The Kvartsevoe rare metal deposit in East Kazakhstan was discovered in 1967 and is being currently re-evaluated after decades of inactivity. The geology of the area consists mainly of Devonian to Carboniferous metasediments, folded during the latest consolidation phase of the Altai orogen (i.e. Late Carboniferous-Permian) and intruded by series of post-kinematic Permian granites. Metals and elements of economic interest, in particular Lithium, are found in a ~300 m wide and ~700m long pegmatite body, associated with medium-earth biotite granites of phase II of the Kalba complex (i.e. 286±1 Ma). The deposit is represented by a series of pegmatite veins located in one of the projections of the Alypkelsky granite massif, the sedimentary host rocks near the deposit are hornfels of variable metamorphism up to the point of transformation into tourmaline-graphite-quartz-mica hornfels. Numerous quartz veins are found in the close vicinity of the Kvartsevoe deposit. Field observations suggest that the latter veins are genetically linked to the pegmatites. They cross-cut Permian granites and Paleozoic metasediments, show regular trends and typically extend 10s to 100s of metres. We conducted an integrated geochemical-structural study of the veins. Our preliminary results suggest vein emplacement under strike-slip stress regime with NW-SE orientation for the axis of minimum principal stress. The study seems, in addition, to confirm the genetic link between the veins and the pegmatites. Therefore, our findings suggest that the pegmatites were also emplaced under the same stress field. This latter result may be used in the future to predict the orientations of the pegmatites hosting economic metals in the subsurface.

The genesis of leucogranite magmas is important issue of geodynamics, petrology and ore geology because leucogranites are associated with collisional belts, partial melting of sedimentary source rocks, and may host rare metal (Sn, W, Li, Nb-Ta, and Be) mineralization. To establish the petrogenesis of large leucogranite intrusions, detailed studies of petrography, mineralogy, fluid regime, and the material and isotopic composition of rocks are required. The paper reports results of the studies of the Delbegetei massif of the intrusion in Eastern Kazakhstan. The massif is composed predominantly of leucocratic granites, while syenogranites are subordinate. Rocks of the massif belong to shoshonitic and high-K calc-alkaline series; demonstrate a predominance of K over Na, high ferroan and high contents of LREE and HFSE; which allows them to be classified as A-type granites. The age of Delbegetei massif, estimated by the U-Pb zircon dating, varies in the range 249-240 Ma, which correspond the Early-Middle Triassic. The differences in rock composition and in temperatures of zircon saturation allow supposing that syenogranites and leucogranites formed from different parental magmas. Syenogranite magma formed as a result of partial melting of metamorphosed volcanic rocks (andesidacites or dacites) with possible influence of mafic magmas. Leucogranite magma formed as a result of fluid-present partial melting of metaterrigenous sedimentary rocks. Leucogranite magma underwent the feldspars differentiation in the fluid-present conditions. This led to composition variations of leucogranites. Analysis of the geological position, age and composition of the rocks allows concluding that the Delbegetei massif formed at the Early Triassic in an intraplate geodynamic setting and that the activity of the Siberian mantle plume is the most probable reason for their formation.

The objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the mineral resource base in Kazakhstan, specifically focusing on copper, zinc, lead, and gold, with the aim of identifying key determinants crucial for ensuring its sustainable development. The mineral resource sector serves as a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's economy and industrial landscape. This article seeks to elucidate the critical parameters defining its current state, placing particular emphasis on the presence and quality of mineral deposits. Furthermore, it encompasses a comprehensive examination of the technological advancements in both extraction and processing methodologies, as well as the efficient utilization of natural resources within the contemporary economic milieu of the country. The research methodology employed entails a rigorous scrutiny of data pertaining to reserves and extraction rates of the primary metal groups, which hold strategic significance within Kazakhstan's resource agenda. Notably, this analysis is conducted against the backdrop of a concerning trend marked by declining reserves across virtually all categories of raw materials. Additionally, the study delves into the intricacies of industrial production diversification. The findings underscore that mining enterprises predominantly export more than 80% of their output to foreign markets in the form of competitively priced raw materials, driven by factors such as accelerated investment returns, reduced capital outlays, and sustained demand. However, a notable and consistent uptrend is observed in Kazakhstan's economic reliance on imported finished metal products. Of particular concern is the disproportionately high proportion of foreign investors wielding significant decision-making authority within Kazakhstan's mining enterprises, exceeding a third of the total investor base. Such a pronounced foreign presence poses a substantial risk to the domestic raw materials industry, necessitating urgent reforms in the procedures governing rights allocation for geological exploration and access to geological data. Furthermore, the study highlights the pressing need to address issues such as outdated equipment and technologies prevalent in certain industry enterprises, as well as the inadequate adaptation of transportation-logistics and energy systems to effectively cater to the requirements of the mining sector. In summary, the comprehensive analysis of the mineral resource industry's current status has revealed a myriad of challenges that must be diligently addressed to foster its sustainable development trajectory.

In the modern world, rare metals are a sought-after sector. But, like all other resources, rich rare metal deposits can be depleted quite quickly. Thus, there is a tendency towards the discovery of new and detailed additional exploration of already known rare metal deposits. Since the main rare metal structure of East Kazakhstan is the Kalba-Narym belt, this justifies the relevance of its study. The Central Kalba region has been well studied and devel oped thanks to well-known industrial deposits (Yubileinoe, Bakennye, Belogorskoe, etc.). The remaining areas are by no means unpromising for rare metal mineralization. North-Western Kalba, as well as the entire Kalba-Narym metallogenic zone, is characterized by a rare-metal profile of ore mineralization associated with the formation of granites of the Kalba complex. The authors consider the genetic classification of deposits and ore occurrences in North-West ern Kalba based on a detailed study of a large amount of factual material. The main practical value in the area is represented by rare metal deposits of the formation of rare metal pegma tites of the albite type.

The West Kalba Gold ore Belt (WKB), located within the Greater Altai, is a unique gold ore province on a global scale. It contains about 500 known gold occurrences and deposits. The main industrial type for the WKGB are gold-bearing sulfide deposits. The article presents a model for the formation of gold sulfide deposits in West Kalba. The main predictive-search criteria are considered, which make it possible to assess the prospects of areas for the presence of potential gold-sulfide objects within the described territory. The aim of the work is to clarify the main predictive and prospecting criteria specific to the considered field model. The given data is highlighted using descriptive analytics methods.

Lithium is a fast growing sector. It is used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles such as hybrid cars, electric vehicles or e-bikes. The need for this element is dictated by modern demand. The main deposits of lithium, known in Kazakhstan, were explored back in Soviet times, and since then not everyone understood the need for this metal, they were mothballed as a strategic reserve. Such objects include the Medvedka, Akhmetkino deposits, the Shozhe, Lukon, Skalistoye ore occurrence, etc., located within the Medvedko-Akhmetkinsky ore field. The ore field belongs to the central part of the Karagoin-Saryozek pegmatite zone, the Kalba-Narym granitoid belt. Within the field, the main favorable factors for the placement of rare-metal mineralization are considered: geological-structural (tectonic disturbances and ore-bearing environment) and mineralogical-geochemical (indicator minerals of lithium-bearing pegmatites and geochemical elements Li, Rb, Cs, Ta, Nb).

The geodynamic model reflects the staged development of the geological and metallogenic structures of the Greater Altai. Spatially, the Great Altai occupies the territory of Eastern Kazakhstan. The features of the geodynamic development of the geological structures of the Greater Altai are considered. The territory covers the southeastern flanks of the Rudny Altai and Kalba tectonic zones of the Greater Altai, which are part of the general system of the Central Asian mobile belt. The spatial conjugation of geological and ore-bearing structures of different age and composition, subject to intense metamorphic and hydrothermal-metasomatic transformations under the influence of the Dzhungar massif and the Siberian Plate and subsequent thrust-shear deformations, is emphasized.

Link for citation: Oitseva T.A., Dyachkov B.A., Bissatova A.Ye., Orazbekova G.B., Zinyakin S.S. Features of formation, material composition and geological structure of rare metal and pegmatite deposits of the Kalba region on the example of the Yubileinoe deposit. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 7, рр. 164-176. In Rus. The relevance of the research is caused by the lack of knowledge on the behavior of rare metal in pegmatite ore formation in the Kalba region and the need to expand the rare-metal mineral resource base of the region and to establish geological and mineragenic mapping. The main aims of the research are identification of features of geotectonic development, geological structure and material composition of the rare-metal deposit Yubileynoe (Kalba region). Study area: large industrial rare metal deposit Yubileynoe and its mineral complexes. Methods: detailed geological-geochemical and mineralogical study of the region of work, use of materials from works of previous years, stock literature, as well as laboratory studies (mass spectrometric, microprobe, geochronological and other studies). The structural relationships of minerals with each other, as well as the geochemical interpretation of the results of laboratory studies, were taken into account during diagnosing mineral complexes. Results. Spatial and genetic relationship of rare-metal pegmatite deposit (Nb, Ta, Be, Cs, Li, Sn) with granites of the I phase of the Kalba complex P1 (285 Ma), is distinguished. In the location of the Yubileinoe deposit, the leading ore-controlling role is given to the system of deep latitudinal faults of ancient origin, renewed in the Hercynian cycle. A geological and genetic model of rhythmically pulsating rare-metal pegmatite formation of the Yubileinoe deposit is presented, which reflects the zonal development of mineral complexes from oligoclase-microcline (barren) to albite, greisen, spodumene-containing and pollucite-bearing (ore) with an increasing concentration of mineralization. Information was obtained on the composition of pegmatite ores with the release of typomorphic minerals (clevelandite, lepidolite, colored tourmalines, spodumene, pollucite, ixiolite, etc.) and the main geochemical elements of rare metal ore formation (Nb, Ta, Be, Cs, Li, F, P, etc.).

The geological and deep structure of the Kalba-Narym tectonic zone is considered based on the analysis of geological and geophysical materials and paleometallogenic reconstructions. Regional geophysical studies of previous years (gravity and magnetic surveys, seismic and electrical surveys) were studied. The Kalba-Narym zone is characterized by a regional gravity minimum according to gravity survey data, (this is due to the subsidence of the Mohorovichic and Konrad surfaces). It has been established that local negative gravity anomalies (linear-nodal form, predominantly northwestern orientation) correspond to the granitoid massifs of the Kalba-Narym pluton. The known pegmatite deposits of the Kalba-Narym zone are spatially associated with granitoids. Carrying out the necessary geophysical surveys can become a search criterion for discovering new deposits

Бас редактор ЖҰРЫНОВ Мұрат Жұрынұлы, химия ғылымдарының докторы, профессор, ҚР ҰҒА академигі, Қазақстан Республикасы Ұлттық Ғылым академиясының президенті, АҚ «Д.В.Сокольский атындағы отын, катализ және электрохимия институтының» бас директоры (Алматы

The East Kazakhstan territory is the unique geologic province where a number of largescale non-ferrous and gold deposits are concentrated. Gold base metals (goldcontaining) type is represented by gold containing sulphide complex deposits. The Western Kalba zone is characterized as a gold-bearing structure of multi-stage development and long ore-preparation and ore-forming processes. At the first stage, in the conditions of the intercontinental sea basin (C1-2, C2), the donor carbon-terrigenous formation (Arkalyk, Bukon formations) is formed; in the formations of which the rejuvenation of primary gold occurs in C2-3 during establishment of shear zones and manifestation of regional metamorphism. Further, in the course of manifestation of collision-accretionary magmatism (the hypabyssal plagiogranite-granodiorite formation of the Kunushsky complex, C3) of fluidic-magmatogene activity and hydrothermal metasomatism there formed the concentrated mineralization of vein-disseminated, vein and stockwork types. The peculiarities of the formation of gold mineralization of the Bakyrchik ore field, as well as the influence of deep-lying intrusive rocks on the formation of ore bodies were studied and the results of these studies are presented in this article.

New geological, mineralogical, geochemical, and geochronological data have been obtained for Li-bearing pegmatites from the Tochka deposit located within the Karagoin–Saryozek zone in East Kazakhstan. Earlier, the exploration works in this zone were carried out to detect only Ta and Sn mineralization, but other ores (including Li) were not considered. The estimation of lithium resources in pegmatites from the area was methodologically imperfect. Previously, it was believed that the formation of rare-metal pegmatite veins was associated with Late Carboniferous Na-granites. The obtained geological observation confirms that the ore-bearing rare-metal pegmatites at the Tochka deposits cut the Late Carboniferous Na-granites and do not cut the Early Permian Kalba granites. The associations of the accessory minerals in host hornfels, Na-granites, and rare-metal pegmatites are different and the accessory minerals in pegmatites are similar to the accessory minerals in the Kalba granites. Geochemical data show that the behavior of rare elements (Ba, Th, HFSE, and REE) and the levels of accumulation of rare metals prove that pegmatites are similar to the product of the differentiation of the granitic magmas of the Kalba complex. The 40Ar/39Ar muscovite age of the Tochka pegmatites (~292 Ma) fits the age range of the Kalba granite complex. Based on the main principles of the generation of rare-metal pegmatites, the Tochka pegmatites formed during the fluid–magmatic fractionation of magma in large granitic reservoirs of the Kalba complex. The Karagoin–Saryozek zone—located between several large granite massifs of the Kalba complex where host rocks play a role as a roof—may be very promising for rare-metal pegmatite mineralization.

This paper is dedicated to the isotope-geochemical study of zircon from riebeckite granites of the Verkhnee Espe rare earth-rare metal deposit and the specification of its U–Pb age. Zircon from the Verkhnee Espe massif is peculiar in the high content of non-formula elements (up to 43000 ppm REE, up to 22000 Y, and others) and demonstrates a clearly expressed heterogeneous structure. The central and rim zones of the zircon show a “magmatic” rare-earth element (REE) distribution. The intermediate zones are characterized by a flattening of the REE patterns and an anomalous enrichment in REE, Y, Nb, and Ca. This compositional feature of the zircon may be caused by impact of fluid-saturated granite melts enriched in incompatible trace elements. The δ 18 О values in the zircon are 5.83–7.16‰, which generally corresponds to zircon formed from granitoid melts. The age of zircon from the Verkhnee Espe rare earth–rare metal deposit is 283 ± 3 Ma, which indicates that there is no significant age gap between granite crystallization, on the one hand, and metasomatic processes and ore generation, on the other.

The Great Altai region, located at the boundary of Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan, belongs to the system of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. It has undergone a long complex geological and metallogenic history. Extremely rich resources of base, precious, and rare metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Au, Li, Cs, Ta, Nb, REE, etc.) maintain developed mining and metallurgical industry, especially in East Kazakhstan, which is the key metallogenic province. The East Kazakhstan province comprises the Rudny Altai, Kalba-Narym, West-Kalba, and Zharma-Saur metallogenic belts, each having its typical mineralization profiles and deposits. The reconstructed geodynamic and metallogenic history of the Great Altai province, along with the revealed relationships between tectonic settings and mineralization patterns, allowed us to formulate a number of geodynamic, structural, lithostratigraphic, magmatic, mineralogical, and geochemical criteria for exploration and appraisal of mineral potential in Eastern Kazakhstan. Geodynamic criteria are based on the origin of different mineralization types in certain geodynamic settings during the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic orogenic cycle. Structural criteria mean that the location of base-metal deposits in Rudny Altai, gold deposits in the West Kalba belt, rare and base metals in the Kalba-Narym and Zharma-Saur zones is controlled by faults of different sizes. Lithostratigraphic criteria consist of the relation of orebodies with certain types of sedimentary or volcanic-sedimentary rocks. Magmatic criteria are due to the relation between mineralization types and igneous lithologies. Mineralogical and geochemical criteria include typical minerals and elements that can serve as tracers of mineralization. The joint use of all these criteria will open new avenues in prospecting and exploration at a more advanced level.

Currently the resources of rare metals, especially Ta, Nb, Be, and Li used in high-tech industries, are of great demand in Kazakhstan and worldwide. Main Ta, Nb, Be, Li, Sn, and W deposits in the Great Altai territory are hosted by Permian granitic belts that formed during the Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic orogeny, in a postcollisional setting. The largest metallogenic structure of the Kalba-Narym granitoid belt accommodates many genetically different deposits and occurrences. Pegmatitic rare-metal deposits have vertically and laterally zoned distribution patterns, with mineralization mostly localized in the tectonically active Central Kalba ore district. The richest spodumene and pollucite pegmatites are located in the upper parts of the ore zone. The mineralization types make up the following sequence: barren oligoclase-microcline pegmatites followed by microcline-quartz-muscovite (Nb, Be), microcline-albite (Ta, Sn, Be), albite (Ta, Nb, Be, Sn), albite-spodumene greisen (Li, Ta, Be, Sn), and cleavelandite-lepidolite-pollucite-spodumene (Ta, Li, Cs, Sn) zones. The zoned patterns of rare-metal mineralization have to be taken into account in further studies.

The article considers the peculiarities in the geotectonic development and ore potential of geological structures in Southern Altai, Eastern Kazakhstan. The territory encompasses the southeastern flanks of the tectonic zones of Rudny Altai and Kalba of Greater Altai, which are part of the overall system of the Central Asian mobile belt. The spatial adjacency of geological and ore-bearing structures of different ages and composition is emphasized, which were subjected to intense metamorphic and hydrothermal–metasomatic alterations under the influence of the Dzungarian massif and Siberian Plate and subsequent thrust–strike-slip deformations. The iron ore, copper, polymetallic, gold, and rare metal deposits formed in various geodynamic settings are characterized. The ore-controlling factors and criteria for forecasting and prospecting for ore objects are noted.

Many geologists assign most of large- and medium-sized massive sulfide polymetallic ore deposits of Eastern Kazakhstan to the VMS type. These ore deposits formed in the Devonian, under conditions of rifting and active basalt-andesite-rhyolite volcanism. Ore bodies of these deposits are noted to be clearly confined to formations of several geochronologic levels (D1e to D3fm). Hydrothermal-sedimentary syngenetic and hydrothermal-metasomatic ores are distinguished. High concentrations of base metals in the ores (above 10 % sum metals) and their rather simple mineral composition (chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena, and sphalerite) are a characteristic feature of all the massive sulfide polymetallic ore deposits of Rudny Altai. The ores are noted to be multicomponental, with elevated contents of the admixtures of precious metals and rare elements (Cd, Se, Bi, Te, Ta, W, etc.). Mineralogical investigations of the ores have demonstrated an intricate relationships of the major ore minerals (chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena) that exhibit several generations and different geochemical specialization. Minerals of Au, Ag, Te, Bi, and other elements are encountered as individual grains or microscopic inclusions and stringers in minerals of Cu, Pb, and Zn. A significant vertical range of the ore mineralization (more than 100 m), the complexity and long duration of the ore-forming processes, the clearly defined confinement of the ore mineralization to certain geochronologic levels, – all these allow us to suppose a possibility of discovery of new ore lodes or individual ore deposits within the already known ore fields of the Kazakhstan segment of Rudny Altai

The main rare metal-bearing structures in Eastern Kazakhstan are granitoid belts formed in the Hercynian cycle of tectogenesis in the post-collisional (orogenic) geodynamic environment of the Permian time and confined to the continental blocks of siallitic high-level. The geotectonic position of the Kalba–Narym rare metal granitoid belt in the geological structure of the Greater Altai is considered. The known rare-metal pegmatite deposits (Ta, Nb, Be, Li, etc.) are spatially and genetically related to Kalba granites (P1). The richest ore-bearing are granite massifs formed in the mobile tectonic environment and under unbalanced P–T conditions. The distribution of rare alkalis in granitoids of the Hercynian evolutionary series is given. The forecast estimate of prospects is associated with the study of hidden granite massifs on the northwestern flank of the belt, identified based on the geological and geophysical data. The forecasting criteria are the intensive alteration of the above-intrusive zone (granitization, greisenization, silicification), direct signs of tin–tungsten mineralization on ground surface, identification of ongonite-like dikes and rare metal minerals in metasomatites from the results of electron microscopy. The estimation of the prospects of nontraditional tin–lithium–tantalum mineralization associated with albitized and greisenized granites is given. It is recommended to undertake deep mineralogical mapping of the closed reserved areas. The further geological exploration should be aimed at expansion of mineral resources and reserves for rare metal production.The study was supported by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Contract No. 120 dated 1 June 2020, Registration No. 0120RK00135, and Grant IRN AR08856325.