| 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 microscopy, 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 nanomineralogy of WM will facilitate the choice of rational methods of mining and recovery
of valuable components. As has been proved by electron microscopy, fossilized microbial communities, biofilms, and cyanobacterial
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 paleoclimate 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 problem of global climatic warming. |
