Study of eluvial-deluvial deposits for the purpose of searching for polymetallic deposits

Abstract

Prospecting for polymetallic deposits in the conditions of Kazakhstan is very difficult in areas of smooth relief and widespread development of eluvial-deluvial deposits. Here, prospectors primarily deal with loose deposits, under the cover of which bedrock is hidden. Additional complications in searching for polymetallic deposits from the surface arise due to the fact that these deposits usually have a deeply worked oxidation zone, as a result of which primary sulfide minerals are mostly transformed into super-sulfide ones. Oxidized sulfide ores, having increased porosity, are very easily subjected to further mechanical destruction, turning into loose finely dispersed formations.