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Minerals
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Geology and Geochemistry of Marine Mineral Resources
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Geology and Geochemistry of Marine Mineral Resources

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Deposits".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2024 | Viewed by 5281

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
Interests: marine geochemistry; economic geology
Dr. Xiaodong Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: marine geology; geochemistry; environmental magnetism; paleoenvironment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Marine mineral resources (including seafloor massive sulfide, ferromanganese nodules, Fe–Mn crusts,  REY-rich deep sea sediments, submarine oil, methane hydrate, phosphorite, marine placer deposits, marine sand and gravel and marine solutes) will be a significant contribution to future raw material supply, but the source of ore-forming materials and genesis of those marine mineral deposits are still in dispute. More minerals have recently been discovered on the ocean floor; moreover, deep-ocean mineral deposits provide valuable windows through which to study the Earth, including the evolution of seawater and insights into the exchange of heat and chemicals between the crust and the oceans (Lusty et al., 2018). This Special Issue will focus on the geology and geochemistry of marine mineral resources, especially on mineralogy and ore-forming process of deep-sea mineral deposits.

Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Sun
Dr. Xiaodong Jiang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • marine mineral resources
  • seafloor massive sulfide
  • ferromanganese nodules and Fe–Mn crusts
  • REY-rich deep-sea sediments
  • methane hydrate
  • ore-forming process

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 5670 KiB  
Article
Geochemical Characteristics of Seabed Sediments in the Xunmei Hydrothermal Field (26°S), Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Implications for Hydrothermal Activity
by Peng Yang, Chuanshun Li, Yuan Dang, Lei Fan, Baoju Yang, Yili Guan, Qiukui Zhao and Dewen Du
Minerals 2024, 14(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14010107 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 734
Abstract
The compositions of metalliferous sediments associated with hydrothermal vents can provide key geochemical data for locating seafloor sulfides. In this study, we present the geochemistry of seabed sediments from the Xunmei hydrothermal field (HF) in the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge (SMAR). The results indicate [...] Read more.
The compositions of metalliferous sediments associated with hydrothermal vents can provide key geochemical data for locating seafloor sulfides. In this study, we present the geochemistry of seabed sediments from the Xunmei hydrothermal field (HF) in the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge (SMAR). The results indicate that the sediments are mainly composed of pelagic material (biogenic calcium components), basaltic debris, iron-manganese oxides, and hydrothermal components. The sediments are significantly enriched in Cu, Zn, Fe, and Co deriving from hydrothermal fluids, as well as Mn, V, Mo, U, and P, which are primarily scavenged from seawater. The northeastern Xunmei has the highest concentrations of Cu and Zn, while the northeastern, northern, and southern regions are characterized by great inputs of Fe. Manganese and Mo are mainly enriched in the western and southern parts and show a strong positive correlation, indicating that Mo is mainly scavenged by Mn oxides. Uranium, P, and Fe exhibit strong positive correlations, suggesting that they coprecipitate with Fe from hydrothermal plumes. Vanadium and Co are introduced into sediments in different ways: V is scavenged and coprecipitated by hydrothermal plumes, and Co is derived from sulfide debris. Based on the contents of Cu and Zn and Cu/Fe (0.159), Zn/Fe (0.158), and Fe/Mn (1440) ratios, it can be inferred that a high-temperature hydrothermal vent existed in northeastern Xunmei. In combination with the distribution patterns of the above elements, the hydrothermal vents in the southern part ceased erupting after a short period of activity. In addition, the high Mn anomaly and the high U/Fe ratios at the boundaries of the investigated area indicate the presence of a relatively oxidized environment in southwestern Xunmei. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geology and Geochemistry of Marine Mineral Resources)
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16 pages, 5122 KiB  
Article
Grain Size Analyses and Mineral Compositions of Core Sediments in the Western North Pacific Ocean: Implications for the Rare Earth Element and Yttrium Enrichment and Deposition Environment
by Qiannan Hu, Miao Yu, Dongjie Bi, Jihua Liu, Mu Huang, Aimei Zhu, Zhaojun Song and Xuefa Shi
Minerals 2023, 13(12), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13121470 - 22 Nov 2023
Viewed by 989
Abstract
Rare earth element and Yttrium (REY)-rich deep-sea sediments have been identified as significant potential resources. Although grain size analysis is important for the study of deposition environment and the future exploration of REY, related research is limited. Here, we have investigated the grain [...] Read more.
Rare earth element and Yttrium (REY)-rich deep-sea sediments have been identified as significant potential resources. Although grain size analysis is important for the study of deposition environment and the future exploration of REY, related research is limited. Here, we have investigated the grain size and mineral composition of bulk pelagic sediments from Western North Pacific to indicate the evolutions of deposition environment. Grain size analysis results reveal that silt contents are dominant, and the grain size ranges between 20 and 40 μm and can be an additional grain characteristic indicator for REY-rich sediments. Furthermore, the better sorting coefficient of REY-rich sediments reflects the scouring action of bottom currents, which allows the preservation of coarse-grained bioapatite and the removal of clay fraction particles. ΣREY is negatively correlated with clay fractions but positively correlated with sand and silt fractions for the REY-rich sediments, and this is consistent with the dominant distribution of silt-sized biogenic apatite. In addition, grain size distribution (GSD) varies significantly after HCl treatment in the REY-rich sediment. Therefore, for deep-sea sediments collected below the carbonate compensation depth (CCD), an additional presence of a grain size peak at ~20–40 μm and distinct differences in GSD after HCl treatment can serve as important indicators for REY enrichment sediments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geology and Geochemistry of Marine Mineral Resources)
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15 pages, 9574 KiB  
Article
Fe–Cu Isotope Characteristics and Geological Significance of the Yushui Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposit in the Late Paleozoic Marine Depression, Eastern Guangdong Province
by Yi Huang, Yan Wang, Zhongwei Wu, Xiaoming Sun, Fan Yang, Guiyong Shi, Yao Guan and Zhengxin Yin
Minerals 2023, 13(8), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13081071 - 12 Aug 2023
Viewed by 844
Abstract
The Yong’an-Meixian Late Paleozoic Hercynian depression, located in western Fujian-eastern Guangdong, is an important metallogenic belt in China. The Yushui copper-polymetallic massive sulfide deposit from the middle part of the depression, with extremely high copper grades, has attracted considerable attention and research interest [...] Read more.
The Yong’an-Meixian Late Paleozoic Hercynian depression, located in western Fujian-eastern Guangdong, is an important metallogenic belt in China. The Yushui copper-polymetallic massive sulfide deposit from the middle part of the depression, with extremely high copper grades, has attracted considerable attention and research interest from geologists for years. In most previous research, the ore-forming material source and metallogenic process were inferred from indirect evidence (i.e., using H-O-C-S isotopic systematics as geochemical tracers). In this paper, the ore-forming process of the Yushui deposit has been studied directly by using nontraditional stable (Fe–Cu) isotopes for the first time, providing new evidence for the genesis of this deposit. The results show that there is a relatively negative Fe-Cu isotopic composition in the Yushui deposit, with δ56Fe values ranging from −0.519 to −1.063‰ and δ65Cu values ranging from −1.539 to −1.609‰, respectively. The fractionation of Fe isotopes is primarily attributed to hydrothermal leaching of the basement strata by ore-forming fluids, along with rapid precipitation of sulfides during the ore-forming process. On the other hand, the fractionation of Cu isotopes is probably controlled by the relatively low temperature of ore formation, sulfide precipitation and the involvement of organic matter in mineralization. Combining our findings with previous studies, the ore-forming materials of the Yushui deposit are likely derived from the basement ore-bearing strata (pre-Devonian strata) through leaching by hydrothermal fluids. Moreover, some of the ore bodies might have been locally overprinted by late-stage hydrothermal reworking and alteration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geology and Geochemistry of Marine Mineral Resources)
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18 pages, 17246 KiB  
Article
Color Origin of Red Beds within the Danxia Basin, Southern China
by Wang He, Zhijun Yang, Jintao Hu, Ke Zhang and Hongwei Li
Minerals 2023, 13(8), 1054; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13081054 - 09 Aug 2023
Viewed by 954
Abstract
Sedimentary facies color is an important paleoclimate indicator, but may be unreliable in thick continental red beds. The Danxia Formation is the landscape strata of the Danxia basin, and its color fluctuates between reddish-brown and reddish-purple vertically. This study examined the ferric oxides [...] Read more.
Sedimentary facies color is an important paleoclimate indicator, but may be unreliable in thick continental red beds. The Danxia Formation is the landscape strata of the Danxia basin, and its color fluctuates between reddish-brown and reddish-purple vertically. This study examined the ferric oxides characteristics, distribution, and mineral composition of the Danxia Formation using a variety of analytical techniques, including optical microscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that the reddish-brown mineral is composed primarily of fine hematite with traces of goethite, while the reddish-purple mineral consists solely of fine hematite. These hematites exhibit a particle size range of submicron to micron and display various morphologies, including spherical, flake, and fibrous forms. Goethite particles are needle-shaped and often form star-shaped aggregates containing twins. Whole rock geochemical analysis reveals a strong positive correlation between iron and iron group elements, as well as phosphorus and rare earth elements. The findings suggest that the reddening of the Danxia Formation occurs during diagenesis, with fine hematite forming as a result of the alteration of iron-bearing detrital grains. In addition, vertical color variations in Danxia Formation are not attributable to the paleoclimate records, but rather the result of the differentiation of sediment sources. This study provides a novel viewpoint for examining the coloration of thick continental red beds in other regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geology and Geochemistry of Marine Mineral Resources)
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19 pages, 5678 KiB  
Article
Fe-Cu-Zn Isotopic Compositions in Polymetallic Sulfides from Hydrothermal Fields in the Ultraslow-Spreading Southwest Indian Ridge and Geological Inferences
by Yan Wang, Zhongwei Wu, Yi Huang, Xiaoming Sun, Jinhui Yan, Fan Yang, Zhengxin Yin and Li Xu
Minerals 2023, 13(7), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070843 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 990
Abstract
Submarine hydrothermal sulfides from the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) were sampled from three hydrothermal fields, and the Fe-Cu-Zn isotopic compositions were analyzed in this study. The Fe isotopes ranged from −0.011‰ to −1.333‰. We believe the processes controlling the Fe isotope variability [...] Read more.
Submarine hydrothermal sulfides from the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) were sampled from three hydrothermal fields, and the Fe-Cu-Zn isotopic compositions were analyzed in this study. The Fe isotopes ranged from −0.011‰ to −1.333‰. We believe the processes controlling the Fe isotope variability in the hydrothermal systems include the sulfide precipitation process, the initial isotopic composition of the hydrothermal fluid, and the temperature during precipitation. Among these factors, the sulfide precipitation process is the dominant one. The Cu isotope compositions of the sulfides varied from −0.364‰ to 0.892‰, indicating that the hydrothermal fluid preferentially leached 65Cu in the early stages and that hydrothermal reworking led to decreases in the Cu isotopes in the later stages. In addition, because mass fractionation occurred during sulfide precipitation, the Zn isotope variations ranged from −0.060‰ to 0.422‰. Combined with the S isotopic compositions, these results also implied that different Fe-Cu-Zn isotopic fractionation mechanisms prevailed for the different sample types. Based on these results, we are sure that the metallic elements, including Fe, Cu, and Zn, were derived from the mantle in the SWIR hydrothermal field, and the Fe-Cu isotope results indicated that these metallic elements were provided by fluid leaching processes. Using the isotopic fractionation and sulfide results, we calculated that the Fe-Cu-Zn isotopic compositions of the hydrothermal fluid in this field were δ56Fe(fluid): −0.8~0.0‰; δ65Cu(fluid): 0.3~1.3‰; and δ66Zn(fluid): 0~0.48‰. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geology and Geochemistry of Marine Mineral Resources)
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