Exploration Of Mineral Deposits Research Articles

Geochemistry and mineralogy of the shale-hosted vanadium Van Property deposit, Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories

Abstract Shales and mudstones are fine-grained rocks formed in sedimentary basins throughout Earth’s history. These lithologies are increasingly important targets for mineral deposit exploration since they can have economic resources of critical minerals including vanadium (V), an essential component of redox-flux batteries in solar cells. However, many Paleozoic shale-hosted V deposits are metamorphosed and deformed. This commonly obscures primary features including V-bearing host phases and the original composition of organic material. In this study, we present geochemical and mineralogical data from the Paleozoic Van Property deposit, Northwest Territories, Canada, to show that V can be released from organic matter during metamorphism and incorporated in clay phases such as illite. The siliceous argillites at the Van Property hosts up to 0.69% V2O5 and were metamorphosed to (sub-)greenschist facies. Their mineralogy is dominated by quartz with minor graphite, illite, muscovite, pyrite, sphalerite, rutile, and carbonates. Although, some illite (i.e., high-V illite) can have up to 13 wt% V2O3 and rutile can have up to 4.4 wt% V2O3, mass balance calculations are insufficient to explain V enrichment at the Van Property utilizing only illite and rutile. The third V host is inferred to be carbonaceous matter in which V accumulated syn-deposition on the seafloor. Subsequent metamorphism led to the demetallation of V-bearing geoporphyrins and the release of vanadyl ions (VO2+), some of which were then incorporated into high-V illite and rutile. This process of V enrichment highlights the role of organic matter in scavenging V from superficial reservoirs and the importance of metamorphism on subsequent V release and its incorporation into inorganic phases. The geochemistry of siliceous, V-rich argillites at the Van Property is also compared to other V-enriched shale and mudstone deposits, highlighting the diversity of shale-hosted V deposits, and emphasizing the need for further research to close the knowledge gaps related to variations in composition, mineralogy and V enrichment processes.

Геолого-геофизические исследования Владимира Марковича Новоселицкого

The article is devoted to the memory of Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences,Professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Markovich Novoselitsky (01.01.1935 – 29.10.2008). V.M. Novoselitsky is a well-known scientist in Russia and abroad in the field of fundamental and applied geophysics. The directions developed by him are related to complex geological and geophysical research and studies of the earth's subsoil – search and exploration of mineraldeposits, geoecological, geotechnical research, forecasting of natural and man-made emergencies. His works remain defining in the theory and practice of exploration geophysics, mining geophysics and ensuring the safety of the population and national economic objects.

DNA sequencing, microbial indicators, and the discovery of buried kimberlites

Population growth and technological advancements are placing growing demand on mineral resources. New and innovative exploration technologies that improve detection of deeply buried mineralization and host rocks are required to meet these demands. Here we used diamondiferous kimberlite ore bodies as a test case and show that DNA amplicon sequencing of soil microbial communities resolves anomalies in microbial community composition and structure that reflect the surface expression of kimberlites buried under 10 s of meters of overburden. Indicator species derived from laboratory amendment experiments were employed in an exploration survey in which the species distributions effectively delineated the surface expression of buried kimberlites. Additional indicator species derived directly from field observations improved the blind discovery of kimberlites buried beneath similar overburden types. Application of DNA sequence-based analyses of soil microbial communities to mineral deposit exploration provides a powerful illustration of how genomics technologies can be leveraged in the discovery of critical new resources.

A 2D seismic reflection dataset of the Caosiyao giant porphyry Mo deposit in the shallow coverage area in Jining, Inner Mongolia, China

AbstractProspecting for and exploiting buried mineral deposits is currently challenging. Given their high precision and resolution, reflection seismic methods might be useful in such applications involving deep mineral deposits. However, there are few open seismic datasets available from mineral deposit exploration, especially in hardrock environments. The world‐class Caosiyao porphyry Molybdenum deposit (1.76 Mt) in the Jining area of Inner Mongolia, China, is largely covered by loess layers, which poses challenges to its exploration. Seismic reflection surveys were conducted to help delineate the deep granite porphyry intrusions and associated orebodies. This paper presents the raw seismic reflection dataset from three profiles on the Caosiyao deposit area, which can be used as a standard dataset for reflection seismic processing in shallow coverage and hardrock areas. Situated at the juxtaposition of the Khondalite Belt and the Trans‐North China Orogen in the northern North China Craton, the Jining region hosts considerable known porphyry Mo deposits. As such, this open dataset can assist in research on deep geological structures and hence increase prospecting efficiency in geologically similar areas.

On the 125th Birthday of Vladimir Kreiter—a Founder of the Theory of Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits

On the 125th Birthday of Vladimir Kreiter—a Founder of the Theory of Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits

On the 125th Birthday of Vladimir Kreiter—a Founder of the Theory of Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits

The paper is devoted to founder of the Theory of Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits V.M. Kreiter

Visual Interpretation of Machine Learning: Genetical Classification of Apatite from Various Ore Sources

Machine learning provides solutions to a diverse range of problems in high-dimensional datasets in geosciences. However, machine learning is generally criticized for being an enigmatic black box as it focusses on results but ignores the processes. To address this issue, we used supervised decision boundary maps (SDBM) to visually illustrate and interpret the machine learning process. We constructed a SDBM to classify the ore genetics from 1551 trace element data of apatite in various types of deposits. Attribute-based visual explanation of multidimensional projections (A-MPs) was introduced to SDBM to further demonstrate the correlation between features and machine learning process. Our results show that SDBM explores the interpretability of machine learning process and the A-MPs approach reveals the role of trace elements in machine learning classification. Combining SDBM and A-MPs methods, we propose intuitive and accurate discrimination diagrams and the most indicative elements for ore genetic types. Our work provides novel insights for the visualization application of geo-machine learning, which is expected to be a powerful tool for high-dimensional geochemical data analysis and mineral deposit exploration.

SEPARATION OF MAGNETIC ANOMALIES USING FRACTAL METHOD IN THE ESFORDI REGION FOR IRON EXPLORATION, CENTRAL EAST OF IRAN

Link for citation: Amin Karimi Kalvarzi, Aref Shirazi, Adel Shirazy, Amin Beiranvand Pour, Ardeshir Hezarkhani, Hamed Nazerian, Timkin T.V., . Voroshilov V.G. Separation of magnetic anomalies using fractal method in the Esfordi region for iron exploration, central east of Iran. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 3, рр. 197-209. In Rus.
 The relevance of research is determined by the possibilities of measuring the potential magnetic field, which has self-similar (fractal) properties, as well as a practical tool for prospecting and exploration of iron ores. In the Esfordi area, this method was used by us for the first time to identify, separate and interpret geophysical (magnetic) anomalies. The main aim of this thematic and practical study is the qualitative interpretation of geophysical data, the application of new methods in the prospecting and exploration of mineral deposits, modeling the geological environment and forecasting new promising areas. Object: Esfordi region, Yazd province, Iran. Methods. To obtain additional information about the subsurface, magnetometric data were used with their interpretation by the RTP (reduction to the north magnetic pole) method. For modeling purposes, an artificial sample was made, consisting of a sphere, a cube and a cuboid, and it was found that the fractal method can be used to separate anomalies for unipolar models (cube and cuboid). Results. The results of the study were applied to the Esfordi region, where it was found that at a survey scale of 1:100000, there is a direct relationship between the fractal method and the 3D model, which can be used to locate iron ore mineralization.

AHS mapping for hydrothermal alterations detection and mineral deposits exploration

The Actve Hyperspectral Sensing (AHS) application for a mineral mapping have been tested on outcrops with porphyry-copper style of mineralization in the Vlaykov Vruh and Tsar Assen deposits. As a new tool used in mineral exploration AHS reveals the advantages for mineral detection and targeting as an express new innovative technology and efficient tool for mineral prospecting.

Identification of hidden mineralized and non-mineralized zones using spectral analysis of geochemical data

Detection of dispersed and blind mineral deposits is an important aim in the mineral exploration. Detailed exploratory operations such as drilled boreholes which are performed for exploration of mineral deposits in the depth caused high cost and risk. In this research, a new scenario based on spectral analysis of geochemical data has been utilized for prediction of mineralized zones in the depth without any additional cost. The variations of mineralized elements from the surface to the depth are predicted and delineated by using this approach based on surface geochemical data. This proposed approach is the state-of the-art application of two-dimensional Fourier transformation (2DFT) for geochemical image processing. This approach which is named frequency coefficient method (FCM) has been defined based on the behavior of elements in the frequency domain. In this study, the FCM shows two Pb and Zn mineralized zones at the surface and moderate depth and a non-mineralized zone at the profound depth in Chichakloo Pb–Zn mineralization. Finally, the results of FCM have been validated and confirmed by the results of drilled boreholes and geophysical surveys.

Mud-volcanic deposits of methane gas hydrates in the Black Sea

This paper discusses the formation of a special mud-volcanic type of gas hydrate accumulation in the deep-water part of the Black Sea. The main conclusions are based on the results of geological and geophysical studies of mud volcanoes carried out in the course of numerous scientific cruises between 1970-2015. Comparison of the Black Sea submarine mud volcanoes with their on-land analogues indicates the possible use of compensatory depressions, called “recessed synclines”, accompanying mud volcanoes, which is revealed in the course of prospecting and exploration of mineral deposits. In the sea they are represented by ring deposits of methane gas hydrates.

Картографирование разломов на территории Cеверо-Cахалинской равнины по данным дистанционного зондирования земли

The article presents the results of the research of the fault zones of earth’s crust within the North Sakhalin plain using the lineament analysis of the SRTM model. The faults be identified in order to increase the information content of the maps of geological content. SRTM data was used as input. The analysis performed using the functionality of the LEFA software package. The use of SRTM data made it possible to assess disjunctive disorders in territory of the north of Sakhalin Island. The images of surface were analyzed using the binary-morphological erosion operation or using Canny mathematical algorithms with further digital processing by means of Hough Transform. The paper reveals the position of linear elements in different parts of the North Sakhalin plain. Excellent test of the quality of performed definitions was the results of earlier studies of the eastern part of the North Sakhalin Plain, which were carried out in connection with the development of hydrocarbon deposits and after the strong Neftegorsk earthquake. The data obtained served as the basis for drawing up a map of disjunctive disturbances of Sakhalin Island at scale of 1:500,000. Depending from scale, spatial resolution, and level of generalization of image, disjunctive disturbances of different lengths (transregional, regional, sub-regional, local) and ranks (1 rank from a few to hundred meters, 2 rank from a hundred meters to a kilometer, 3 rank from 1 km to 35 km, 4 rank from 35 to 100 km, 5 rank more than 100 km). The analysis of the SRTM model with the help of the LEFA toolkit allowed us to identify the zones where the earth’s crust fractures are located. The analysis of the SRTM model with the help of the LEFA toolkit allowed us to identify the zones where the earth’s crust fractures are located. As aresult of the analysis, the West Sakhalin, Central Sakhalin, Hokkaido-Sakhalin (Upper Piltun segment), Piltun, Garomai, Val-Langri, Gyrgylany-Daginsky, South Baikal, Udyl and many other faults of less than rank 2 were identified. The main results of the work will be useful in choosing places for the construction of economic and industrial facilities, as well as in the search and exploration of mineral deposits.

CRITICAL THINKING IN THE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF FUTURE MINING ENGINEERS-GEOLOGISTS

A modern mining geological engineer needs to be able to analyze and evaluate the material composition of rocks, ores and types of mineral deposits. This involves the use of such logical operations as comparison, analogy, generalization. The ability to assess the reliability of the information received is closely related to the ability to analyze it, draw adequate conclusions, and make the right decisions. This is only possible if the future mining engineer-geologist has critical thinking. As a means of forming critical thinking in practical classes in the process of teaching mathematics, a case method or a method of analyzing specific situations was chosen. Its peculiarity is that it can be implemented in such a teaching method as mathematical modeling, which is practically the only tool in engineering practice in geological research and exploration of mineral deposits. In the process of teaching mathematics, cases are presented in the form of tasks. When solving problems, students not only master a set of mathematical knowledge and skills, but also establish a connection between mathematics and their future professional activities. Also, the task is a means of forming and developing critical thinking, since the student’s thinking activity is almost always associated with the presence of a problem situation that needs to be solved and the understanding that the student does not always have enough available knowledge to solve it. An example of a case-task on the formation of critical thinking by means of drawing up, analyzing and evaluating a mathematical model using the method of correlation and regression analysis is given. Students understand the problem situation, identifyits basic components, analyze the data obtained empirically, build a graph (correlation field). They put forward a hypothesis. To quantitatively characterize the analysis, students calculate the correlation coefficient and test the hypothesis. Solution options are compiled and evaluated: for a given sample, the coefficients of the linear regression equation are found and plotted. With the help of reference data, the accuracy of the obtained mathematical model is assessed. Based on the analysis of the assessment of the accuracy of the model, students understand their own actions, analyze the information studied. This leads to the formation of critical thinking.

PROFESSOR ROMAN ROMANOVYCH VYRZHYKIVSKY. To the 130th anniversary of the birthday

Among geologists of the 20—30 years of the twentieth century. the leading place in Ukraine was occupied by the repressed in 1937, professor Roman Romanovych Vyrzhykivsky (1891—1937). At the Kiev University of St. Vladimir, he was a very capable student of N.I. Andrusov and the famous petrographer and mineralogist, professor, later academician V.I. Luchitsky. In the history of geological science, R.R. Vyrzhykivsky entered as a researcher of the Black Sea region, and the south-west of the European part of the USSR (Ukraine, Moldova), as well as a talented organizer of geological work, a brilliant surveyor geologist, tectonist and an outstanding hydrogeologist. The scientist was the head of geological survey work in Transnistria and prepared for printing the first geological map of 10 versts scale — «Transnistria» (Dniester region). Later, this map became the basis for prospecting and exploration of mineral deposits in Transnistria. In the studied region, he first discovered numerous deposits of phosphorites, cement raw materials, kaolin, flint, building sands, sandstones, tripoli, lithographic stone and underground drinking water. At the same time, the young scientist described for the first time a unique ridge of reef limestones of Middle Sarmatian age, which he traced in the meridional direction from the lower reaches of the river Kamenka along its left bank to the north, in Podillia. In the Shargorod region of Transnistria (Dniester region), the scientist found Paleogene marine deposits, and he identified the Podolsk stage in the Miocene layers of Podolia. In a number of scientific works of Roman Romanovich, data are presented in the field of fault-block tectonics and neotectonic movements of Transnistria and the Black Sea region. R.R. Vyrzhykivsky also considered the issue of modern transgressions of the Black Sea in the most complete way. This work of the scientist was one of the first evidence of the manifestation of the latest tectonic movements in the region of the Northern Black Sea region and the Black Sea. R.R. Vyrzhykivsky rightfully belongs to the galaxy of the greatest scientists—hydrogeologists of Ukraine and Moldova. In particular, he laid the foundations for the hydrogeological zoning of the territory of Moldova for the first time. Within Moldova, he identified the Middle Sarmatian, Cretaceous and Silurian water-saturated horizons. Merits of R.R. Vyrzhykivsky in the field of hydrogeological problems of Ukraine can hardly be overestimated. He made a huge practical contribution to the water supply of large industrial cities and agglomerations of the country. In 1932 R.R. Vyrzhykivsky published the monograph «Hydrogeology» in Ukrainian, which played a huge role in the training of national hydrogeologists. In it, he for the first time presented the results of the hydrogeological zoning of the territory of Ukraine. It is important that the hydrogeological zoning scheme, with minor changes, is still being used by the hydrogeologists of our country.

Geochemical compositions of apatites from the Xuejiping and Disuga porphyries in Zhongdian arc: Implications for porphyry Cu mineralization

Triassic calc-alkaline granitic rocks are widely distributed in the Zhongdian arc, SW China. Some of these rocks host porphyry Cu deposits of different sizes, but most of them are barren. In order to understand the key factors of mineralization, and to provide fertility discriminators for future mineral deposit exploration in the region, this study presents new whole-rock and apatite geochemical data of the ore-bearing porphyries from the large Xuejiping deposit and Disuga prospecting area. These data have been compared with and integrated with previously published data of the ore-bearing porphyry from the giant Pulang deposit and the barren Triassic Xiuwacu biotite granite. The four intrusions are I-type granitoids with adakitic affinities, characterized by high whole-rock Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios and high Sr/Y and EuN/EuN* ratios in apatites. Coherent whole-rock geochemical variations and changes in Sr contents and REE ratios in apatites indicate that the four intrusions underwent similar fractional crystallization. All the rocks show enrichment of LILEs and LREEs and depletion of HFSEs with relatively wide ranges of whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopes ((87Sr/86Sr)t = 0.7043–0.7070; εNd(t) = -6.8–0.2). These geochemical features together with apatite Sr-Nd isotopes suggest that their parental magma may originate from partial melting of the slab-derived fluid metasomatized mantle wedge and mixing with melt of lower crust. Compared to the barren Triassic Xiuwacu biotite granite, three ore-bearing porphyries have higher EuN/EuN*, lower CeN/CeN* ratios of apatites, indicating higher oxygen fugacity. Besides, the ore-bearing porphyries have higher magmatic S contents than that of the barren one. The differences in magmatic oxygen fugacity and S content are key factors controlling the economic potential of magmas in this arc. Further, the Disuga porphyry from prospecting area shares similar characteristics with the other two ore-bearing porphyries in magma source, fractionation process, oxidation state, and S content. Therefore, the Disuga porphyry may have the potential to form a large porphyry Cu deposit. No large deposit has been found in the Disuga area is probably due to the intensive denudation in this area.

Defining potential mineral exploration targets from the interpretation of aeromagnetic data in western Rwanda

Mineral resources take a leading economic role in Rwanda where geological structures play a key role in the exploration of mineral deposits. In this study, we used the newly developed Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) grid analysis on processed aeromagnetic datasets for structural interpretation over a portion of western Rwanda. The interpreted lineaments follow a predominantly NW- and NNW-trending orientation, while other orientations in the survey area include NE-, ENE- and, more rarely E-trending structures. Subsequently, a detailed structural complexity map based on the results was constructed. Delineated favorable exploration targets occur within meta-sediments or along lithological contacts between meta-sediments and igneous complexes and correspond to operating mine sites. This study reveals that structural interpretation based on aeromagnetic data is an efficient tool in mineral exploration.

Application of geophysical research of wells in determining the qualitative characteristics of coals and physico-mechanical properties of containing rocks

Geophysical exploration wells during the exploration of coal deposits solve many geological problems. Among them: the lithological section subdivision, allocation of coal seams, the definition of the depth of their occurrence and the angles of incidence breeds, the definition of power, structure, ash, coal quality characteristics, determination of synonymy coal seams, and others. Data of GSW used in the calculation of coal reserves in the field. Precision geophysical definition of physical and mechanical properties of rocks is estimated by comparing the results obtained with the data of GSW, and rock samples in the laboratory.Geophysical surveys of boreholes are used to solve the following geological problems: lithological dissection of the section; allocation of coal seams and determination of their depth; determining the thickness, structure and ash content of coal seams, as well as determining the characteristics of coal quality; highlighting tectonic faults in borehole sections, determining their type and amplitude; determination of hydrological operating conditions, study of the temperature and gas regime of rocks, technical condition of boreholes.In addition, GIS data is used to calculate the explored coal reserves.Interpretation of geophysical data is the clarification and explanation of the information received regarding the geology of the site and the physical and mechanical properties of the object. Interpreting geophysical data is challenging. Its solution is of great practical importance for the prospecting and exploration of mineral deposits. The article provides an overview of some of the existing methods of determining the ash content of coal on the results of GSW and forecast geological conditions of coal mining.

FEES GOVERNED BY THE GEOLOGICAL AND MINING LAW IN THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The article evaluates the fees governed by the act of 9 June 2011 Geological and Mining Law using the criteria determined by the directives of the principle of sustainable development. It focuses on subjects and rates of the fees in order as follows: the fees for the prospecting for or exploration of mineral deposits and an underground carbon dioxide storage complex, the exploitation fee and the fees for underground storage of substances, storage of waste, or storage of carbon dioxide. After that the article analyzes more general aspects of problem, connected with application of relevant provisions of the act of 29 August 1997- the Tax Ordinance and with the redistribution of fees. The author came to the conclusion that the fees concentrate on the fiscal function and do not sufficiently contribute to the implementation of the principle of sustainable development.

Человек дела (к 85-летию профессора Жана Вячеславовича Семинского)

The work of Zhan Vyacheslavovich Seminsky, Professor of Irkutsk National Research Technical University is multifaceted and highly productive. The article is dedicated to the 85 th anniversary of the scientist and aims at familiarizing a wider audience with the achievements in his multi-year research and production work. The article is based on the materials from different editions and personal contacts of the author with Seminsky in the field geological conditions when working on joint research-and-production state budget projects and writing scientific articles together within the frames of preparation of the Ph.D. thesis of the author with Zh.V. Seminsky as the research supervisor. Professor Seminsky has worked for 15 years in the production geological association “Sosnovgeologia” where he defended his candidate thesis on ancient volcanic complexes containing various ore deposits. This experience became later of value for the student’s audience. During his work at Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Professor Seminsky defended his Ph.D. thesis, prepared 20 manuals and a monograph, and became a scientific adviser for 17 postgraduates and Ph.D. students. His studies on the ore field structures, regularities of the ore deposits formation and the metallogeny of Eastern Siberia and Transbaikalia (plate tectonics approach) have made him known as one of the leading specialists in Russia and other countries. Zh.V. Seminsky for 33 years had been chief of the Department of Mineralogy, Petrography and Mineral Resources (later, the Department of Geology and Geochemistry of Mineral Resources). For many years, he has been Chairperson of the Dissertation Council D 212.073.01 of Irkutsk National Research Technical University. Professor Seminsky is full member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Honored Worker of Science of the Russian Federation, Distinguished Mineral Explorer, Honorary Worker of the Education of Mongolia, Professor Emeritus of Irkutsk National Research Technical University, and Honorary Professor of Mongolia. Of special note is the fact that Seminsky’s many-year work has become the base for this journal: Zh.V. Seminsky for many years had been Editor-in-Chief of the scientific edition “Proceedings of the Siberian Department of the Earth Sciences section of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Geology, prospecting and exploration for mineral deposits” that is on the list of the Higher Attestation Commission.

Application of Finite Difference Method in Multifractal Techniques to Identify Pb–Zn Anomalies: a Case Study from Khomein, Iran

Separation of geochemical anomalies from background is an important and essential issue in the exploration of mineral deposits. Statistical methods are used to separation of anomaly from background. Fractal/multifractal and singularity methods are very suitable for the separation of weak anomalies. For interpolation, various methods could be used such as most distance-weighting methods, kriging, spline interpolation, interpolating polynomials, and finite difference methods. This paper addressed application of multifractal techniques together with finite difference procedure to detect the anomalous regions. Fractal models such as concentration–area, spectrum–area, and singularity index model were selected to identify Pb–Zn anomalies. In this research, 170 samples from 33 boreholes were taken in the Haft-Savaran area and analyzed for determination of Pb–Zn anomaly. Singularity method was a suitable method for separating Pb and Zn anomalies. Also, the results showed that the geochemical anomaly has occurred along NE–SW trend and is consistent with the sulfide mineralization process and the faults of the region.