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.

The article is devoted to reviewing the issues related to the application of geophysical methods for solving the problems of monitoring the development of solid mineral deposits. The problems considered in the work are highly relevant in connection with the recent increase in the frequency of natural and man-made disasters caused by the disturbance of the rock mass during the construction of mine workings and the exploitation of ore deposits developed by underground methods. This is especially pertinent for deposits at a late stage of development. Based on an analysis of foreign and domestic scientific literature, the authors provide a detailed examination of the possibilities of using various modifications of geophysical methods in the mining industry at the stages of deposit development and operation. Particular attention is paid to the efficiency of seismic exploration methods in monitoring the development of ore deposits mined by underground methods at great depths. It is shown that the use of geophysical methods is one of the most effective ways to account for the behavior of natural and technical systems in underground workings, depending on the current state of the geological environment and artificial impacts on rock massifs. A well-founded conclusion is made that systematic monitoring and prevention of the technogenic state of underground workings, as well as the study of the current state of the rock mass and ore deposits in hard-to-reach areas using modern geophysical technologies, form the basis for the effective and safe development of long-exploited solid mineral deposits. The presented review is used for the scientific and practical substantiation of research work carried out by a team of specialists from KazNITU named after K.I. Satpayev, focused on developing a technology for assessing the geomechanical state of mined-out spaces using seismic methods during underground mining of minerals in the complex mining and geological conditions of copper sandstone deposits in Kazakhstan.

This work presents a generalization and analysis of the physical properties of rocks and ores from the Zhezkazgan ore district. Studies were carried out to identify general patterns in variations in the magnetic, density, velocity, and electrical parameters of the rocks that make up the geological section of the region. Based on the physical parameter measurements of the rock samples and drill cores collected in large quantities evenly throughout the region, a spatial analysis and quantitative assessment were conducted for the magnetic susceptibility, density, specific electrical resistivity, polarizability, and seismic velocity of the rocks. These properties were systematized at the level of formations, individual suites, and lithological heterogeneities. Correlations between the physical properties of the rocks, their composition, and the conditions of their formation were established. This study demonstrated the potential of using petrophysical characteristics in tectonic studies, geological mapping, and the identification of the exploration and ore-controlling factors in copper mineralization. It was found that the deposits of the productive horizons of the Zhezkazgan and Taskuduk suites are characterized by consistent physical parameters across the entire area, due to their relative homogeneity in lithological, structural–textural, and other features. The physical parameters of the rocks are influenced by several factors associated with mineralization processes, including changes in the total porosity, structure, and texture of the host rocks, alteration of the original mineral composition of the ores, fragmentation, fracturing, fissuring, and others. The obtained results significantly improve the reliability of geologically interpreting geophysical anomalies, especially in areas covered by loose sediments and where productive horizons are deeply buried. The detailed petrophysical analysis of the region has made it possible to provide recommendations for selecting an optimal set of geophysical methods for further successful work at the prospecting-evaluation and exploration stages in the Zhezkazgan ore district.

Purpose. To identify prospective areas within the Northern Katpar deposit based on the interpretation of borehole geophysical survey results and the analysis of spatial geological models. Methods. The set of borehole geophysical methods included gamma-ray logging (GR), inclinometry (IN), X-ray radiometric logging (XRL), thermometry, caliper logging, and resistivity logging (RES). In addition, spatial modeling methods were applied using Micromine software to construct 3D and 2D models of ore bodies. Findings. The analysis confirmed previously identified ore bodies and intersections based on the 2018 drilling data, with some clarifications. For the first time, a new ore intersection has been discovered within the loose sediments of the weathering crust between 42 and 47 profiles, not reflected in earlier geological cross-sections. Additional prospective zones with tungsten trioxide (WO3) content ranging from 0.2 to 0.5% were also identified. Originality. For the first time, the potential existence of ore bodies in the upper part of the section within the weathering crust has been substantiated through the integrated interpretation of geophysical data and block modeling that opens new opportunities for forecasting and resource assessment of the deposit. Practical implications. The proposed methodology for interpreting borehole geophysical data in combination with 3D modeling can be applied in prospecting and resource assessment of other tungsten-bearing deposits.

New+Geology +https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2023-5 +/jdownloads/pdf/2023/5/05_2023_contents-en-GB.pdf