Characteristics of Ore-Bearing Tectono-Stratigraphic Zones of the Shyngys-Tarbagatai Folded System at the Current Stage of Study

This study analyzes the ore potential of the tectono-stratigraphic zones in the Shyngys-Tarbagatai folded system using metallogenic diagrams. These diagrams condense extensive geological and metallogenic data, illustrating stratified and intrusive formations, formation types, depositional environments, and ore loads in chronological sequence. The analysis highlights variations in ore mineralization intensity across the zones, identifying both highly and less ore-bearing areas. Most zones show polymetallic mineralization with 2 to 12 types of minerals; gold and copper are present in all zones. Temporal analysis identified key productive levels in the Late Ordovician, Early Silurian, and Early Devonian, corresponding to active stages of island arcs, forearc and backarc basins, and the Devonian volcanic–plutonic belt. The structures of the Shyngys-Tarbagatai folded system are classified as island-arc structures of active continental margins. Comparing the ore potential of its tectono-stratigraphic zones with similar modern structures shows that, except for the Maikain zone, all others have significantly lower ore potential. The obtained data is most likely a result of the region’s poor exploration coverage. As such, future efforts should prioritize further investigation of the identified mineralization zones. This is evident from the dominance of small, medium, and large deposits, and ore occurrences in all tectono-stratigraphic zones when assessing their ore potential. Preliminary analysis of the ore potential in the tectono-stratigraphic zones of the Shyngys-Tarbagatai folded system, based on metallogenic diagrams, clearly supports the need for regional and exploration studies. These should focus on poorly explored stratigraphic levels, ore-bearing geological formations, and geodynamic settings that are favorable for deposit formation. This will provide a more accurate assessment of the potential in these zones.