This study, carried out in tailings from two sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits in the Lublin-Głogów Copper District in Poland (Kupferschiefer-type deposit) and Zhezkazgan (cupriferous sandstone-type deposit) in Kazakhstan, analysed the mineralogy of copper, zinc, and lead minerals as related to metal accumulation in sediments. Microscopic study in reflected light and SEM–EDS (Scanning Electron Microscope—Energy Dispersive Spectrometer) analysis, as well as chemical diversity in the used INAA (Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis), ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma), and AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) methods in 35 samples from Kazakhstan and 35 from Poland were examined due to their diversity. In both tailing deposits in Kazakhstan and Poland, heavy fractions were dominated by copper sulphides: chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄). and chalcocite (Cu₂S). Moreover, sphalerite, galena, and cerussite have been recognized as a carriers of Zn and Pb. Their geochemistry was dominated by Cu, showing a mean content of 2500 ppm, in both Poland and Kazakhstan. Zinc and lead also occurred, showing a content of approximately 200 ppm and 500 ppm in Poland, and 1500 ppm Zn and 2500 ppm Pb in Kazakhstan, respectively. Grain size analysis indicated that the dominant grain size in both districts corresponded to the silt and fine sands fractions. Copper, zinc and lead sulphides accumulated in fine fractions in tailings from Kazakhstan (in sandstones and quartz grains), and mainly in coarse fractions in Poland (within carbonates, sandstones, and black shales). Mineralogical and geochemical features should be taken into consideration when assessing potential metal sources of technogenic materials.

Purpose is prediction of the prospective areas within the Syrymbet deposit basing on the systematization and complementing of the ore-controlling factors of ore localization and predictive-prospecting criteria. Methods. The methodology of carrying out the research in terms of the indicated problem involves complex application of empiric, theoretical, and logical techniques of a general-purpose method of scientific knowledge. To model the ore bodies and distribution of ore content in them in the 3D format, the computer modelling (GIS-Micromine) methods were used; 2D modelling of a temperature field of the ore-bearing Syrymbet mass involved methods of mathematical modelling (Maple 10). The main conclusions were drawn by means of analysis and synthesis of the results obtained by the indicated methods. Findings.. The ore-controlling factors of the localization of rare metal ores were systematized and complemented by synthesizing the results of the analysis of 3D models of the deposit under consideration with the visualization of ore component contents within the ore bodies and their 2D sections in terms of the survey profiles where spatial distribution of tin content in the vertical section of this deposit was obtained. The factors were also updated by analyzing the thermodynamic conditions of the formation of ore stockworks where temperature conditions of the enclosing media in the area of ore formation were considered along with the intervals of the ore deposition temperatures. Originality. The results of scientific studies (computer and mathematical modelling) based on the empiric geological data helped solve not only the problems of ore formation theory but also the practical tasks concerning the improvement of methods for predicting the prospective areas within the deposit. Practical implications. The methodology of scientific study dealing with systematization of ore-controlling factors can be also used for other endogenous ore objects.

Rare earth elements deposited in ion-adsorption clay-type deposits in Northern Kazakhstan were recognised using mineralogical and geochemical methods. The diversity and mineralogical properties of the Shok-Karagay deposit and Syrymbet ore fields under investigation in this study are closely related to the process of the formation of the deposits as well as the deposits’ architecture. A combination of mineralogical research and digital technology (GIS) was used to characterise the deposits. Rare earth elements from the cerium series were found in the following quantities: La (in ppm), 43–200; Ce, 57–206; Sm, 100–300; Eu, 22–100. Yttrium-series elements were found in the following quantities: Y, 31–106; Gd, 100–200; Tb, 100–200; Dy, 0–300; Ho, 0–20; Er, 0–364; Tm, 0.28–0.85; Yb, 2.2–39; Lu, 0–200. The wireframe and block models indicated that the bodies’ forms were 1800 m wide, 3500 m long, and 20–40 m thick. The major REE group minerals in both bodies were monazite and xenotime, whereas the minor minerals included yttrium parisite, silicorabdophanite, thorite, and orangite; moreover, ilmenite and titanomagnetite were found. The 3D models that were constructed indicated that the mineralogy and geochemistry of the ore bodies played a determining role in the deposits’ architecture.

This study, carried out in Radzimowice, a historical As mining site, analyzed the speciation and mineralogical As forms in soils, in different locations, as related to rock weathering processes and associated environmental risk. Four soil groups, including those on mine dumps, and in the stream valley, as well as stream sediments, were examined. The screening performed on 52 samples showed an extremely low actual As solubility, except for soils at reducing conditions. Nine samples were subjected to mineralogical analysis by microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and sequential extraction according to Wenzel. The results indicated that in all samples, As was associated mainly with amorphous Fe oxides, that constituted up to 66% of total As. Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis performed on 3 representative samples revealed that the dump material contained the grains of primary As minerals, mainly arsenopyrite and loelingite, rimmed and encrusted with goethite. Stream sediments and the alluvial soil contained large amounts of (hydroxy)Fe-oxides, in which As was present in sparse scorodite grains and in highly dispersed forms associated with goethite and amorphous compounds of various compositions. The diversity of As species makes forecasting of its environmental fate difficult, therefore further research should focus on As transformations, particularly under reducing conditions.