Manganese Ores of Supergene Zone: Geochemistry of Formation

The major part of the world's high grade industrial manganese ore is being mined in supergene deposits. This book represents the first attempt to bring together not only academic but also commercial data on all aspects of the geochemistry of formation of supergene manganese ores. It is a distinctive account of the geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, experimental modelling studies, mechanisms of formation processes and geochemical evolution through geological time of manganese ores for all types of supergene deposits. Special emphasis is placed on the general geochemical model of supergene manganese ore formation, which can be applied in geochemical exploration. Despite the fact that supergene manganese ores have been used by mankind since the early centuries, it is only during the last decade that a comprehensive understanding of the nature of geochemical processes of formation of these deposits has become available and their potential as an economic resource has been recognized against other genetical types of manganese accumulations. Audience: This substantial and comprehensive volume is of interest to economic geologists, mining engineers, geochemists, mineralogists and other specialized geoscientists.