 0.81–0.85), and the slowest femur, humerus and rib (value of b = 0.60–0.66). Bone stiffness increased as animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, the highest values were observed for the humerus, tibia and femur, smaller for the metatarsal and metacarpal bone, and the lowest for the fibula and rib. Abstract 12 The rate of change in the value of this indicator changed at a faster rate than the increase in weight of pigs in the case of metacarpal and metatarsal bones (coefficient b = 1.01–1.22), slightly slower in the case of fibula (coefficient b = 0.92), definitely slower in the case of the tibia (b = 0.73), ribs (b = 0.66), femur (b = 0.59) and humerus (b = 0.50). Bone strength increased as animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, bone strength was as follows femur > tibia > humerus > 4 metacarpal> 3 metacarpal> 3 metatarsal > 4 metatarsal > rib> fibula. The rate of increase in strength of all examined bones was greater than the rate of weight gain of pigs (value of the coefficient b = 2.04–3.26). As the animals grew, the bone density increased. However, the growth rate of this indicator for the majority of bones was slower than the rate of weight gain (the value of the coefficient b ranged from 0.37 – humerus to 0.84 – fibula). The exception was the rib, whose density increased at a similar pace increasing the body weight of animals (value of the coefficient b = 0.97). The study on the influence of the breed and the feeding intensity on bone characteristics (physical and biomechanical) was performed on pigs of the breeds Duroc, Pietrain, and synthetic 990 during a growth period of 15 to 70 kg body weight. Animals were fed ad libitum or dosed system. After slaughter at a body weight of 70 kg, three bones were taken from the right half-carcass: femur, three metatarsal, and three metacarpal and subjected to the determinations described in the methodology. The weight of bones of animals fed aa libitum was significantly lower than in pigs fed restrictively All bones of Duroc breed were significantly heavier and longer than Pietrain and 990 pig bones. The average values of bending force for the examined bones took the following order: III metatarsal bone (63.5 kg) <III metacarpal bone (77.9 kg) <femur (271.5 kg). The feeding system and breed of pigs had no significant effect on the value of this indicator. The average values of the bones strength took the following order: III metatarsal bone (92.6 kg) <III metacarpal (107.2 kg) <femur (353.1 kg). Feeding intensity and breed of animals had no significant effect on the value of this feature of the bones tested. The average bone density took the following order: femur (1.23 g/cm3) <III metatarsal bone (1.26 g/cm3) <III metacarpal bone (1.34 g / cm3). The density of bones of animals fed aa libitum was higher (P<0.01) than in animals fed with a dosing system. The density of examined bones within the breeds took the following order: Pietrain race> line 990> Duroc race. The differences between the “extreme” breeds were: 7.2% (III metatarsal bone), 8.3% (III metacarpal bone), 8.4% (femur). Abstract 13 The average bone stiffness took the following order: III metatarsal bone (35.1 kg/mm) <III metacarpus (41.5 kg/mm) <femur (60.5 kg/mm). This indicator did not differ between the groups of pigs fed at different intensity, except for the metacarpal bone, which was more stiffer in pigs fed aa libitum (P<0.05). The femur of animals fed ad libitum showed a tendency (P<0.09) to be more stiffer and a force of 4.5 kg required for its displacement by 1 mm. Breed differences in stiffness were found for the femur (P <0.05) and III metacarpal bone (P <0.05). For femur, the highest value of this indicator was found in Pietrain pigs (64.5 kg/mm), lower in pigs of 990 line (61.6 kg/mm) and the lowest in Duroc pigs (55.3 kg/mm). In turn, the 3rd metacarpal bone of Duroc and Pietrain pigs had similar stiffness (39.0 and 40.0 kg/mm respectively) and was smaller than that of line 990 pigs (45.4 kg/mm). The thickness of the cortical bone layer took the following order: III metatarsal bone (2.25 mm) <III metacarpal bone (2.41 mm) <femur (5.12 mm). The feeding system did not affect this indicator. Breed differences (P <0.05) for this trait were found only for the femur bone: Duroc (5.42 mm)> line 990 (5.13 mm)> Pietrain (4.81 mm). The cross sectional area of the examined bones was arranged in the following order: III metatarsal bone (84 mm2) <III metacarpal bone (90 mm2) <femur (286 mm2). The feeding system had no effect on the value of this bone trait, with the exception of the femur, which in animals fed the dosing system was 4.7% higher (P<0.05) than in pigs fed ad libitum. Breed differences (P<0.01) in the coross sectional area were found only in femur and III metatarsal bone. The value of this indicator was the highest in Duroc pigs, lower in 990 animals and the lowest in Pietrain pigs. The cortical index of individual bones was in the following order: III metatarsal bone (31.86) <III metacarpal bone (33.86) <femur (44.75). However, its value did not significantly depend on the intensity of feeding or the breed of pigs.

AbstractRice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the world’s most vital staple grains, and 90% of it is produced and consumed in Asia alone. It plays a significant role in the entry of mineral nutrients into the food chain. Arsenic (As) is a toxic heavy metal that threatens the major rice-growing regions in the world, particularly in Asia. Arsenic is ubiquitously present in moderate concentrations in the environment because of natural geological processes and anthropogenic impacts. However, rapid industrialization and excessive use of arsenic-rich groundwater are further fueling the increased arsenic concentration in agricultural topsoil. Arsenic accumulation in rice plants has a significant adverse effect on plant, human, and livestock health. Although arsenic contamination in rice is well documented, its interaction and accumulation in rice are poorly understood. So far, no candidate genes or QTLs associated with arsenic interaction are used in breeding programs for the development of low-arsenic-accumulating rice varieties. The development and adaptation of new low-arsenic-accumulating rice cultivars resilient to arsenic toxicity constitute safe ways to mitigate arsenic contamination in rice. Recent scientific advances in rice genetics, genomics, and physiology have opened up new opportunities to speed up the process of developing low-arsenic-accumulating rice cultivars for the rapidly growing human population.

Following the trend of oil and gas production in deep waters, ore mining is about to start in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. If the first system will most probably be installed in the quiet though deep waters of Papua New Guinea, other prospects lie in the more turbulent areas of New Zealand and the Tongas. The ore accumulations to be mined are high grade hydrothermal mineral deposits rich in copper, gold, zinc, lead and silver located directly on the seabed. However, the excavation techniques need to be quite different from what had been envisaged for manganese nodules due to the morphology of the deposits. Based on its deep water construction experience, Genesis France, a company of the Technip Group has been contracted to perform a screening study of the various technologies to be applied to cut, crush, lift to the surface and pre-process the massive seabed sulphide deposits in a safe, efficient and profitable manner while minimizing the environmental impact of such work. This paper presents the conceptual screening study, the systems that have been evaluated, the selection criteria and the resulting operating system.