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Bio-mineralization and potential biogeochemical processes in bauxite deposits: genetic and ore quality significance

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Abstract

The Parnassos-Ghiona bauxite deposit in Greece of karst type is the 11th largest bauxite producer in the world. The mineralogical, major and trace-element contents and δ18O, δ12C, δ34S isotopic compositions of bauxite ores from this deposit and associated limestone provide valuable evidence for their origin and biogeochemical processes resulting in the beneficiation of low grade bauxite ores. The organic matter as thin coal layers, overlying the bauxite deposits, within limestone itself (negative δ12C isotopic values) and the negative δ34S values in sulfides within bauxite ores point to the existence of the appropriate circumstances for Fe bio-leaching and bio-mineralization. Furthermore, a consortium of microorganisms of varying morphological forms (filament-like and spherical to lenticular at an average size of 2 μm), either as fossils or presently living and producing enzymes, is a powerful factor to catalyze the redox reactions, expedite the rates of metal extraction and provide alternative pathways for metal leaching processes resulting in the beneficiation of bauxite ore.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded from the EPEAEK II project, in the frame of the PYTHAGORAS II-SUPPORT OF THE UNIVERSITIES RESEARCH TEAMS, with 75 % contribution from European Union and 25 % National funds. Many thanks are expressed to the Mining Company S & B, Industrial Minerals, for providing a representative sample of red mud. Many thanks are expressed to Associate Editor, Dr. Anton Chakhmouradian, for handing the paper, and Dr. E. Lee Bray and an anonymous reviewer for their constructive criticism and suggestions on an earlier draft of the manuscript and the linguistic improvement of this work.

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  1. Department of Geology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Ano Ilissia, 15784, Athens, Greece

    Magdalini Laskou & Maria Economou-Eliopoulos

  2. Department of Mineralogy and Petrology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784, Athens, Greece

    Magdalini Laskou

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  1. Magdalini Laskou
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  2. Maria Economou-Eliopoulos
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Correspondence to Magdalini Laskou.

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Editorial handling: A. R. Chakhmouradian

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Laskou, M., Economou-Eliopoulos, M. Bio-mineralization and potential biogeochemical processes in bauxite deposits: genetic and ore quality significance. Miner Petrol 107, 471–486 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00710-012-0257-z

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