Eastern Transbaikal Region Research Articles

Distribution of rare earth elements in waters and bottom sediments of mineralized lakes in the eastern Transbaikal region (Russia)

Contents of rare earth elements in waters and bottom sediments are maximum in the most mineralized soda lakes. It is shown that REE occur in waters mainly as carbonate (LnСО3)+ and oxyhydroxide LnO2H, LnO+, (LnO2)– complexes, whose activity in the La → Lu series changes in opposite directions. It has been determined that increase of mineralization leads mainly to higher concentrations of the dissolved HREE. Prevalence of the absolute values of MREE and HREE is recorded in basins with the development of bacterial processes. Geochemical barrier for the accumulation of LREE in waters can be represented by fluorcarbonates, whose saturation degree in the soda lake waters can be several orders of magnitude higher than the solubility products (SP). Oxidative and reductive settings in lakes are favorable for the formation of Ce(OH)4 and Ce(OH)3, respectively.

Possible role of fluids free thermal convection processes in formation of uranium deposits in the Streltsovska ore field (Eastern Trans-Baikal Region)

This paper reports the preliminary results of computer simulation of the free thermal convection of fluids in a residual thermal field of a consolidated shallow magma chamber related to caldera formation. The deeply penetrating thermoconvective circulation of fluids provided conditions for mobilization and transportation of uranium from the vast area under the caldera to the ore deposition sites.

Jurassic uraniferous rocks in the eastern Transbaikal region

The paper presents the results of lithological studies of Jurassic rocks in one of the largest basins in the eastern Transbaikal region (Olov depression). These results refined settings of the volcanosedimentary association and indicated that the Olov depression was formed in three stages: stage 1 related to tectonic activation manifested as cataclasis of granitoids in the Transbaikal region and incipience of numerous depressions (Olov included); stage 2 characterized by catastrophic events related to reactivation of tectonic motions, strong volcanism, and intense activity of geysers; and stage 3 marked by termination of volcanic activity and relative tectonic stability of the region that promoted the deposition of rocks of the middle and upper Ukurei subformations in the course of slow synsedimentary subsidence of the depression. Uranium mineralization in the rocks was governed mainly by the following conditions: (1) abundance of cataclased granitoids that delivered terrigenous material to the sedimentation basin; (2) favorable paleogeographic setting for the formation of both sedimentary and postsedimentary hydrothermal U-rich sequences. Field works in the Transbaikal region and analytical results reported in the present paper made it possible to make a videofilm shown in https://youtu.be/UOe9xzSKOEI.

Fluorite as an Sm–Nd geochronometer of hydrothermal processes: Dating of mineralization hosted in the Strel’tsovka uranium ore field, eastern Baikal region

The possibility of using hydrothermal fluorite as an Sm–Nd geochronometer is based on the results of an REE pattern study of this mineral (Chernyshev et al., 1986). As a result of REE fractionation, in many cases, the Sm/Nd ratio achieves a multifold increase compared with its level in terrestrial rocks, and the radiogenic shift of the 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratio reaches 10–20 eNd units over a short time interval (as soon as tens of Ma). This is a necessary prerequisite for Sm–Nd isochron dating of fluorite. Zonal polychrome fluorite from a vein referred to the final stage of large-scale uranium mineralization at the Sterl’tsovka deposit in the ore field of the same name located in the eastern Transbaikal region has been dated using the 143Nd/144Nd method. To optimize isochron construction, local probes with high and contrasting Sm/Nd ratios have been sampled from the polished surfaces of two samples, taking into account the REE pattern of zonal fluorite. Sm–Nd isochron dating has been carried out separately for each sample. The 147Sm/144Nd и 143Nd/144Nd ratios vary within the intervals 0.5359–2.037 and 0.512799–0.514105, respectively. Two isochrons, each based on six fluorite probes, have been obtained with the following parameters, which coincide within 2σ uncertainty limits: (1) t = 134.8 ± 1.3 Ma, (143Nd/144Nd)0 = 0.512310 ± 13, MWSD = 0.43 and (2) t = 135.8 ± 1.6 Ma, (143Nd/144Nd)0 = 0.512318 ± 10, MWSD = 1.5. The mean age of fluorite based on two isochron datings is 135.3 ± 1 Ma. Comparison of this value with the most precise dating of pitchblende related to the ore stage in the Strel’tsovka ore field (135.5 ± 1 Ma) shows that four mineralization stages, distinguished by geological and mineralogical data, that were completed with the formation of polychrome fluorite veins 135.3 ± 1 Ma ago, represent a single and indivisible hydrothermal process whose duration does not exceed 1 Ma.

The large Bystrinskoe Cu–Au–Fe deposit (Eastern Trans-Baikal Region): Russia’s first example of a skarn–porphyry ore-forming system related to adakite

The Bystrinskoe skarn-porphyry Cu–Au–Fe deposit (Eastern Trans-Baikal Region) is confined to skarn zones, which were formed along the contact of granitoids referred to the Shakhtama intrusive complex (J2–3), with terrigenous–carbonate sedimentary rocks. Commercial (Cu–Au–Fe ± W, Mo) mineralization was formed due to the regional postcollision development involving the intrusion of porphyritic granitoids, the derivatives of oxidized adakite highly magnesian magmas enriched in water, sulfur, and metals, which could develop under melting of garnet-bearing amphibolite in the mafic lower crustal arc.

Fractionation factor of 238U and 235U isotopes in the process of hydrothermal pitchblende formation: A numerical estimate

Owing to the rapid increase in available data on the natural variations of the 238U/235U ratio, new isotopic geochemical mark of redox processes are beginning to emerge. In this connection, numerical estimates of the 238U and 235U fractionation factor (α(UIV−UVI)) accompanying the reduction UVI → UIV are needed. Such an estimate has been obtained for hydrothermal pitchblende formation based on results of high-precision (±0.06‰) measurements of the 238U/235U ratio in local microsamples of coarse spherulitic pitchblende from carbonate-pitchblende veins at the Oktyabr’sky deposit (Strel’tsovsky uranium ore field, eastern Transbaikal region). For this purpose, we used the formation temperature of hydrothermal pitchblende and a maximum estimate of the fractionation factor for 238U and 235U isotopes in the solution-solid phase system under normal (25°C) conditions (Murphy et al., 2014). The most probable isotopic fractionation factor accompanying pitchblende crystallization from hydrothermal solution at T = 320−250°C falls into the interval α(UIV−UVI) = 1.00020−1.00023.

Mechanism and hydrogeochemical conditions of the gaylussite formation in the Doroninskaya Group lakes, Eastern Transbaikal region

Mechanism and hydrogeochemical conditions of the gaylussite formation in the Doroninskaya Group lakes, Eastern Transbaikal region

Age of granodiorite porphyry and beresite from the Darasun gold field, eastern Transbaikal region, Russia

The Darasun ore field situated in the southern West Stanovoi Terrane near the Mongolia-Okhotsk Suture comprises the Darasun (>100 t Au), Talatui (∼38.2 t Au), and Teremki (3 t Au) lode gold deposits. In the opinion of many researchers, the Darasun deposit is spatially and paragenetically linked to granodiorite porphyry of the Amudzhikan Complex and related metasomatic rocks (beresites). Whole-rock samples of granodiorite porphyry, monomineralic fractions of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and biotite, as well as sericite from beresite (26 samples in total), were analyzed by the Rb-Sr method. Eight biotite and sericite samples were analyzed by the K-Ar method. The Rb-Sr mineral isochrons obtained for individual granodiorite porphyry samples yielded initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios varying from 0.70560 to 0.70591. The consistent results of both methods allowed us to accept the ages of granodiorite porphyry and beresite as 160.5 ± 0.4 and 159.6 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. The age of granodiorite porphyry of the Amudzhikan Complex of 160.5 ± 0.4 Ma corresponds to the boundary between the Early and Middle Jurassic and marks the completion of collision between the East Siberian and Mongolia-China continents and related orogeny. Since that time, the eastern Transbaikal region has been involved in the postorogenic (within-plate) stage of evolution, characterized by the formation of large gold, uranium, and other ore deposits.

Influence of petrophysical properties and rock deformations on metasomatic processes in the Strel’tsovka caldera, eastern Transbaikal region

Influence of petrophysical properties and rock deformations on metasomatic processes in the Strel’tsovka caldera, eastern Transbaikal region

New geological-industrial type of porphyry gold-molybdenum ore mineralization in the eastern Transbaikal region (exemplified by the Sypchugur ore cluster)

New geological-industrial type of porphyry gold-molybdenum ore mineralization in the eastern Transbaikal region (exemplified by the Sypchugur ore cluster)

Biostratigraphy of Upper Devonian sections in the western Altai-Sayany region based on bryozoans

The analysis of characteristic bryozoan assemblages from Upper Devonian sections of the western Altai-Sayany region made it possible to define the following biostratigraphic units: lower Frasnian Leioclema vassinense, upper Frasnian Petalotrypa bifoliata, basal Famennian Leioclema numerosum, upper lower Famennian Megacanthopora glubokaensis, upper middle Famennian Eridocampylus striatum-Atactotoechus cellatus, and upper Famennian Monotrypa carbonica-Pseudobatostomella longipora beds. Six bryozoans species from type Frasnian assemblages of the western Altai-Sayany folded region are also recorded in the Nakhichevan Republic (Transcaucasia region) and Kazakhstan, while 11 Famennian species from the study region are known in Mongolia, the eastern Transbaikal region, Kazakhstan, China, and the South Urals.

Age of dispersed uranium mineralization in rocks of the framework of the Strel’tsovka uranium ore field and the Yamsky site, Eastern Transbaikal region

An isotopic geochronological study of dispersed uranium mineralization was performed in the granitic rocks of the Urtui pluton in the framework of the Strel’tsovka uranium ore field and in the Yamsky site of the Urov-Uryumkan granite-gneiss arch. Two stages of such mineralization—783 ± 26 Ma in the Urtui granitic pluton and 138.6 ± 2.3 Ma in the Yamsky site—have been established. The emplacement of granite pertaining to the Unda Complex disturbed the U-Pb isotopic system in uraninite from the Urtui granitic pluton and resulted in redeposition of uranium phase dated at 262 ± 34 Ma. The young, probably, recent process gave rise to the redistribution of radiogenic lead in the U-bearing phases developing after uraninite.

Mineralogy and ore formation conditions of the Bugdaya Au-Bearing W-Mo porphyry deposit, Eastern Transbaikal Region, Russia

The Bugdaya Au-bearing W-Mo porphyry deposit, Eastern Transbaikal Region, Russia, is located in the central part of volcanic dome and hosted in the large Variscan granitic pluton. In its characteristics, this is a Climax-type deposit, or an Mo porphyry deposit of rhyolitic subclass. The enrichment in gold is related to the relatively widespread vein and veinlet gold-base-metal mineralization. More than 70 minerals (native metals, sulfides, sulfosalts, tellurides, oxides, molybdates, wolframates, carbonates, and sulfates) have been identified in stockwork and vein ores, including dzhalindite, greenockite, Mo-bearing stolzite, Ag and Au amalgams, stromeyerite, cervelleite, and berryite identified here for the first time. Four stages of mineral formation are recognized. The earliest preore stage in form of potassic alteration and intense silicification developed after emplacement of subvolcanic rhyolite (granite) porphyry stock. The stockwork and vein W-Mo mineralization of the quartz-molybdenite stage was the next. Sericite alteration, pyritization, and the subsequent quartz-sulfide veins and veinlets with native gold, base-metal sulfides, and various Ag-Cu-Pb-Bi-Sb sulfosalts of the gold-base-metal stage were formed after the rearrangement of regional pattern of tectonic deformation. The hydrothermal process was completed by argillic (kaolinite-smectite) assemblage of the postore stage. The fluid inclusion study (microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy) allowed us to establish that the stockwork W-Mo mineralization was formed at 550–380°C from both the highly concentrated Mg-Na chloride solution (brine) and the low-density gas with significant N2 and H2S contents. The Pb-Zn vein ore of the gold-base-metal stage enriched in Au, Ag, Bi, and other rare metals was deposited at 360–140°C from a homogeneous Na-K chloride (hydrocarbonate, sulfate) hydrothermal solution of medium salinity.

Reduced forms of sulfur in the brine of Saline–Soda Lake Doroninskoe, eastern Transbaikal Region

Contents of inorganic reduced forms of sulfur were determined in the oxygen-bearing waters of saline-soda Lake Doroninskoe. The vertical and annual distributions of individual species and total reduced sulfur have been studied. It was found that oxic zone ubiquitously contains reduced sulfur with contents: HS− 0.002–3.86 mg/l, S0 0.002–0.129 mg/l, S0; 4+ 0.014–9.19 mg/l. Oxygen concentrations varied from 0 to 6.8 mg/l. These sulfur compounds show unsystematic vertical distribution, which during transitional season is controlled by intensity of bacterial processes.

Carbonaceous matter in sulfide-quartz veins at the Kurultyken base-metal deposit, eastern Transbaikal region, Russia

The carbonaceous matter filling cavities in sulfide-quartz veins at the Kurultyken hydrothermal base-metal deposit in the Khapcheranga ore district, Transbaikal region, was studied using chromatography/mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermal and isotopic analyses, and IR spectroscopy. It was established that carbonaceous matter was a maltha composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Chrysene, pyrene, and benzpyrelene identified among PAHs are evidence for the hydrothermal origin of the initial carbonaceous matter of maltha. The main mass of carbonaceous matter was synthesized under reductive conditions and at a low temperature, i.e., at the final stage of base-metal ore formation. Nevertheless, the thermometric data indicate that part of the carbonic compounds could have formed at 480°C, i.e., at the high-temperature stage of the postmagmatic process. The contribution of host rocks as a source of carbonaceous matter was minimal.

The Darasun gold deposit, Eastern Transbaikal region: Chemical composition, REE patterns, and stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of carbonates from ore veins

The chemistry, REE patterns, and carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of carbonates from ore veins of the Darasun deposit are discussed. In addition to the earlier described siderite, calcite, and carbonates of the dolomite-ankerite series, kutnahorite is identified. The total REE content in Fe-Mg carbonates of the dolomite-ankerite series (2.8–73 ppm) is much lower than in later calcite (18–390 ppm). δ13C of Fe-Mg carbonates and calcite varies from +1.1 to −6.7‰ and from −0.9 to −4.9‰, respectively. δ18O of Fe-Mg carbonates and calcite varies from +17.6 to 3.6‰ and from +15.7 to −0.5‰, respectively. The REE sum and carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions reveal zonal distribution relative to the central granodiorite porphyry stock. The correlation between the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions and REE sum reflects variations in the physicochemical formation conditions and composition of ore-forming fluid. The isotopic composition of fluid is calculated, and possible sources of its components are considered. Earlier established evidence for a magmatic source of ore-forming fluid and participation of meteoric water in ore formation is confirmed. Geochemical evidence for interaction of ore-forming fluid with host rocks is furnished. The relationships between the REE sum, on the one hand, and carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of hydrothermal ore-forming fluid, on the other, are established.

Model of heat and mass transfer by fluid during formation of Mo-U deposits in the Strel’tsovka ore field, eastern Transbaikal region: Forced convection of solutions generated by a deep source

The Strel’tsovka and Antei uranium deposits located in the Strel’tsovka caldera are unique in ore resources. According to the considered mathematical model, the uranium source of these deposits was related to the middle-lower crustal silicic magma chambers or had mantle origin. Boundary conditions of the model are based on modern views of physicochemical conditions of hydrothermal process in the Strel’tsovka ore field and factors governing ore deposition therein. Modeling results are consistent with morphology of orebodies and ultimate uranium resources of the deposits and thus confirm indirectly that the physicochemical parameters of the ore-forming system are coherent. The maximal duration of uranium ore deposition is estimated at 500 ka.

Estimation of the time of magma chamber solidification beneath the Strel’tsovka caldera and its effect on the nonstationary temperature distribution in the upper crust, the eastern Transbaikal region, Russia

The hydrothermal Mo-U deposits of the Strel’tsovka ore field, unique in reserves, are localized in the Late Mesozoic caldera of the same name. The consideration of geochemical processes that controlled uranium transfer by ore-bearing fluids and its precipitation in orebodies has shown that a nonstationary temperature distribution could have exerted a substantial effect on ore formation. The temperature field in the Strel’tsovka caldera, which was caused by a shallow-seated magma chamber that existed beneath the caldera by the onset of the ore stage, was simulated by mathematical modeling. A one-dimensional nonstationary model of conductive heat transfer taking into account the latent heat of magmatic melt crystallization was used. The problem was solved with the finite difference method. It has been established that, at optimal parameters of the model, the magma chamber would have completely crystallized in 56 ka; the maximum estimate is 133 ka. Three million years after emplacement of the granitic intrusion, the related thermal anomaly in the upper crust should have disappeared. The results obtained indicate that granitic melt of this chamber could not have been a source of uranium-bearing solutions that formed deposits 5 Ma after the cessation of magmatic activity.

First finding of nisbite and aurostibite in the eastern Transbaikal region

First finding of nisbite and aurostibite in the eastern Transbaikal region

Immiscibility of calcium fluoride and aluminosilicate melts in ongonite from the Ary-Bulak intrusion, Eastern Transbaikal region

The addition of fluorides of Na, K, Ca, and other elements into silicate melts lowers the degree of their homogeneity owing to the formation of sybotaxic groups enriched in fluorine and cations-modifiers [1]. Many fluoride–silicate systems are characterized by a microheteregoneous structure in the hyperliquidus region related to immiscibility [2]. Under certain conditions, the evolution of natural magmatic systems gives rise to the formation of fluoride melts. Such examples are not numerous and mostly pertain to the effects of immiscibility in sodic fluoride melts (melts– brines) associated with peralkaline granitic magmas. The existence of calcium fluoride melts is confirmed by inclusions of fluoritic glass in mantle xenoliths captured by alkali basalt in New Zealand [3]. As was suggested previously, the residual glasses in ongonite from the Ary-Bulak intrusion were formed as a result of quenching of a calcium alumino-silicofluoride melt consisting of Ca, F, Al, and Si with an admixture of Na and K [4]. In this communication, we present new data on the active participation of calcium fluoride melts in crystallization of this rock.