Manganese (oxyhydr)oxide minerals are known to scavenge base metals.
Ferromanganese crusts are widespread in semi-arid Western Australia.
Ferromanganese crusts were sampled from 2 known zinc deposits.
Selective leach and analysis of Mn oxide minerals in crusts show high Zn concentrations close to deposits.
Findings have implications for geochemical exploration for Zn mineralization.