This article presents the results of a study on lithium mineralization in salt flats and underground aquifers of the Shu–Sarysu depression. Analysis of brine samples collected from 2022 to 2023, utilizing spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, reveals elevated concentrations that hold commercial promise. These findings may have significant implications for exploration efforts and estimation regarding the lithium resource potential, which is currently in high demand. This article examines data regarding lithium brine deposits worldwide, focusing on their geology. The research methodology involves delineating regions of salt flat distribution through remote sensing data interpretation, fieldwork, and laboratory analysis, particularly for surface brines. Underground lithium-bearing brines are detected within oil and gas structures. The article presents findings from analytical studies conducted on saline and co-produced formation brines collected during the 2022 field season, with a specific focus on the epiplatform regions of Kazakhstan, encompassing the Shu–Sarysu depression.

In this paper, we outline a study conducted on altered rocks in Central Kazakhstan, in particular, focusing on secondary quartzites. The study reveals a connection between copper-porphyry deposits in Central Kazakhstan and secondary quartzites. Recent research has unveiled gold mineralization in various secondary quartzite massifs, which has spurred further investigations in the region. Over the past three decades, extensive studies have been conducted that have demonstrated similarities among the gold deposits in this area and epithermal gold-silver deposits in volcanic-plutonic arcs around the world. By identifying patterns in the distribution of gold mineralization and developing regional exploration criteria, researchers have comprehensively assessed 48 secondary quartzite massifs and have prioritized promising areas for further exploration. Valuable findings have emerged from detailed examinations of the Akgirek and Birlestik massifs, which have involved drilling exploration wells up to a depth of 250 m. These investigations have shed light on the depth distribution of metasomatites and their association with gold mineralization. Consequently, these findings strengthen our belief in the significant potential for gold mineralization in the secondary quartzites of the Jungar-Balkhash folded system.

Purpose. To identify the lithium content of mineralized saline lands in the lower reaches of the Chu and Sarysu Rivers and the gold content of the Inder and Shalkar salt domes, and to give a predictive estimate of their industrial prospects. Methodology. The basis of the research methodology is a classic combination of prospecting and surveying: collection of precursor materials, field work, including object mapping, hydro- and lithochemical sampling, analytical studies and analysis of laboratory data. Findings. We carried out the whole complex of the planned works on the sites under study. As a result, in 76 % of the analyzed water samples lithium content was found to be higher than clarkee in seawater (0.17 mg/l) by 1.2–2.4–4.12 times. Lithium content in salts and soils is noted in significantly lower values of lithium clarkee in the Earth’s crust, in rare cases lithium values in samples are 1.5–2 times higher than clarkee. Out of 25 samples of the Shalkar salt dome area, Au was found in 9 samples with grades from 1.36 to 6.02 g/t. The percentage of significant samples is 36 %. The average Au content in the Shalkar salt dome taking into account all other “empty” samples is 1.2 g/t. According to these data, taking into account modern technologies of extraction of Au at its low content, the Shalkar salt dome may well be classified as a large-volume deposit of poor ores. The results of quantitative analysis by atomic absorption of samples from the Inder salt dome also indicate the presence of significant Au content in seven samples – from 1.6 to 3.9 g/t. The average gold content for the entire volume of samples taken would be 0.78 g/t, which can be considered commercially significant under current conditions. The given results of hydromineral raw materials research for possible extraction of lithium and noble metals, despite their preliminary character and insignificant volumes, unequivocally indicate the necessity of large-scale exploration works for final evaluation of the described objects and identification of new ones similar to them. Originality. The originality of the study is that such work has been carried out for the first time. Quantitative assessment of lithium and gold content in saline lands and salt domes of Kazakhstan showed an excess of their clarkee and the prospects of these objects for further research. Practical value. significance lies in the identification of lithium content of hydromineral raw materials and gold content of salt domes of Kazakhstan as possible cost-effective new sources of lithium and gold.

This study analyzes the ore potential of the tectono-stratigraphic zones in the Shyngys-Tarbagatai folded system using metallogenic diagrams. These diagrams condense extensive geological and metallogenic data, illustrating stratified and intrusive formations, formation types, depositional environments, and ore loads in chronological sequence. The analysis highlights variations in ore mineralization intensity across the zones, identifying both highly and less ore-bearing areas. Most zones show polymetallic mineralization with 2 to 12 types of minerals; gold and copper are present in all zones. Temporal analysis identified key productive levels in the Late Ordovician, Early Silurian, and Early Devonian, corresponding to active stages of island arcs, forearc and backarc basins, and the Devonian volcanic–plutonic belt. The structures of the Shyngys-Tarbagatai folded system are classified as island-arc structures of active continental margins. Comparing the ore potential of its tectono-stratigraphic zones with similar modern structures shows that, except for the Maikain zone, all others have significantly lower ore potential. The obtained data is most likely a result of the region’s poor exploration coverage. As such, future efforts should prioritize further investigation of the identified mineralization zones. This is evident from the dominance of small, medium, and large deposits, and ore occurrences in all tectono-stratigraphic zones when assessing their ore potential. Preliminary analysis of the ore potential in the tectono-stratigraphic zones of the Shyngys-Tarbagatai folded system, based on metallogenic diagrams, clearly supports the need for regional and exploration studies. These should focus on poorly explored stratigraphic levels, ore-bearing geological formations, and geodynamic settings that are favorable for deposit formation. This will provide a more accurate assessment of the potential in these zones.

Purpose. The study aims to investigate the formation composition and structural-formation zoning of the Late Paleozoic continental volcanic and volcano-sedimentary formations of the Junggar-Balkhash fold system (JBFS). It also seeks to define the geological-geophysical characteristics and metallogenic specialization of the volcanic-plutonic belts (VPB) in the region. Methods. The research utilizes data from detailed mapping and analysis of Late Paleozoic magmatites in JBFS over the past 10-40 years. Structural-formation zoning of the region was performed from an actualistic perspective, along with the formation typification of stratified and intrusive ore formations. The study of metallogenic specialization was conducted considering modern geophysical research methods. Findings. Two main volcanic-plutonic belts have been identified: the Carboniferous marginal-continental Tasty-Kusak-Kotyryasan-Altunemel Belt and the Carboniferous-Permian intracontinental Balkhash-Ili Belt, which together cover about 80% of the JBFS territory. The geological-geophysical characteristics and metallogenic specialization of these belts have been defined. In particular, the findings highlight significant prospects for epithermal gold-silver and copper-porphyry mineralization. Originality. For the first time, a structural-formation zoning of JBFS has been conducted, and the typification of volcanic-Plutonic Belts has been substantiated. Additionally, their metallogenic specialization has been determined, revealing patterns of localization for epithermal gold-silver and copper-porphyry deposits. Practical implications. The study’s results are of great importance for exploration geology, contributing to the improved efficiency of searching for ore deposits in the region, particularly epithermal gold-silver and copper-porphyry targets.