Background. Underground uranium leaching is a promising geotechnological process due to its potential to provide for a radical increase in the technical and economic efficiency, as well as environmental safety, of uranium deposit development. In this article, we discuss the main results in this direction obtained by specialists of the Russian State University for Geological Prospecting.

Aim. To study the processes of uranium leaching by activated solutions, which undergo electrophotochemical treatment prior to contacting with the ore.

Materials and methods. Activation preparation of leaching solutions enables the synthesis of active hydrated forms of oxygen and hydrogen with collectivized protons and hydroxyl ions clustered by water molecules. Following the stage of pre-oxidation with an active carbonate solution, a model downhole leaching with chloride-hypochlorite, soda, and sulfuric acid solutions was carried out. Testing percolation leaching of uranium from the ores of the Uchkuduk and Sugraly deposits by activated solutions was conducted at laboratory installations designed by the the Russian State University for Geological Prospecting jointly with the Institute of Mining of Far-East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Zabaikalsky State University. As a result, the potential of a significant increase in uranium extraction was noted.

Results. When leaching with sodium carbonate and ammonium carbonate solutions, the uranium extraction from ore samples from the Sugraly deposit comprised 52% and 59%, respectively. At the same time, the use of an activated solution of sodium percarbonate, which combines the functions of an oxidizing agent and a complexing agent, resulted in an 87–88% uranium extraction into productive solutions during 21 days without preliminary pre-oxidation.

Conclusion. The results obtained confirm the prospects of using mine (block) and downhole uranium leaching with activated solutions.

Background. In this paper, the authors aim to reveal the localization patterns of gold mineralization in the Phuok Son region of Central Vietnam, which formed a Proterozoic-Cambrian metamorphic complex in the zone of the Late Paleozoic Benzhang–Queshon granite block.

Aim. To determine the localization patterns of gold mineralization in the Phuoc Son area, Central Vietnam.

Materials and methods. The research was based on geological materials, as well as mine working and appraisal well data. The material composition of the materials was studied using 15 transparent sections and 18 polished sections. In total, 127 samples were subjected to atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Results. Within the Phuoс Son gold ore field in Central Vietnam, the site of the Baidat and Baigo mines located in the zone of reverse-shear termination was investigated. Here, the gold ore bodies are represented by quartz-sulfide veins subparallel to schistosity. The ore-bearing zones are layered zones of tectonic faults, which formed at the end of the reverse-shear period and complicated the western limbs and locks of the anticlines. These zones were formed under regional sublatitudinal horizontal stresses. The horizons of carbonaceous quartz-sericite schists are of great importance in ore control. There are steeply dipping post-ore faults that displace ore bodies. Two gold mineralization stages can be distinguished. The early stage was characterized by a wide development of sphalerite and a smaller amount of gold. The later stage was associated with the main precipitation of gold and formation of galena. According to the geochronological data on the argon isotopy in biotite, the gold mineralization at Baidat and Baigo was probably formed in the Triassic (250–200 Ma ago), at the stage of extinction of the regional metamorphism of the Indosinian orogeny

Conclusion. The results obtained should be used when conducting local forecasting of gold deposits in Central Vietnam.

Background. This paper presents a comparative study into diamonds from kimberlite bodies of the Verkhnemunsky field (Zapolyarnaya, Novinka, Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya and Poiskovaya), the results of which allow these minerals to be distinguished from those found in other fields of the Siberian platform. Diamonds from the Zapolyarnaya kimberlite pipe are characterized by an increased prevalence of dodecahedroids with shagreen and plastic deformation bands, mainly of a violet-brown color. A significant part of these diamonds contains cavities. In this respect, diamonds from the Zapolyarnaya kimberlite pipe are similar to other bodies of the Verkhnemunsky kimberlite field (Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya, Novinka and Poiskovaya) and different from diamonds mined at the Malo-Botuobinsky, Daldyn-Alakitsky and Sredne-Markhinsky diamondiferous areas.

Aim. To analyze the characteristics of diamonds from the Verkhnemunsky field with a high density of kimberlite bodies.

Materials and methods. The research was based on a large amount of data and materials collected over long-term prospecting and exploration works carried out by industrial and research organizations in Western Yakutia. A comprehensive study of diamonds was conducted under the guidance and participation of the authors.

Results. Kimberlite ore bodies in the region under study were found to differ from similar ore bodies of the central fields (Mirninsky, Daldynsky and Alakit-Markhinsky) by a low content of xenoliths of sedimentary rocks, many of which underwent high-temperature metamorphism. In general, the kimberlite ore bodies of the field are characterized by relatively weak secondary changes. Therefore, the largest part of the kimberlites of individual diatremes (Zymnyaya, Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya, Novinka and Legkaya) preserve fresh olivine of the second generation, which is usually replaced by later monticellite and periclase.

Conclusion. Diamonds from the Verkhnemunsky field are characterized by a set of typomorphic characteristics, which can be used to differentiate them from minerals in other Yakutia deposits. The main typomorphic characteristics of Zapolyarnaya diamonds include the pronounced predominance of dodecahedroids with shagreen and plastic deformation bands, mainly of a violet-brown color and numerous cavities. In terms of this feature, these diamonds are close to other kimberlite bodies of the Verkhnemunsky field (Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya, Novinka and Poiskovaya) but different from those in the Daldyn-Alakitsky, Malobotuobinsky and Sredne-Markhinsky diamondiferous areas.

Background. Issues associated with the investigation of hydrocarbon prospects of the Paleocene-Eocene section of the sedimentary cover in the Black Sea-Caspian region are considered.

Aim. Assessment of the oil and gas potential of the Paleocene-Eocene deposits under consideration.

Materials and methods. A comprehensive basin analysis concerning petroleum system concepts based on published geological, geophysical and geochemical data, as well as paleogeographic reconstructions, geological mapping and database creation with subsequent BM&PSM accomplishment.

Results. The identified and examined substantive Paleocene-Eocene petroleum systems were assessed in terms of geological risks with the purpose of recognizing the most promising areas for further exploration.

Background. Triassic deposits of the Eastern Ciscaucasia belong to the upper part of the transient zone, which is considered promising for hydrocarbon exploration. The presence of numerous deposits, as well as non-commercial hydrocarbon flows in boreholes, indicate the existence of petroleum systems in this part of the section. However, issues related to the sources of hydrocarbons in the Triassic deposits still remain unresolved.

Aim. To identify and study the possible source rocks for the Triassic deposits of the Eastern Ciscaucasia, as well as to assess their contribution to the hydrocarbon potential of the upper part of the transient zone.

Materials and methods. Research materials involved all available geological, geophysical and geochemical data published on the section under study, as well as reports from the Russian Federation geological repository. The collected data were analyzed as part of the conducted basin analysis. Numerical basin modeling and paleogeographic reconstructions were performed.

Results. The paleogeographic conditions of the Eastern Ciscaucasia and the adjacent areas of the Caspian Sea at the Triassic period were studied. The results of basin analysis were used to construct the distribution maps of Neftekumskaya, Kultaisko-Demyanovskaya and Kizlyarskaya source rocks and to assess their charging ability for Lower and Middle Triassic reservoirs.

Conclusion. The conducted numerical modelling revealed several pods of still active source rocks in the Neftekumskaya, Kultaisko-Demyanovskaya and Kizlyarskaya sections. Lower Triassic reservoirs charged from both the Neftekumskaya and Kultaisko-Demyanovskaya source rocks, unlike Middle Triassic reservoirs that charged from the Kizlyarskaya source rocks. Thus, independent petroleum systems separated by the Anisian seal at the two stratigraphic levels in the Triassic part of the transitional complex of Eastern Ciscaucasia were identified.

Background. Septaria, comprising calcareous-clay nodules with calcite veins, are widely used as jewelry and ornamental materials. Septaria from Morocco represented on the world and Russian markets of jewelry and ornamental stones remain gemologically and mineralogically underexplored. In this article, the gemological characteristics and mineral composition of Morocco septaria, as well as the conditions of their formation, are described for the first time.

Aim. To determine the gemological characteristics and mineral composition of Morocco septaria, as well as their formation conditions. To conduct their comparison with septaria from other regions of the world.

Materials and methods. The author studied the assortment of Morocco septaria presented at international and Russian exhibitions. A collection (15 samples) representing the main decorative septarium varieties was compiled. The materials underwent determination of microhardness, density, luminescence (10 samples), optical-petrographic analysis (4 sections), quantitative determination of mineral and chemical composition (2 samples), electron probe studies (2 samples).

Results. The septaria were found to consist of (wt %): quartz — 38, goethite — 16, chlorite (shamosite) — 28, kaolinite — 6, siderite — 5, dolomite — 4, calcite — 1, pyrite, zeolite, apatite, hydrosludes less than 1. Dispersed inclusions of leucoxene, barite, and microcline were discovered. The septarium veins consisted mainly of dolomite, quartz, chlorite with inclusions of siderite, calcite and pyrite. The Zn, Sr, and Ba impurities ranged within 0.01—0.05 wt %, while Cr, V, Ni, Cu, Rb, Zr, Y, and Pb ranged within 0.001—0.01 wt %. The mineral composition of the studied Morocco septaria was found to differ significantly from that of septaria in other regions of the world, where calcite plays a decisive role.

Conclusion. Morocco septaria of small size (from 2 to 6 cm) are used as interior decorations and jewelry cabochons. The mineral and chemical (including micro-inclusions and impurities) composition of Morocco septaria was established for the first time, which allows their identification. The mineral composition of the septaria under study is associated with the regional low-temperature metamorphism, which altered the original, predominantly calcite composition.

Background. The importance of studying the properties of argillaceous rock materials is determined by their widespread application in various industries. At the same time, identification of argillaceous minerals is associated with a number of difficulties.

Aim. To study the properties of argillaceous rock materials collected in different sites by the method of simultaneous thermal analysis to reveal their characteristic patterns and to identify their composition.

Materials and methods. Natural materials from different geographical sites in Russia and neighboring countries were studied by the method of simultaneous thermal analysis.

Results. The use of simultaneous thermal analysis for studying the properties of argillaceous materials allows their behavior to be studied under temperature exposure. The composition of rock samples can be identified by comparing their thermogravimetric curves with those of known rocks.

Conclusion. The possibility of using thermal analysis for identifying the presumed mineral composition of the studied rock material was established. However, the diversity of soils on the planet impedes drawing a definite conclusion about their mineral composition. Therefore, thermal analysis should be applied in combination with other research methods, such as XRD, sediment, optical, etc., analytical techniques.

The centenary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev, a Soviet and Azerbaijani politician (1923—2003), prompted us to show interest in the personality of G. Aliyev, as well as in the study of the phenomenon of Aliyev studies — a unique interdisciplinary direction in the modern scientific environment of Azerbaijan. The phenomenon, the study of which is very important for understanding the specifics of the current trends in the humanities and social sciences, as well as the cultural paradigm of this country.