STRATIGRAPHIC AND STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF IRON ORE DEPOSITS OF THE SILICO-CARBONATE FORMATION OF CENTRAL KAZAKHSTAN

The article considers stratigraphic and structural features of the formation of iron ore deposits confined to the siliceous-carbonate formation of Central Kazakhstan, using the Kentobe-Togai group as an example. A comprehensive analysis of lithological and stratigraphic conditions, morphology of ore bodies, fault systems and metasomatic transformation zones is carried out. Key patterns are revealed: confinement of ore bodies to reactive carbonate-siliceous deposits of the Upper Devonian and Lower Carboniferous; formation of ores in zones of contact metamorphism during the intrusion of granitoids; the active role of faults in the localization and segmentation of deposits; pronounced vertical zoning of the mineral composition of ores; as well as parametric heterogeneity of bodies. These features taken together form unique geological systems, where mineralization is regularly controlled by stratigraphy and structure. Geological maps, sections and three-dimensional wireframe models of the Kentobe-Togay group deposits with visualization of ore bodies, faults and intrusions are presented, demonstrating a close spatial relationship between tectonics, magmatism and iron enrichment. The results emphasize the need to apply modern methods of 3D modeling, geostatistical interpolation and structural analysis in assessing the resources of such deposits, and also show that the established patterns are universal and can be applied to predict and model similar objects.