Structural and Morphological Features of the Participation of Microorganisms in the Formation of Nb–REE–Rich Ores of the Tomtor Field (Russia)

Data indicating the important role of microorganisms in the redistribution of REEs in the weathering crust and the decisive role in the concentration of REEs during the formation of ores in the upper ore horizon of the Tomtor field are obtained. The uptake of REEs was carried out by the community of microorganisms, such as phototrophs, methanogens, methanotrophs, and proteobacteria, which form the basis of the microbiocenosis for this paleoecosystem. The isotopic composition of C carbonates in all samples studied with fossilized microorganisms corresponds to the biogenic one, and the isotopic composition δ18ОSMOW (from 7 to 20‰) indicates the endogenous (hydrothermal) and, to a lesser extent, exogenous nature of the solutions. The low (87Sr/86Sr)I values of carbonates (~0.7036–0.7042) exclude the participation of seawater.