GEOLOGICAL AND MINERALOGICAL CONTROLS ON IRON SKARN FORMATION IN THE NORTHWESTERN BALKHASH REGION (CENTRAL KAZAKHSTAN)

A comprehensive study has identified the principal geological and mineralogical controls governing the formation of iron skarn deposits in the Northwestern Balkhash region, based on representative deposits such as Zhuantobe and Karaulken. Integrated analysis of geological mapping, mineralogical and petrographic observations, geochemical data, and geophysical interpretations demonstrates that skarn formation represents a multistage contact-metasomatic system controlled by magmatic, structural, and fluid-related factors. Systematic patterns in the distribution of mineral assemblages and ore textural-structural types have been established, reflecting variations in fluid regimes and physicochemical conditions of ore formation. The obtained results refine the regional genetic model of iron skarn formation in the Northwestern Balkhash region and can be applied to the prediction and evaluation of the exploration potential of new ore targets.

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