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.

Mafic–ultramafics complexes are crucial for their tectonic implication, upper mantle condition, and for hosting industrial minerals in a region. This study aims to highlight and characterize the mafic–ultramafic rocks of the Logar Ophiolite Complex using the integration of geospatial technology and field data. The spatial distribution of the ophiolitic complex was examined in this study using the mineralogical indices (MI), band ratio (BR), and spectral angle mapper (SAM) methods within the framework of geospatial technology using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data. Additionally, several samples were collected from the identified complexes for validation, petrographic, and mineralogical analyses. Combining geospatial technology and conventional approaches, e.g., field sampling and geological data analysis yields efficient discrimination of mafic–ultramafic rocks with their associated hydrothermal altered minerals. The serpentinization and carbonate processes are predominantly seen along the eastern side of the active fault zone following the detection of ophiolites. Detailed mapping of the ophiolitic complex and associated rocks was achieved using refined mafic index (MI), band ratio 12/14 and 4/8 for rocks and SAM for highlighting the mafic–ultramafic altered minerals, and petrographic analysis of the collected samples. The field works verified the results of the ASTER data. The findings of this study can significantly contribute to detailed tectonic and geologic studies of the detected ophiolites in terms of their emplacement mechanism and ages.

Ophiolites are remnants of oceanic crust that have been thrust onto continental crust due to tectonic processes. They are composed of mostly mafic and ultramafic rocks, which are genetically associated with gold, silver, platinum group element (PGE), chrome, manganese, titanium, cobalt, copper, and nickel deposits. The main objective of this research was to identify the spatial distribution of Mesozoic ophiolitic complexes within the Central Afghan Block in Middle Afghanistan using optical remote sensing data and spectral analyses. Distinct algorithms, such as false color composite (FCC), proposed band ratios (PBR), principal component analysis (PCA), and spectral angle mapper (SAM), were used to map the targeted ophiolitic complexes. New band ratios were proposed in this study based on the spectral properties of mafic-ultramafic minerals and rocks, which showed high efficiency. Based on the results, four different ophiolitic complexes were delineated within this study area. These complexes are consistent with previous studies. The accuracy assessment of this study showed an overall accuracy of 72.2%. The findings of this study can significantly contribute to further studies on the emplacement mechanism and paleo-Tethys history of Middle Afghanistan. Also, the spatial distribution of the ophiolitic complexes identified in this study can be used to constrain models of the tectonic evolution of the Central Afghan Block. Additionally, the identification of new band ratios for mapping ophiolitic complexes can be used in future studies of other ophiolite-bearing regions.

This study investigates the trace-element geochemistry of rare-metal pegmatites from the Kalba–Narym Batholith, Eastern Kazakhstan, to establish geochemical indicators of zonation and subtype differentiation within pegmatite fields. Detailed ICP-MS analyses of muscovite and K-feldspar reveal systematic variations in Li, Cs, Rb, Ta, Nb, P, and Ga contents that reflect progressive melt fractionation during the evolution of granitic magmas. These data allow the identification of four main pegmatite subtypes, including barren, beryl, albite–spodumene, and albite, representing successive stages of LCT (Li-Cs-Ta) pegmatite evolution. Both vertical and lateral geochemical zonation are recognized across the Kalba–Narym Batholith, controlled by magmatic differentiation and volatile enrichment. The results highlight the diagnostic value of trace-element systematics in rock-forming minerals as reliable indicators of fractionation and ore potential, and they provide quantitative criteria for the classification and exploration of rare-metal pegmatites within the Kalba–Narym Batholith.

Rare earth elements (REE) are vital for renewable energy, electronics, and advanced technologies; however, the process-related evolution of REE research has not been systematically quantified. This study conducts the first large-scale bibliometric analysis of 76,768 REE-related publications (1975–2024) from Web of Science, using the Cross-Disciplinary Publication Index (CDPI) and Technology–Economic Linkage Model (TELM). Results reveal three development phases: publication growth from 5000 after 2008, driven by China’s export restrictions and the global clean energy transition; China leads with 24.1% of publications, followed by the U.S. (11.7%) and Germany (6.4%). Interdisciplinary mapping identifies materials science as the central field (CDPI = 0.81) linked to nanotechnology (0.75) and environmental science (0.66). Four thematic clusters dominate: (i) deposit geology, (ii) material applications, (iii) green extraction technologies, and (iv) circular economy strategies. Recent emphasis on sustainable practices and unconventional sources—such as phosphorites, bauxite, coal fly ash, and urban mining—reflects a shift toward green innovation. The findings guide policies to diversify REE supply through unconventional deposits (~50 Mt coal-hosted REE), eco-friendly extraction, and recycling. Future priorities include AI-driven exploration, lifecycle assessment of secondary sources, and stronger global collaboration to secure resilient, sustainable REE supply chains.