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NHM
geological research will be carried out under work packages
WP1, WP3 and WP6 of the MinUrals project. The aim is to study
the geochemistry of the volcano-sedimentary succession which
hosts the bulk of massive copper- and zinc-sulphide deposits
in the area. It is hoped that by understanding the mode of
formation of the deposits and their tectonic setting, diagnostic
characteristics can be identified to enable targeting of new
areas for exploration.
Geological
overview of the southern Urals
WP1
- New geological concepts for mineral exploration in the southern
Urals
The
aim is to develop new exploration tools and new models for
mineral deposits in the southern Urals. This will involve
a multi-scale integrated approach.
Volcanic
Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposit types
Geodynamic
position of the different types of VMS deposits - This
will involve a combined geological and geochemical approach.
Data from this work will be used to outline volcanic and sedimentary
criteria for the selection of prospective zones. The final
aim is to obtain geodynamic constraints for deposit formation,
to update the classification of the deposits (in relation
to their geodynamic position) and to define fertile and barren
environments.
The
morphologies, mineralogy and processes of formation of the
different VMS deposit types - This work will provide a
detailed characterisation of the deposits through ore facies
mapping, mineralogy and fluid inclusion chemistry. These studies
will provide new data essential for the refinement of deposit
models and a better understanding of the complex mineralogy.
This will contribute to the optimisation of ore processing
and our understanding of the metals cycle in the environment.
- Sibay
- Ural Type
- Balta
Tau - Baimak Type
WP3
- GIS-mineral potential
The
aim is to develop a GIS-mineral potential tool consisting
of thematic maps for identifying zones with high mineral potential.
This will involve the integration of the new data (WP1) with
existing data into a database.
WP6
- Integration into the GIS-environmental constraints
The
integration of all data for predicting the potential effects
of mining operations on the environment for each site studied.
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