Forms of gold and associated minerals in skarns (Gornaya Shoria)

Relevance. The need for an in-depth understanding of gold formation and distribution in skarn gold-sulfide ores, which is of key importance for the effective development and processing of ore deposits. Gornaya Shoria, having significant potential for gold reserves, requires a detailed study of its mineral resources for the development of innovative mining methods. In the context of the global trend of increasing demand for gold, especially in the context of its limited natural reserves, the study of the forms of gold and its associated minerals becomes particularly important. Aim. To determine gold content in metasomatites of the deposit, its forms of occurrence and identification of associated minerals. Object. Metasomatites taken from core samples of exploration drilling, as well as a large-volume process sample of ore weighing 500 kg. Methods. Modern methods of sample preparation: electric pulse disaggregation and hydroseparation, petrographic and mineralographic studies, scanning electron microscopy. Results. The research presents the results of a comprehensive study of gold-sulfide ores of a skarn site located in Gornaya Shoria. The authors have characterized the main ore mineral associations, which made it possible to identify various forms of gold and its associated minerals. In particular, four mineral associations: arsenopyrite-löllingite, pyrite-pyrrhotite, polymetallic and telluride-sulfosalt, were identified and described. The obtained data allowed revealing morphological features of native gold, its associations with sulfides and the character of distribution in ore minerals. Special attention is paid to the application of hydroseparation technology (HS-technology) for effective gold extraction and enrichment of ore concentrates. The results of the work can be used to optimize the processing of gold-bearing ores and increase the efficiency of extraction of the noble metal.