Article
Geology
Carmen Conde, Fernando Tornos, Leonid V. Danyushevsky, Ross Large
Summary: High sensitivity laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze trace elements in pyrite from the Tharsis VMS deposit, revealing widespread and variable enrichment in elements like Cu, Zn, and Pb due to nanoinclusions. Significant chemical variations of elements like As, Au, Tl, Mn, and Mo were observed, controlled by factors such as crystallinity, temperature, and redox conditions during crystallization. The distribution of elements in pyrite was influenced by mineralization type and textural evolution, showing differences in enrichment patterns for different elements.
JOURNAL OF IBERIAN GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Caio Ribeiro de Mello, Fernando Tornos, Carmen Conde, Colombo Celso Gaeta Tassinari, Angelo Farci, Raquel Vega
Summary: The Rio Tinto deposit is a massive volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit with abundant pyrite-rich massive sulfides and mineralized stockwork. It is divided into three lithostratigraphic groups and four major units, reflecting the evolution of a depositional environment and the different phases of volcanic activity. The deposit contains two styles of mineralization, replacive ores hosted by felsic rocks and shale-hosted exhalative mineralization. The lithogeochemical data show differences between the subunits and suggest the potential for discriminating between fertile and barren volcanic domes.
Article
Geology
Lola Yesares, Ruben Pina, Jose M. Gonzalez-Jimenez, Reinaldo Saez, Gabriel Ruiz de Almodovar, Isabel Fanlo, Juan Manuel Pons, Raquel Vega
Summary: The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) is the largest volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) province on Earth, with more than 90 known deposits and original reserves exceeding 2400 Mt of sulfide ore. Different textures of pyrite in these mineral systems have characteristic mineralogy and trace element fingerprints. Pyrite (Py-1) in polymetallic ores from the earliest stage of VMS deposit formation contains kernels of pyrite framboids surrounded by concentric colloform bands and faceted outlines, and is rich in Pb, Zn, Sb, and As but depleted in Cu, Co, and Bi. Pyrite (Py-2) from pyritic and Cu-rich ore overprinted by late fluids has spongy-looking or homogenous cores surrounded by external facets, with depletion in most trace elements except Au and Bi. Pyrite (Py-3) has the highest Cu, Ag, Co, and Ni contents and the lowest Au contents in the form of native gold, associated with tennantite, chalcopyrite, and gersdorffite particles. The metal contents of Py-1 increase progressively from inner to outer parts, corresponding to the economic metal endowment of VMS deposits in the IPB, while Py-2 and Py-3 are associated with metal shoot processes and the emplacement of mafic rocks into the deposits' footwall.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Geology
Joao Lains Amaral, Ana Rita Sola, Telmo M. Bento dos Santos, Colombo C. G. Tassinari, Joao Goncalves
Summary: A geochronological study using SHRIMP U-Pb analysis of zircon grains was conducted to date felsic volcanic rocks hosting the massive sulphide deposits in the Aljustrel mining district. Multiple method age calculation approach was used to interpret the continuous U-Pb ages recorded in the volcanic rocks, revealing a long-lasting magmatic activity in the area. The results provide new insights for mining exploration and highlight the importance of high-resolution geochronological studies in similar brownfield areas.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geology
Jose M. Gonzalez-Jimenez, Lola Yesares, Ruben Pina, Reinaldo Saez, Gabriel Ruiz de Almodovar, Fernando Nieto, Sergio Tenorio
Summary: This study is the first-ever investigation on nanoscale mineralogy in pyrite from the volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. The presence of trace metals in lattice-bound and nanoparticle form in pyrite is strongly related to the evolutionary history of mineralization.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Javier Cuadros, Christian Mavris, Jose Miguel Nieto
Summary: To effectively use rare earth elements as tracers of weathering processes, more data acquisition is needed to establish robust connections between mechanisms, mineral assemblages, and REE concentration patterns. This study provides results from rocks in the Iberian Pyrite Belt that were altered with different intensities by sulfuric fluids. The alteration process produced variable REE patterns, with mild alteration preserving the relative REE concentrations of the precursor rocks, and strong acid alteration generating REE patterns enriched in light REE. The interpretation of REE concentration in alunite, jarosite, and goethite provides new routes for the development of REE as tracers of acid alteration processes.
Article
Geology
S. Leal, A. Lima, F. Noronha, J. Mortensen, D. MacKenzie
Summary: The Bigorne deposit is a orogenic gold system located in the northern Iberia, with gold-bearing veins cutting through synorogenic Variscan granites. The mineralization includes quartz-sulfide veins, disseminated sulfides, hydrothermal alteration, and oxidize fractures. The thermal evolution suggests that gold deposition occurred at lower temperatures. Isotope studies indicate that the gold-bearing fluid was generated from deep-crustal rocks during decompression triggered by crustal uplift.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Adnan Aftab, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Alexis Nzila, Jafar Al Hamad, Abduljamiu Olalekan Amao, Mohammad Sarmadivaleh
Summary: Quartz substrates were exposed to sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) culture, resulting in changes in wettability and pH value. The presence of SRB led to a shift from strong water-wet quartz to less water-wet quartz, as evidenced by an increase in contact angle. Additionally, the concentrations of sulfate, aluminum, iron, calcium, and magnesium decreased significantly after the SRB effect.
Article
Geology
S. Leal, A. Lima, J. Morris, M. Pedro, F. Noronha
Summary: The Numao gold deposit in the northern part of the Iberian Variscan belt is controlled by second and third-order structures near the regional first-order Vilarica-Manteigas fault system. The deposit consists of disseminated sulfides, arsenopyrite-quartz veins, and sulfides-scheelite-quartz veins. The ore mineral assemblage includes scheelite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, bismuth, and Au-Ag mineral phases.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Guillermo Mateos, Adrian Martinez-Bonilla, Jose M. Martinez, Ricardo Amils
Summary: Vitamin B-12 is essential for enzymatic activities in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, including microorganisms in extreme environments. Analysis of genomes from microorganisms in the deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt reveals their dependence on vitamin B-12 for important enzymes. Only one isolate, Desulfosporosinus sp. DEEP, has the genetic capability to produce vitamin B-12, while others rely on obtaining it from the oligotrophic environment they grow in. Import proteins for vitamin B-12 are not widely present in the samples. This dependence is supported by the production of vitamin B-12 by Desulfosporosinus sp. DEEP, indicating the significance of cofactors like vitamin B-12 in deep subsurface biogeochemical cycles.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Neves, L. Esperto, I Figueira, J. Mascarenhas, R. Salgueiro, T. P. Silva, J. B. Correia, P. A. Carvalho, D. de Oliveira
Summary: This study investigated the direct application of ore samples for the synthesis of tetrahedrite-based materials, showing promising results in terms of potential environmental and economic benefits. The experiment revealed different phase transformation paths depending on the mixture ratios and ore samples used.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lola Yesares, Jose Maria Gonzalez-Jimenez, Francisco Abel Jimenez-Cantizano, Igor Gonzalez-Perez, David Caro-Moreno, Isabel Maria Sanchez
Summary: This article evaluates a type of mine waste residue called morrongos in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, and discovers significant concentrations of high-tech metals in them. By using both whole-rock geochemical and single-grain mineralogical techniques, remarkable concentrations of gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper are uncovered. This first-ever estimation of these economic metals in this type of residue provides important metal resources for the clean energy transition.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
J. C. Fernandez-Caliani, M. Giraldez, W. H. Waken, Z. M. Del Rio, F. Cordoba
Summary: The study found that after 15 years of restoration, the soil quality of the historical mine site improved significantly in terms of key properties such as structural stability, cation exchange capacity, degree of base saturation, soil organic carbon, and available phosphorus. The combined use of sugar beet lime and composted biosolids as a low-cost, locally available soil amendment was effective in neutralizing acidity, reducing the mobility of trace elements, enhancing soil fertility, carbon storage, and microbial biomass. Additionally, revegetation with Pinus pinea and Nerium oleander proved to be a successful strategy in creating a visually appealing vegetative cover.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Svetlana N. Kokh, Ella V. Sokol, Maria A. Gustaytis, Ivan A. Sokol, Anna S. Deviatiiarova
Summary: The study revealed that mud volcanoes in the Kerch Peninsula are a geological source of mercury, containing a high percentage of sulfide mercury. THg concentrations in MV waters and plants are relatively high, while GEM concentrations in the atmosphere above MVs are significantly higher than background levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David C. Fernandez-Remolar, Daniel Carrizo, Mourad Harir, Ting Huang, Ricardo Amils, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Laura Sanchez-Garcia, David Gomez-Ortiz, Per Malmberg
Summary: Research indicates that well-preserved molecular biosignatures are found in ferric subsurface materials in the Rio Tinto gossan deposit under oxidative and acidic conditions, directly associated with physical-templating biological structures. This suggests that low-pH oxidative environments on Mars may also preserve molecular information about ancient life.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Fernando Tornos, John M. Hanchar, Rodrigo Munizaga, Francisco Velasco, Carmen Galindo
Summary: The Mesozoic magnetite-(apatite) deposits in the Coastal Cordillera of Chile are controlled by the Atacama Fault System and cluster into two groups with different host rocks, one vein-like in the northern part hosted by Jurassic diorite, and the other shallowly emplaced ore lenses in the southern part in broadly coeval (sub-)volcanic intermediate rocks. The Sr-Nd data suggest a genetic model involving the dehydration of subducted oceanic crust, fluid interaction from the mantle wedge, iron-rich melt separation, and ascent along transcrustal faults.
MINERALIUM DEPOSITA
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jose M. Gonzalez-Jimenez, Ruben Pina, Thomas N. Kerestedjian, Fernando Gervilla, Inigo Borrajo, Julia Farre-de Pablo, Joaquin A. Proenza, Fernando Tornos, Josep Roque, Fernando Nieto
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive in situ analysis of noble metals in (Cu-Fe)-rich sulfides from the PGE-rich porphyry Cu deposit Elatsite. The data obtained using LA-ICP-MS show that Pd is concentrated in pyrite, Au is significantly more concentrated in pyrite than in other sulfides, and Ag shows varying concentrations in different sulfides. Detailed mineralogical investigations confirm the presence of noble metals in two forms within the sulfides.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Article
Geology
Fernando Tornos, Carmen Galindo, Fiona Darbyshire, Cesar Casquet, Stephen R. Noble
Summary: The Monchi Mine in SW Iberia is characterized by high iron grades and a unique ore assemblage, related to a large plutonic complex. The ore formation is likely the result of deep sourced fluids interacting with protoliths, leading to the formation of high-grade mineralization through a high-temperature magmatic-hydrothermal system.
JOURNAL OF IBERIAN GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
Carmen Conde, Fernando Tornos, Leonid V. Danyushevsky, Ross Large
Summary: High sensitivity laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze trace elements in pyrite from the Tharsis VMS deposit, revealing widespread and variable enrichment in elements like Cu, Zn, and Pb due to nanoinclusions. Significant chemical variations of elements like As, Au, Tl, Mn, and Mo were observed, controlled by factors such as crystallinity, temperature, and redox conditions during crystallization. The distribution of elements in pyrite was influenced by mineralization type and textural evolution, showing differences in enrichment patterns for different elements.
JOURNAL OF IBERIAN GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
Jorge Carriedo, Fernando Tornos, Massimo Chiaradia, Carmen Galindo
Summary: The Colmenar deposit formed by complex magmatic-hydrothermal processes related to the crystallization of water-rich albite-magnetite igneous rocks, possibly with iron-rich chemical sediments and amphibolite as protoliths. Hydrothermal breccias and widespread replacement of calc-silicate hornfels by magnetite-ferroactinolite-albite assemblage indicate exsolution of iron-rich fluids during crystallization, while geochronological data suggest a Variscan age and a potential relationship to IOCG systems worldwide.
JOURNAL OF IBERIAN GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
Wyatt M. Bain, Matthew Steele-MacInnis, Fernando Tornos, John M. Hanchar, Emily C. Creaser, Dorota K. Pietruszka
Summary: This study evaluates the fluid compositions that formed the classic yet enigmatic Mt(-Ap) deposit at El Laco in northern Chile, suggesting that ore-stage minerals crystallized from an Fe-rich sulfate melt. The major component of the liquid was derived from assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary rocks during emplacement of andesitic magma at depth. The assimilation of evaporite-bearing sedimentary strata is argued to have played a key role in the formation of El Laco and likely Mt(-Ap) deposits elsewhere.
Article
Geology
Igor Gonzalez-Perez, Jose M. Gonzalez-Jimenez, Fernando Gervilla, Isabel Fanlo, Fernando Tornos, Vanessa Colas, Enrique Arranz, John Hanchar, Maria del Mar Abad-Ortega, Antonio J. Moreno-Abril, Maria Carrion, Samuel Noval
Summary: The San Manuel magnesian skarn is an iron deposit located in dolomitic marbles in the Ronda peridotites of the western part of the Betic Cordillera in Spain. It is subdivided into three different zones based on dominant mineral assemblages, and consists of four distinct generations of magnesioferrite-magnetite. The formation of the deposit is proposed to be due to pulsed hydrothermal fluids derived from anatexis of crustal rocks during peridotite emplacement, leading to zoning of the magnesioferrite-magnetite.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Geology
Guillem Gisbert, Fernando Tornos, Emma Losantos, Sean McClenaghan, Juan Manuel Pons, Juan Carlos Videira, Maurice Brodbeck
Summary: This study investigates the mineral chemistry vectors in a replacive deposit in volcanic rocks to understand the influence of hydrothermal systems on ore formation. The variations in element compositions of white micas and chlorite indicate the flow of hydrothermal fluids and the formation of iron-rich minerals. The findings contribute to the understanding of ore vectors in volcanic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Caio Ribeiro de Mello, Fernando Tornos, Carmen Conde, Colombo Celso Gaeta Tassinari, Angelo Farci, Raquel Vega
Summary: The Rio Tinto deposit is a massive volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit with abundant pyrite-rich massive sulfides and mineralized stockwork. It is divided into three lithostratigraphic groups and four major units, reflecting the evolution of a depositional environment and the different phases of volcanic activity. The deposit contains two styles of mineralization, replacive ores hosted by felsic rocks and shale-hosted exhalative mineralization. The lithogeochemical data show differences between the subunits and suggest the potential for discriminating between fertile and barren volcanic domes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joaquin Escayo, Ignacio Marzan, David Marti, Fernando Tornos, Angelo Farci, Martin Schimmel, Ramon Carbonell, Jose Fernandez
Summary: This study analyzes the deformation field in the Riotinto mine, Spain and proposes a new method for combining ascending and descending results. It demonstrates the great potential of the Sentinel-1 satellite as a monitoring tool in mining environments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tobias Keller, Fernando Tornos, John M. Hanchar, Dorota K. Pietruszka, Arianna Soldati, Donald B. Dingwell, Jenny Suckale
Summary: Magnetite-apatite deposits are important sources of iron and other metals, with the El Laco volcano as a prominent example. Research has shown that an Fe-rich melt separated from silicate magma and ascended to form the deposits, supporting the magmatic genesis hypothesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ricardo Amils, Cristina Escudero, Monike Oggerin, Fernando Puente Sanchez, Alejandro Arce Rodriguez, David Fernandez Remolar, Nuria Rodriguez, Miriam Garcia Villadangos, Jose Luis Sanz, Carlos Briones, Monica Sanchez-Roman, Felipe Gomez, Tania Leandro, Mercedes Moreno-Paz, Olga Prieto-Ballesteros, Antonio Molina, Fernando Tornos, Irene Sanchez-Andrea, Kenneth Timmis, Dietmar H. Pieper, Victor Parro
Summary: Microbial activity plays a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles of planet Earth. A study on the deep subsurface microbiome of the Iberian Pyrite Belt revealed unexpected diversity and novel activities such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation and anaerobic methane oxidation. Various complementary metabolic activities were found, and genomic analysis identified genes involved in key biogeochemical cycles.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Laura Mateo, Fernando Tornos, John M. Hanchar, Igor M. Villa, Holly J. Stein, Antonio Delgado
Summary: The Montecristo district in northern Chile is one of the few places where there is a direct relationship between magnetite-(apatite) mineralization and iron oxide-copper-gold mineralization. The two mineralizations, with different ages, suggest that the initial iron-rich melts crystallized and later acted as a trap for hydrothermal mineralization. The study also indicates a mixing of protolith and a deep magmatic-hydrothermal source in the formation of the iron oxide-copper-gold mineralization.
MINERALIUM DEPOSITA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liam A. Bullock, Juan Alcalde, Fernando Tornos, Jose -Luis Fernandez-Turiel
Summary: Many countries have committed to reducing CO2 emissions in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, and Spain, with its diverse geological setting, has the potential for high geochemical carbon dioxide removal (CDR). However, there is currently a lack of pilot schemes and large-scale strategies for CDR implementation in Spain, due to gaps in knowledge and lack of attention from regulatory bodies. This study identifies possible materials, locations, and strategies for future geochemical CDR research and implementation in Spain, highlighting the potential for kilotonne to million tonne scale CDR options.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Max R. Verdugo-Ihl, Cristiana L. Ciobanu, Liam Courtney-Davies, Nigel J. Cook, Ashley Slattery, Kathy Ehrig, Fernando Tornos, John M. Hanchar
Summary: The first U-Pb hematite dates for the Mantoverde and Carmen de Cobre IOCG deposits in Northern Chile are reported in this study. The results suggest that the mineralization of these deposits is related to magmatically derived fluids at high temperatures. The presence of alkali alteration in hematite indicates an important process during the formation of these deposits. This research provides valuable insights into the timing and geological characteristics of IOCG mineralization in Northern Chile.