Geodynamic setting of the mineral deposits of the Urals

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The first-order geodynamic domains of the Uralide orogen constitute a relatively simple pattern across the orogenic belt. Continental rifting along the western margin is expressed by a system of Vendian-early Palaeozoic structures with shale-hosted siderite and magnesite and basalt-hosted base metals. It is superimposed on a Middle Riphean rift system with layered mafic-ultramafic complexes with chromite and ilmenite-titano-magnetite and subordinate ophiolite massifs with gold and magnetite. An oceanic spreading domain, immediately east of the Main Uralian Fault is associated with chromite, titano-magnetite and massive sulphide deposits (Dombarovsky or Cyprus type). Further east, bimodal volcanic associations in island arcs with oceanic crust have formed copper-zinc massive volcanic sulphide deposits (Uralian type). Subsequently, complex volcanic sulphide deposits are associated with belts of andesite-dacite and co-magmatic diorite (Baymak or Kuroko type). The eastern, destructive, margin of the orogen is characterized by magnetite and copper-magnetite skarns and porphyry systems. Relatively small plagiogranite to granodiorite complexes, related to oceanic crust, carry scheelite and gold. Calc-alkaline granitic massifs have formed associations of tungsten, tantalum and beryllium. This pattern was dissected by major thrusts and transcurrent shear zones. Increased fluid activity in the course of deformation, inferred to have been involved in complex multi-phase gold mineralization was most probably controlled by deep-reaching faults and shears. Although the recognition of the first-order domains represents a guideline for exploration, detailed structural geological studies of the kinematics of the major faults and shear zones are required in conjunction with radiometric dating of suitable fault- and ore-associated minerals, in association with on-going deep-reaching geophysical investigations.