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Date submitted2024-05-17
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Date accepted2024-10-14
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Date published2024-11-12
Black shales – an unconventional source of noble metals and rhenium
The content of noble metals and rhenium in the Lower Paleozoic black shales of the eastern Baltic paleobasin in Russia was estimated. Shales are enriched in platinoids (PGM to 0.12 g/t) and rhenium (to 1.54 g/t). The main accessory elements of noble metals and Re are U, V, Mo, Cu, and Ni. Black shales consist of organic (9-26 rel.%), clay (40-60 rel.%), and silt-sandy (25-50 rel.%) components and a nodule complex (2-5 rel.%) (carbonate, sulfide, phosphate and silicate nodules). Noble metals occur sporadically in the silt-sandy admixture as native forms and intermetallics: Aunat, Au-Ag, Au-Cu, Au-(Cu)-Hg, Au-Hg, Ag-Cu, Pt-Fe. Micromineral phases of noble metals were found in diagenetic sulfides: Aunat, chalcopyrite with Au admixture, pyrite with platinoid admixture. Clay fraction is 10-fold enriched in noble metals as compared to shale – to 0.28 g/t Au, 0.55 g/t Pt, 1.05 g/t Pd, and 1.56 g/t Re. Organic matter sorbs noble metals to a limited extent but accumulates rhenium. Pore space of black shales contains a colloidal salt component (submicron fraction) which is represented by particles smaller than 1,000 nm. The share of submicron fraction in black shales is 0.1-6 wt.%. The submicron fraction contains on average: PGM – 14 g/t, Au – 0.85 g/t, and Re – 4.62 g/t. The geochemical resource of noble metals (Au, Pt, Pd), Re and the accessory elements (U, V, Mo, Cu, and Ni) for black shales as a whole and their submicron fraction was estimated. Black shales are recommended as an integrated source of raw materials.
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Date submitted2024-05-03
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Date accepted2024-09-05
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Date published2024-11-12
Platinum group elements as geochemical indicators in the study of oil polygenesis
This study examines elements of the platinum group (PGE), primarily platinum and palladium, as geochemical indicators in the investigation of oil polygenesis. It has been found that, like other trace elements such as nickel, vanadium, and cobalt, platinum group elements and gold can occur in oil fields at both background levels and in elevated or even anomalously high concentrations. The objective of this research is to analyze PGE and trace elements as geochemical markers to identify the geological factors, including endogenous processes, responsible for these unusually high concentrations in oil. A comprehensive review of the literature on this subject was conducted, along with new data on the presence of precious metals in oils from Russia and globally. The study explores the geological mechanisms behind elevated PGE concentrations in oils, utilizing atomic absorption spectroscopy with atomization in the HGA-500 graphite furnace to measure PGE content. Previously, the tellurium co-deposition method (ISO 10478:1994) was used to isolate noble metals from associated elements. Possible geological origins of abnormally high concentrations of platinum metals in oils have been identified. These include endogenous factors such as the spatial proximity of oil fields to ultrabasic rock massifs, the effects of contact-metasomatic processes, and influences from mantle dynamics. Moreover, data concerning mantle elements can serve as indicators of the depth origins of certain hydrocarbon fluids, thus contributing to the study of oil polygenesis.
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Date submitted2024-10-29
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Date accepted2024-10-29
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Date published2024-11-12
Study of thermodynamic processes of the Earth from the position of the genesis of hydrocarbons at great depths
In the context of significant depletion of traditional proven oil reserves in the Russian Federation and the inevitability of searching for new directions of study and expansion of the raw material base of hydrocarbon raw materials in hard-to-reach regions and on the Arctic shelf, a scientific search is underway for accumulations in complex geological conditions and in manifestations that differ significantly from traditional ones, which include the processes of oil and gas formation and preservation of oil and gas in low-permeability “shale” strata and in heterogeneous reservoirs at great and super-great depths. Within the oil and gas provinces of the world, drilling of a number of deep and super-deep wells has revealed deposits at great depths, established connections between hydrocarbon deposits and “traces” of hydrocarbon migration left in the core of deep wells, which has made it possible to significantly re-evaluate theoretical ideas on the issue of oil and gas formation conditions and the search for technologies aimed at solving applied problems. Modern geochemical, chromatographic, bituminological, coal petrographic and pyrolytic methods of studying oil and bitumoids extracted from the host rocks of deep well cores give a hope for identifying correlations in the oil-source system, revealing processes that determine the possibility of hydrocarbon formation and accumulation, and defining predictive criteria for oil and gas potential at great depths.
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Date submitted2024-05-13
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Date accepted2024-09-05
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Date published2024-11-12
Potential trace element markers of naphthogenesis processes: modeling and experimentation
With the growing demand for hydrocarbon energy resources, there is a need to involve oil fields at deeper horizons in processing and increase the profitability of their development. Reduction of expenses on prospecting works is possible at revealing and substantiation of physicochemical markers of the naphthogenesis processes. One of the key markers is the transition metals content, which are both a measure of oil age and markers of potential associated processes in the migration and formation of hydrocarbons in the Earth's strata. The elemental composition of samples of oil and reservoir rocks of the Timan-Pechora field was studied. Based on the results of thermodynamic modeling, plausible processes of contact rock minerals transformation were proposed. Based on the results of molecular modeling the probable structure of vanadium and nickel host molecules in the heavy fraction of oils is proposed. The ratios of transition metal and sulfur contents were experimentally established, and assumptions about possible mechanisms of formation of deep hydrocarbon reservoirs were made. Analysis of the obtained ratios of transition metal contents in reservoir rocks and oil samples allowed to suggest possible processes of mantle fluids contact with the host rock and subsequent accumulation of hydrocarbons on sorption active rocks. According to the combined results of experimental and theoretical studies it was found that polymers of heavy fraction more selectively capture vanadium, which indicates the predominance of vanadium content in oil-bearing rocks in relation to the content of nickel. In this case, oil acts as a transport of transition metals, leaching them from the bedrock.
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Date submitted2023-11-08
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Date accepted2024-05-02
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Date published2024-12-25
Trace element composition of silicate minerals from Kunashak Meteorite (L6)
- Authors:
- Kristina G. Sukhanova
- Olga L. Galankina
Major (EPMA) and trace (SIMS) element geochemistry in the silicate minerals (olivine, pyroxene and plagioclase) of Kunashak equilibrated ordinary chondrite (L6) is described. No variations in the major element concentrations of the silicate minerals have been found, which is characteristic of equilibrated chondrites of petrological type VI. Low-Са pyroxene and plagioclase from the radiated olivine-pyroxene chondrule of Kunashak Meteorite contain an abundance of trace elements (Yb, Cr, Nb and Ti – pyroxene; Sr, Y, Ti and Zr – plagioclase), which is not characteristic of minerals from the porphyritic olivine and olivine-pyroxene chondrules of the meteorite. The porphyritic olivine-pyroxene chondrule of the Kunashak Meteorite has high trace element concentrations in olivine, in particular, the highest Yb concentration (0.12 ppm on the average) relative to porphyritic and radiated olivine-pyroxene chondrules (0.02 ppm). High trace element concentrations indicate rapid crystallization of a radiated chondrule in a nebula and show no traces of trace element homogenization upon thermal metamorphism. The trace element composition of silicate minerals from Kunashak Meteorite has retained the individual melting pattern of the chondrules and remained unaffected by thermal metamorphism on the parent bodies of the chondrules. Similar results, obtained in the study of Bushkhov Meteorite (L6), indicate that trace elements in olivine and low-Са pyroxene are resistant to thermal metamorphism. The persistence of the individual pattern of the chondrules enables us to use equilibrated ordinary chondrites for the study of processes at early stages in the formation of the Solar System and to better understand chondrule and planet formation mechanisms.
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Date submitted2023-11-02
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Date accepted2024-03-05
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Date published2024-08-26
The polyphase Belokurikhinsky granite massif, Gorny Altai: isotope-geochemical study of zircon
Based on the isotopic-geochemical analyses of zircons from granites of the Belokurikhinsky massif in the Gorny Altai using the U-Pb method, the ages of three intrusion phases have been determined for the first time: the age of the first phase refers to the time interval of 255-250 Ma, the second and the third phases have similar ages of about 250 Ma. The formation time of the Belokurikhinsky massif is estimated as not exceeding 5-8 Ma. The δ18O values for zircons from granites of the second and the third intrusion phases average around 11.5-12.0 ‰, indicating a significant contribution of a crustal component in the formation of the parent melts for granites of these phases. The crystallization temperature values of the zircons by the Ti-in-zircon thermometer for three phases range from 820 to 800 °C. The P-T crystallization parameters of titanite from the first phase, determined using a titanite thermobarometer, average around 770 °C and 2.7 kbar. The zircons from the first phase mostly exhibits geochemical characteristics of typical magmatic zircons. The zircons from the second and the third intrusion phases either may be unaltered magmatic zircons or enriched in incompatible elements (LREE, Th, U, Ti, Ca, etc.) due to fluid influence, resembling hydrothermal-metasomatic type zircons in terms of their geochemical characteristics. A number of zircon grains from the second and the third phases of granites demonstrate anomalous geochemical characteristics – the REE distribution spectra atypical for zircons (including “bird's wing” type spectra with oppositely tilted of light and heavy REE distribution profiles), as well as significantly higher contents of certain trace elements compared to other varieties. Such an enriched zircon composition and wide variations in the incompatible element content are due to non-equilibrium conditions of zircon crystallization and evolution of the fluid-saturated melt composition during the final stages of the massif formation.
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Date submitted2023-06-21
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Date accepted2023-12-27
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Date published2024-12-25
Peculiarities of formation, isomorphism and geochemistry of trace elements of sphalerite and wurtzite unusual varieties from the Goniatite occurrence (Pai-Khoi Ridge, Nenets Autonomous District)
A unique Mn-, Cd-bearing sphalerite from quartz-calcite veins in the coal-bearing series (Visean C1v) marine sediments in a 50 km segment of the middle course of the Silova-Yakha River in the Arctic zone of the European part of Russia (Pai-Khoi Ridge) has been studied. The veins have a conformable and cross-cutting occurrence in two types of rocks: gray limestones and black siliceous-carbonaceous shales, the area is known as the Goniatite occurrence. The sulfide content in vein samples ranges from 0.1 to 2 vol.%. The chemical composition of 27 monomineral samples of Mn-, Cd-bearing sphalerites was studied, 82 points were analyzed. Correlations between typomorphic elements-impurities were revealed and correlation matrix was constructed. Cu, V, Ga, In, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Tl, Se, Ag, Au, Ni are positively correlated with each other; Cd, Mn and Ge are negatively correlated with each other. The hydrothermal fluid involved in crystallization of sphalerite is characterized by low temperature (164-211 °С) and average salinity of 5-6 wt.% eq. NaCl. An updated “portrait” of typomorphic features (composition and properties) of sphalerite of the Pai-Khoi province was obtained. The features allowing to determine the type of impurity entering the sphalerite structure – in the form of isomorphic impurity or in the form of microinclusions of paragenetic association minerals – have been established. Submicron inclusions of sulvanite and colusite, invisible by other methods, were detected in sphalerite (by LA-ICP-MS method).The cathodoluminescence data of sphalerite from the Pai-Khoi province were typified. In contrast to other provinces, ZnS crystals here are characterized by almost complete absence of isomorphic iron. This allowed us to study pure isomorphism schemes of ZnS↔MnS, ZnS↔CdS, namely cathodoluminescence and other types of luminescence. The presence of a rare wurtzite-4H polytype in assemblage with sphalerite was revealed. High contents of strategic metals Cd, Ga, In, Ge in the ZnS matrix, as well as sulvanite (V, Cu) in a single paragenesis were found. A serious reassessment of the potential for industrial use of this mineralization will be required.
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Date submitted2023-04-04
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2024-02-29
Trace elements in the silicate minerals of the Borodino Meteorite (Н5)
- Authors:
- Kristina G. Sukhanova
Major (EPMA) and trace (SIMS) element geochemistry in olivine, low-Са pyroxene and mesostasis from porphyritic and barred chondrules, as well as the pyroxene-olivine aggregate and matrix of equilibrated ordinary Borodino chondrite (Н5) is discussed. No differences in major element concentrations in the silicate minerals of the chondrules and matrix of the meteorite were found. The minerals of porphyritic olivine-pyroxene and barred chondrules display elevated trace element concentrations, indicating the rapid cooling of chondrule melt in a nebula, and are consistent with experimental data. The trace element composition of low-Са pyroxene is dependent on the position of a pyroxene grain inside a chondrule (centre, rim, matrix) and the composition of mesostasis is controlled by the type of the object (porphyritic and barred chondrules, pyroxene-olivine aggregate). The depletion in trace elements of low-Са pyroxene from the rims of chondrules in comparison with those from the centre and matrix of the meteorite was revealed. The chondrule rim is affected by interaction with surrounding gas in a nebula, possibly resulting in the exchange of moderately volatile trace elements in low-Са pyroxene and depletion in these elements relative to pyroxene from the centre of the chondrule or matrix of the meteorite. The mesostasis of barred and porphyritic olivine-pyroxene chondrules contains more trace elements than that of porphyritic olivine chondrule and pyroxene-olivine aggregate, suggesting the rapid cooling of these objects or their high liability to thermal metamorphism, which results in the recrystallization of chondrule glass into plagioclase. However, no traces of the elevated effect of thermal metamorphism on the above objects have been revealed. The results obtained indicate no traces of the equilibration of the trace element composition of silicate minerals in equilibrated chondrites.
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Date submitted2022-12-03
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Date accepted2023-02-03
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Date published2023-08-28
Garnetites from Marun-Keu eclogite complex (Polar Urals): geochemistry and the problem of genesis
- Authors:
- Laysan I. Salimgaraeva
- Alexei V. Berezin
A comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization (XRF, ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, SIMS methods) of garnetites and their protoliths from the Marun-Keu complex (Polar Urals), one of the key objects in understanding the evolution of the Uralian Orogen, is presented. Garnetites and their protoliths from the Marun-Keu complex, Polar Urals, a key locality for understanding the evolution of the Uralian Orogen, are described mineralogically and geochemically using XRF, ICP-MS, SEM-EDS and SIMS methods. Ultramafic (in most cases) and mafic rocks are understood as protoliths for garnetites. A general trend for garnetites is an increase in total REE concentration relative to that of their protoliths. All the analyzed garnetites display a considerable decrease in Cr, Ni and Co. V concentration in the garnetites is also lower than that of the protoliths, though not so markedly. Garnets from garnetites evolving after peridotites generally exhibit elevated (relative to garnets from garnetites evolving after mafic rocks, such as porphyrites) Prp and lowered Alm content, which seems to be due to high Mg concentration in the protolith. In garnetites after peridotites a garnet exhibiting an uncommon non-differentiated REE spectrum with a considerable positive Eu-anomaly was found, which could be due to the inheritance of a REE spectrum by garnet from a precursor mineral, in this case plagioclase. Slyudyanaya Gorka garnetites were probably formed from mafic and ultramafic rocks in oceanic crust, which migrated to higher levels of the section under the influence of the crustal fluid flowing along fracturing zones.
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Date submitted2022-04-08
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Date accepted2023-03-02
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Date published2023-04-25
Geochemical properties and transformation of the microelement composition of soils during the development of primary diamond deposits in Yakutia
Extraction of diamonds from primary deposits in Siberia is associated with the development of kimberlite pipes in challenging environmental conditions, accompanied by a complex impact on the environment. The article presents the results of monitoring the soil cover of the Nakyn kimberlite field in the Yakutia diamond province, which is affected by the facilities of the Nyurba Mining and Processing Division. Development of primary diamond deposits has a large-scale impact on the subsoil, topography, and soil cover: creation of the world's largest quarries, formation of dumps more than 100 m high, arrangement of extensive tailings, formation of solid and liquid industrial wastes of various chemical composition. The research is aimed at studying the spatial and temporal patterns of the technogenic impact on the soil cover, identifying the nature and level of transformation of the microelement composition of soils based on the analysis of the intra-profile and lateral distribution of mobile forms of trace elements. The study targets in 2007-2018 were zonal types of permafrost soils of northern taiga landscapes, cryozems, occupying 84 % of the total study area, which are characterized by biogenic accumulation of mobile forms of Ni, Mn, and Cd in the upper AO, A cr horizons, and Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Cu in the suprapermafrost CR horizon. We found out that the contamination of the soil cover of the industrial site at the Nyurba Mining and Processing Division is of a multielement nature with local highly to very highly contaminated areas. Over a ten-year observation period, areas of stable soil contamination are formed, where the main pollutants are mobile forms of Mn, Zn, Ni. We suggest that against the background of a natural geochemical anomaly associated with trap and kimberlite magmatism, technogenic anomalies are formed in the surface horizons of soils. They are spatially linked to technogenically transformed landscapes. One of the sources of pollutants is the dispersion of the solid phase of dust emissions in the direction of the prevailing winds, which leads to the formation of soils with abnormally high contents of mobile forms of Mn, Zn, Ni.
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Date submitted2022-11-04
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Date accepted2023-03-03
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Date published2023-04-25
Efficiency of acid sulphate soils reclamation in coal mining areas
During the development of coal deposits, acid mine waters flowing to the surface cause the formation of acid sulphate soils. We study the effectiveness of soil reclamation by agrochemical and geochemical methods at the site of acid mine water discharge in the Kizel Coal Basin, carried out in 2005 using alkaline waste from soda production and activated sludge. A technosol with a stable phytocenosis was detected on the reclaimed site, and soddy-podzolic soil buried under the technogenic soil layer with no vegetation on the non-reclaimed site. The buried soddy-podzolic soil retains a strong acid рН concentration Н 2 О = 3. A high content of organic matter (8-1.5 %) is caused by carbonaceous particles; the presence of sulphide minerals reaches a depth of 40 cm. Technosol has a slightly acid pH reaction H 2 O = 5.5, the content of organic matter due to the use of activated sludge is 19-65 %, the presence of sulphide minerals reaches a depth of 20-40 cm. The total iron content in the upper layers of the technosol did not change (190-200 g/kg), the excess over the background reaches 15 times. There is no contamination with heavy metals and trace elements, single elevated concentrations of Li, Se, B and V are found.
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Date submitted2022-06-27
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Date accepted2022-09-09
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Date published2022-11-03
Study of the composition and properties of the beneficiation tailings of currently produced loparite ores
The increase in demand for rare earth metals and the depletion of natural resources inevitably causes the need to search for alternative unconventional sources of rare metal raw materials. The article presents the results of a study of the composition and properties of the beneficiation tailings of currently produced loparite ores. Sieve, mineralogical, chemical, and radionuclide analyses were carried out. The average content of loparite in tailings was determined. Using scanning electron microscopy, minerals-concentrators of rare earth elements in the loparite ore beneficiation tailings were diagnosed. The distribution of valuable components and thorium in the tailings was determined depending on the particle size class. The radium-thorium nature of radioactivity was established, the values of the effective specific activity of the samples were calculated. We concluded that it is necessary to develop an integrated technology for processing the beneficiation tailings of loparite ore, due to the complex and heterogeneous mineral and chemical composition of the tailings material.
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Date submitted2022-04-17
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Date accepted2022-05-25
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Date published2022-07-26
Geochemistry of beryl varieties: comparative analysis and visualization of analytical data by principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE)
A study of the trace element composition of beryl varieties (469 SIMS analyses) was carried out. Red beryls are distinguished by a higher content of Ni, Sc, Mn, Fe, Ti, Cs, Rb, K, and B and lower content of Na and water. Pink beryls are characterized by a higher content of Cs, Rb, Na, Li, Cl, and water with lower content of Mg and Fe. Green beryls are defined by the increased content of Cr, V, Mg, Na, and water with reduced Cs. A feature of yellow beryls is the reduced content of Mg, Cs, Rb, K, Na, Li, and Cl. Beryls of various shades of blue and dark blue (aquamarines) are characterized by higher Fe content and lower Cs and Rb content. For white beryls, increased content of Na and Li has been established. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for the CLR-transformed dataset showed that the first component separates green beryls from other varieties. The second component divides pink and red beryls. The stochastic neighborhood embedding method with t-distribution (t-SNE) with CLR-transformed data demonstrated the contrasting compositions of green beryls relative to other varieties. Red and pink beryls form the most compact clusters.
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Date submitted2022-03-21
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Date accepted2022-06-15
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Date published2022-07-26
Ti-Fe-Cr spinels in layered (stratified) complexes of the western slope of the Southern Urals: species diversity and formation conditions
- Authors:
- Sergey G. Kovalev
- Sergey S. Kovalev
Materials on geochemistry and ore Fe-Ti-Cr mineralization of rocks composing layered (stratified) bodies of the western slope of the Southern Urals are presented. A detailed analysis showed similarity in the redistribution of REE, noble metals, and Fe-Ti-Cr mineralization of practically all parameters in rocks of the Misaelga and Kusin-Kopan complexes. It has been established that the parameters of metamorphism, which influenced components redistribution in Fe-Ti-Cr minerals of the layered complexes, correspond to Misaelga – T = <550-750 °С, P = 0.1-2.8 kbar, Kusin-Kopan – T = <550-630 °С, P = 0.3-0.7 kbar, and Shuidinsky complexes – T = <550-760 °С, P = 0.5-2.5 kbar. The result of modelling the melt crystallization process showed that the Kusin-Kopan complex is an intrusive body with an ultramafic horizon in the idealized cross-section. Due to collisional processes, the lower part of the intrusion has been detached from the upper part. The proposed structure of the Kusin-Kopan complex sharply increases its prospects for such types of minerals as platinum group minerals + sulphide copper-nickel mine-ralization and/or chromites.
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Date submitted2022-05-02
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Date accepted2022-05-25
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Date published2022-07-13
Features of olivine crystallization in ordinary chondrites (Saratov meteorite): geochemistry of trace and rare earth elements
The paper discusses the geochemistry of major (EPMA) and trace (SIMS) elements in olivine of porphyritic, nonporphyritic chondrules, and the matrix of equilibrated ordinary chondrite Saratov (L4). Olivine corresponds to forsterite and is rather heterogeneous (Fo 73-77). No differences in the content of the major elements in the olivine of the chondrule and the matrix of the meteorite were found. However, the content of major and trace elements in olivine within chondrules varies considerably; high values found in olivine from barred chondrules. Olivine from porphyritic chondrules and the matrix of the Saratov meteorite have similar concentrations of trace elements. High concentrations of refractory (Zr, Y, Al) and moderately volatile (Sr and Ba) trace elements in barred olivine chondrule indicate the chondrule melt formation due to the melting of precursor minerals and its rapid cooling in the protoplanetary disk, which is consistent with the experimental data. The olivine of the chondrules center of the Saratov meteorite differs from the olivine of the chondrules rims and meteorite matrix by the increased values of the Yb/La ratio. No relict grains and magnesian cores of olivine were found in meteorite chondrules. Individual grains in the chondrules are distinguished by their enrichment in trace elements relative to the rest of the olivine grains in the chondrule.
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Date submitted2022-04-04
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Date accepted2022-05-13
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Date published2022-07-13
Distribution of trace elements controlled by sector and growth zonings in zircon from a miaskite pegmatite of the Vishnegorsky massif, the Southern Urals
Data on the content and distribution of trace and rare-earth elements (SIMS method) in sectors and growth zones of a large zircon crystal from miaskite pegmatites of the Vishnegogorsky massif are presented. The morphology of the zircon crystal is a combination of a dipyramid {111} and prism {010}. It has been established that the growth sector of dipyramid {111} is characterized by almost one order of magnitude higher contents of Y, Nb, REE, Th; higher Th/U and Eu/Eu* values; REE distribution spectra are flatter compared to prism {010} growth sector. A regular decrease in the content of trace and rare-earth elements in the direction from the central zone to the marginal zone of crystal growth was revealed. A smooth regression of zircon crystallization temperature of zircon from 960 °C in the central zone to 740 °C in the marginal zone of the dipyramid sector and 700-650 °C in the prism sector has been revealed, which may be a reflection of thermal evolution of the crystallization process. It is assumed that crystallization of the central zone of zircon occurred at early stages from a relatively trace-еlement-rich melt. The crystallization was completed at lower temperatures, probably, simultaneously with the formation of REE-concentrating minerals, which resulted in natural decrease of content of trace and rare-earth elements in the melt and, consequently, in zircon crystallizing from it.
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Date submitted2022-01-24
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Date accepted2022-04-26
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Date published2023-04-25
Forecast of radionuclide migration in groundwater of the zone affected by construction drainage at the Leningrad NPP-2
The distribution of natural (at the level of global background) and technogenic radionuclides in groundwater of the industrial zone in Sosnovy Bor town, where several nuclear power facilities are operating, was analyzed. The main technogenic radionuclides recorded in groundwater samples are cesium ( 137 Cs), strontium ( 90 Sr), and tritium isotopes. The first two aquifers from the surface are subject to contamination: the Quaternary and the upper zone of the Lomonosov aquifer. Based on extensive material on the engineering and geological studies of the work area, a 3D geological model and hydrodynamic and geomigration models of the industrial zone were constructed. By means of modeling, the extent and nature of changes in hydrogeological conditions of area resulting from the construction and operational drainage of the new stage of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant (LNPP-2) were determined. The “historical” halo of radioactive contamination of groundwater forming (1970-1990) at the site adjacent to the NPP, where the storage facility of low- and medium-level radioactive waste is located, falls into the zone of influence. Interpretation of monitoring data allowed obtaining the migration parameters for predictive estimates. Modeling has shown that during the time of the LNPP-2 operation there was no intake of contaminated water by the drainage system of the new power plant.
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Date submitted2020-08-20
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Date accepted2021-11-30
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Date published2021-12-27
Indicator role of rare and rare-earth elements of the Northwest manganese ore occurrence (South Africa) in the genetic model of supergene manganese deposits
- Authors:
- Aleksandr N. Evdokimov
- Benedict L. Pharoe
The authors analyzed the content of a number of rare and rare-earth elements in the rocks of the Northwest manganese ore occurrence, confined to the Neoarchean dolomites of the Malmani series of the Transvaal Basin. 30 samples of manganese ores and host rocks were analyzed by ICP-MS and XRF methods. Average values of Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) were used as the geochemical standard for data calculation and normalization. The concentrations of elements normalized on PAAS reveal the LREE anomaly in manganese ores. Positive Ce and negative Y–anomalies indicate the hydro-genetical type of sedimentation of ore minerals from manganese-bearing aqueous solutions. This is consistent with the ratios of the elements: Ce and Y SN /Ho SN , Ce and Nd, Fe – Mn – (Co + Ni + Cu) × 10. A clear correlation between the contents of rare-earth elements in manganese nodules and the underlying Malmani dolomites indicates their close genetic relationship. Negative Ce and positive Y–anomalies in manganese wad minerals indicate differences in the conditions of their formation. The manganese wad formed earlier than the rest of the ore with the active participation of microorganisms.
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Date submitted2020-12-02
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Date accepted2021-04-21
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Date published2021-06-24
Modeling the processes of deformation and destruction of the rock sample during its extraction from great depths
Article investigates the change in the geophysical properties of rocks in the process of extracting the rock sample from great depths. Evaluation of changes in effective elastic properties, porosity and permeability of rock samples during extraction was carried out by means of finite element modeling. Assessment of the critical dimensions and orientation of internal defects, leading to the destruction of the rock samples during extraction from great depths, has been made based on the methods of linear destruction mechanics. Approach that makes it possible to calculate the change in the mechanical properties, porosity and fracturing of reservoir rocks in the process of extracting the rock sample from depths to the surface is proposed. Use of refined data on the mechanical properties of recoverable rock samples makes it possible to increase the accuracy of digital geological models required for geological exploration, determination of reservoir properties and oil and gas saturation of a field, and development of oil and gas deposits. Application of such models is especially relevant at all stages of the fields development with hard-to-recover reserves.
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Date submitted2020-09-10
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Date accepted2020-11-25
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Date published2021-06-24
Formation conditions of noble metal mineralization in sulfide cobalt-copper-nickel ores of Kamchatka (on the example of Annabergitovaya Schel ore occurrence)
The authors present research results, the purpose of which is to study the specifics of noble metal mineralization and its genesis in sulfide cobalt-copper-nickel ores of the Kamchatka nickel-bearing province. The paper is dedicated to one of its many ore occurrences called Annabergitovaya Schel (Annabergite Gap). The material composition of platinoid, silver, gold, bismuth and tellurium minerals, as well as sulfarsenides in the ores of this occurrence was investigated. Based on the data of mineral formation sequence and the use of geosensors, conclusions were drawn regarding the genesis of noble metal mineralization. Formation of platinoid minerals, silver and gold at the Annabergitovaya Schel ore occurrence is mainly associated with the epigenetic effect of post-ore granitoids on ore-bearing intrusion rocks of the Dukuk complex of the cortlandite-norite formation and on syngenetic ores. An early association of noble metal minerals is represented by sperrylite, irarsite, and rare unnamed phases of Pt + Ir + Te. Irarsite and Pt + Ir + Te phases were formed at the contact-metasomatic stage. Sperrylite can be assumed to be of magmatic origin. Silver sulfides and tellurides, silver and palladium bismuth tellurides, and native gold were formed at the late, hydrothermal-metasomatic, stage. The occurrence conditions of mineral parageneses, associated with noble metal mineralization, correspond to the formation of shallow-depth metasomatic rocks (≤5 km). Sub-developed quartz-feldspar metasomatites, associated with the formation of early platinoid arsenides and sulfarsenides, are in equilibrium with circumneutral solutions (pH of 4.5-6.5) at temperatures of 350-600 °C. Late hydrothermal association with Pd, Ag and Au minerals is close to propylites and was formed at pH values of 4.5-6.5 and temperature of 150-350 °C.
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Date submitted2020-05-14
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Date accepted2020-10-05
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Date published2020-11-24
Fahlbands of the Keret archipelago, White Sea: the composition of rocks and minerals, ore mineralization
This paper presents a complex mineralogical and geochemical characteristic (based on SEM-EDS, ICP-MS analysis) of the fahlband rocks of the Kiv-Guba-Kartesh occurrence within the White Sea mobile belt (WSMB ). The term “fahlband” first appeared in the silver mines of Kongsberg in the 17th century. Now fahlbands are interlayers or lenses with sulfide impregnation, located in the host, usually metamorphic rock. The level of sulfide content in the rock exceed the typical accessory values, but at the same time be insufficient for massive ores . Fahlbands are weathered in a different way than the host rocks, so they are easily distinguished in outcrops due to their rusty-brown color. The studied rocks are amphibolites, differing from each other in garnet content and silicification degree. Ore mineralization is represented mainly by pyrrhotite and pyrite, and pyrrhotite grains are often replaced along the periphery by iron oxides and hydroxides, followed by pyrite overgrowth. At the same time, the rock contains practically unaltered pyrrhotite grains of irregular shape with fine exsolution structures composed of pentlandite, and individual pyrite grains with an increased Ni content (up to 5.4 wt.%). A relatively common mineral is chalcopyrite, which forms small grains, often trapped by pyrrhotite. We have also found single submicron sobolevskite and hedleyite grains. The REE composition of the fahlband rocks suggests that they are related to Archean metabasalts of the Seryakskaya and Loukhsko-Pisemskaya structures of the WSMB, rather than with metagabbroids and metaultrabasites common in the study area.
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Date submitted2020-03-20
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Date accepted2020-05-24
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Date published2020-06-30
Landscape monitoring studies of the North Caucasian geochemical province
The data on the geochemical features of the bedrocks and soils of the province are given. Considerable attention is paid to regional abundances, as well as enrichment and dispersion factors of the chemical elements in landscapes. Using the example of the North Caucasus, it is shown that for such indicators as phytomass, geological, geomorphological, and geobotanical features, it is possible to make a preliminary outlining of regional structures corresponding to geochemical provinces. At the same time, a subsequent geochemical study of these structures remains mandatory. Upon determining certain geochemical associations, geochemical provinces can be basically distinguished; to a large extent, geochemical properties of these accumulated and scattered associations of elements contribute to the regional soil geochemistry. The results of long-term monitoring studies of the North Caucasus geochemical province have shown that the key features of the regional landscapes are due to the composition of bedrock and the presence of a large number of ore deposits and occurrences. The data obtained are the basis for assessing the state of the environment in conditions of increasing anthropogenic impact, and the established regional abundances can be used to assess the degree of pollution in agricultural, residential, and mining landscapes.
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Date submitted2019-07-11
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Date accepted2019-09-02
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Date published2019-12-24
Stakeholders management of carbon sequestration project in the state – business – society system
Prevention of catastrophic effects of climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of this century. A prominent place in the low-carbon development system today is carbon capture and storage technology (CCS). This technology can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming. Effectiveness of technology has been proven through successful implementation of a number of CCS projects. CCS projects are implemented in the context of national and often international interests, consolidating efforts of many parties. Sequestration projects involve government bodies, public, industrial and scientific sectors, as well as a number of other business structures. Each participant presents his own expectations for results of the project, which can compete among themselves, creating threats to its successful implementation. World experience in implementing CCS projects indicates that opposition from a certain group of stakeholders can lead to closure of a project, therefore, interaction with environment is one of the key elements in managing such projects. This study focuses on specifics of stakeholder management in implementation of CO 2 sequestration projects. Based on the analysis of world experience, role of the state, business and society in such projects is determined, their main expectations and interests are summarized. The main groups of stakeholders of CCS and CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage) projects were identified, differences in their interests and incentives to participate were analyzed. It is proved that system of interaction with stakeholders should be created at the early stages of the project, while management of stakeholders is a continuous process throughout the life cycle. An author’s tool is proposed for assessing degree of stakeholder interest, the use of which allowed us to determine interaction vectors with various groups of stakeholders.
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Date submitted2019-05-02
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Date accepted2019-07-25
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Date published2019-10-23
Composition Heterogeneity of Xenoliths of Mantle Peridotites from Alkaline Basalts of the Sverre Volcano, the Svalbard Archipelago
- Authors:
- S. G. Skublov
- D. S. Ashikhmin
The article presents the results of a study of the composition of xenoliths of mantle peridotites (seven samples), collected from the Quaternary basalts of the Sverre volcano, the Svalbard archipelago. The presence of two big (more than 15 cm in diameter) xenoliths of spinel lherzolite allowed us to consider a change in their composition in the cen- tral, intermediate, and marginal parts of the samples. It is proposed to distinguish three types of xenoliths by the distribution of trace and rare earth elements. Enrich- ment of mantle peridotites with light rare earth elements, as well as high field strength (HFS) and large-ion lithophile (LIL) elements, is presumably associated with mantlemetasomatism.
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Date submitted2019-05-12
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Date accepted2019-07-22
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Date published2019-10-23
A Modern View of Anomalies in the Metal Groups of the Periodic System of D.I.Mendeleev
The article is devoted to the 150 th anniversary of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements by D.I.Mendeleev. The fundamental law of nature, discovered by D.I.Mendeleev has anomalies and paradoxes associated with certain groups of metals. When studying the physical and chemical properties of complex metal compounds, many discrepancies can be found, namely, the location of elements in groups, which primarily relate to metals with different valences. By studying the approaches and methods for predicting the arrangement of chemical elements, it can be established that D.I.Mendeleev eliminated many differences for some metals during the formation of the Periodic system of chemical elements. D.I.Mendeleev developed a principle that excludes such errors when finding and discovering new elements. Analytical studies conducted by a Russian scientist helped to calculate the atomic masses and describe the properties of three elements not known at that time – «eka-boron», «eka-silicon», «eka-aluminum», the existence of which was proved and confirmed by subsequent discoveries of scandium, germanium, boron, and gallium. The paper provides a significant assessment of the forecasting of metals in various groups of the periodic system. Changes in the properties of some metals significantly influenced their location in the table of D.I.Mendeleev.