The geomicrobiology of supergene metal deposits
Date
2015
Authors
Zammit, C.
Shuster, J.
Gagen, E.
Southam, G.
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Journal article
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Elements (Ottawa): an international magazine of mineralogy, geochemistry, and petrology, 2015; 11(5):337-342
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Carla M. Zammit, Jeremiah P. Shuster, Emma J. Gagen, Gordon Southam
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Abstract
Microbe-catalyzed redistribution of metals in the Earth's crust can produce remarkable, and often economic, metal enrichments. These catalytic processes rely on redox transformations to produce secondary-mineral assemblages. Classic supergene systems relate to copper, where weathering is driven by microbial activity. Roll-front uranium deposits represent a similar, albeit lateral, evolution from aerobic weathering to anaerobic enrichment. Gold is generally resistant to oxidation but a remarkable biogeochemical cycle can produce secondary gold. Finally, banded iron formations, which are microbially catalysed sedimentary deposits, can be further weathered to form high-grade ore. Metals are as important to enzyme catalysts as these catalysts are to metal enrichment.
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© 2015 by the Mineralogical Society of America