Background. The geological structure and gold-bearing capacity of the recently identified Nizhnegarsky potential ore-placer node of the North Bureinsky metallogenic zone of the Priammur province are investigated.

Aim. To define the gold-bearing prospects of the Nizhnegarsky potential ore-placer node and to determine its potential for integrated use.

Materials and methods. Available publications and stock materials on the geological structure and gold-bearing capacity of the Nizhnegarsky node were analyzed.

Results. An independent Nizhnegarsky potential ore-placer node with industrial placers of gold has been identified for the first time. In the southern part of the node, the gold sources are represented by gold-bearing deposits of iron and pyrite ores of early Proterozoic age. In the northern part, the gold sources presumably include the gold-copper-molybdenum-porphyry mineralization of Late Mesozoic age. The gold-bearing prospects of the Nizhnegarsky node in terms of lobe gold are estimated. In addition to gold, the possibility of associated extraction of zircon and ilmenite, some minerals of the platinum group (sperrilite and iridosmines), and scheelite is demonstrated.

Background. In the 21st century, exploration works in the previously discovered Jurassic deposits has been launched in the north of the Yamal Peninsula. The South Tambey field was no exception, where 3D seismic surveys and exploration drilling have been carried out over the past 10 years to study of Jurassic sediments and rocks of the Bazhenov formation. Due to the lack of a data sufficient sample in the northern regions of the Western Siberia, formation was poorly studied. The main ideas were formed on wells scattered at great distances from each other without the possibility of a clear correlation. After receiving new drilling materials, it became possible to examine the deposits of the Bazhenov formation in more detail.

Aim. Determination of the structural features and occurrence conditions of the Bazhenov formation.

Materials and methods. The research was based on the logging data of exploration and production drilling. A detailed correlation of well sections was performed, which was compared and analyzed with the core description and interpretation of seismic survey materials.

Results. The lithological characteristics of rocks obtained by core description are presented, the atypical neighborhood of stromatolites and radiolarians in the section is noted. Based on a detailed correlation, the Bazhenov formation was divided into three intervals with characteristic geophysical logging values and distribution features over the area. The clinoform occurrence with development in the north-west direction is determined. Based on the areal variability, it is proposed to distinguish two types of the Bazhenov formation, and approaches to their tracing are considered.

Conclusion. The study of the Bazhenov formation revealed a co-directionality of the spatial orientation of the faults, the progradation of the Achimov clinoforms, and changes in the thickness of the Bazhenov formation. A hypothesis has been put forward about a single tectonic regime that prevailed in the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. It is proposed to consider flower (keyboard) tectonics as the main factor that determined the structure and occurrence conditions of the Bazhenov formation.

Background. In this paper, we present the results of geological and geophysical works and an analysis of the conducted simulation of the South Caspian Basin.

Aim. Simulation of hydrocarbon systems of the Turkmen sector of the South Caspian basin.

Materials and methods. Statistical generalization and systematization of data and materials from reference literature, fund sources, field data and published works of Sh.F. Mekhtiev, I.S. Guliyev, M.Z. Rachinsky, S.S. Djibouti, S.A. Aliev, V.Yu. Kerimov, V.V. Kolodiya and others. Simulation was performed in the PetroMod software.

Results. The conducted simulation showed that the entire commercial oil and gas potential in the region is positioned mainly outside the outer perimeter of the deep-water area, in the form of an annular strip with the width 20–50 km. All the deposits were found to be genetically and spatially associated with the areas of high macro- and micro-seismicity of slip joints filled with hydrothermal aggregates.

Background. The carbonate rocks represented by organogenic structures of the Voronezh horizon (D₃vr) at the Volostnovsky, Vostochno-Volostnovsky and Yuzhno-Volostnovsky fields in the northern part of the East-Orenburg oil and gas bearing region of the Volga-Ural oil and gas bearing province are studied.

Aim. To establish a connection between the structures of lithological types of carbonate rocks and their reservoir properties within the organogenic structures of the Voronezh horizon at the Volostnovsky, Vostochno-Volostnovsky and Yuzhno-Volostnovsky deposits.

Materials and methods. Stock materials on the geological structure of the northern part of the Vostochno-Orenburg district were used. Histograms of the distribution of porosity and permeability values were constructed. A petrophysical model was proposed followed by its verification and analysis.

Results. Data on the filtration-capacitance properties of carbonate rocks were analyzed. Histograms reflecting changes in porosity and permeability for individual zones of organogenic structures were constructed. A petrophysical model describing the relationship between the lithological characteristics of rocks of the selected zones and their reservoir properties was proposed. The model was verified based on the data on the Volostnovsky site and neighboring deposits.

Conclusion. The carbonate reservoirs of the Voronezh horizon are characterized by a complex structure with degraded reservoir properties. This information should be taken into account when developing deposits to ensure an increase in geological oil reserves and an extended service life of wells.

Background. Although the Kuhilal deposit of Mg skarns has been thoroughly studied, tourmaline in their composition has never been considered [5, 6, 16]. Uvite, a tourmaline variety, was mentioned in the list of rare minerals only with its crystallochemical formula [17]. L.N. Shabynin, a great connoisseur of skarns, noted the rarity of tourmaline in Mg skarns of various deposits. Tourmaline of this type is characterized by a strong variation in ferruginosity and a significant content of Ca. At the same time, Ca:Na varies from 2:3 to 20:1 [15]. According to N.N. Pertsev, another major specialist in skarns, tourmaline is a rare mineral of Mg skarn deposits [11]. The boron-iron ore deposit of Tayozhnoe, Aldan shield, is an exception. This deposit belongs to skarns, where a widespread development of tourmaline was noted [12]. Tourmaline (dravite) of this deposit was found only in silicate metamorphic rocks containing marbles and Mg skarns.

Aim. To determine the paragenesis, crystal morphology, chemical composition, and genetic characteristics of tourmaline from Kuhilal Mg skarns.

Materials and methods. Large aggregates (more than 10 cm across) and crystals of apple-green tourmaline from the Mg skarns of the Kuhilal deposit were investigated. Samples of Mg skarns containing tourmaline were collected and documented by the authors during fieldwork research at the Kuhilal deposit in 2017. The samples were examined by mineralogical and petrographic methods, X-ray diffraction analysis using a DRONE-3M (analyst A.V. Fedorov, Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting), microprobe analysis using a Cameca SX 100 in 15 kV 30 nA shooting mode (analyst V.I. Taskaev, IGEM RAS), and X-ray fluorescence analysis using an AXIOS advanced spectrometer with an X-ray tube equipped with a 3 kW Rh anode and Philips PW-2400 with a sensitivity of 10-4% (analyst A.I. Yakushev, IGEM RAS). The majority of studies were conducted at the Department of Mineralogy and Gemology of the Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting.

Results. Tourmaline from the Mg skarns of the Kuhilal deposit has been studied for the first time. This mineral is rare for skarn rocks. Two tourmaline mineral associations were identified: with spinel and forsterite, and with chlorite and serpentine. In terms of chemical composition, tourmaline isattributed to fluorine-containing uvite with a close to zero ferruginosity. Uvite is characterized by a lenticular shape with a rarely observed, underdeveloped prism. Its mineralogical properties, chemical composition, and formation conditions were analyzed. Tourmaline can be used to make inexpensive jewelry inserts.

Conclusion. Tourmaline crystallization occurred under the conditions of granulite facies of regional metamorphism. For boron formation, an apo-sedimentary, evaporite source is assumed.

Background. The responsive element of the GNU-KV Russian gravimeter comprises a Golitsyn lowfrequency vertical seismograph, which outperforms modern industrial SM-3KV seismographs in terms of sensitivity to ground vibrations. A team of geophysicists at the Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting modified the construction of GNU-KV to adapt this device to work in the mode of a portable seismological station for recording natural seismic vibrations in the frequency range of 0.05–0.5 Hz. Given the equivalence of gravitational and inertial fields, the presented technology is capable of not only detecting low-frequency ground vibrations, but also estimating accelerations and amplitudes of ground displacement at these frequencies.

Aim. To investigate the capabilities of the GNU-KV gravimeter for recording and estimating the amplitude of ground vibrations in mm and mGal.

Materials and methods. The proposed method for determining the anomalous areas of increased ground vibration using a GNU-KV gravimeter was tested in two geographical sites: in the vicinity of the Educational and Laboratory Complex of Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting and in the area of the RUDN University near a subway tunnel.

Results. When determining the amplitude of ground vibrations in mm and their acceleration in mGal, the conversion coefficient for the results of a digital signal obtained by GNU-KV and inertial accelerations in mGal was determined.

Conclusion. The conducted studies confirm the capabilities of the GNU-KV gravimeter for the quantitative estimation of ground vibrations.

Background. The development and implementation of the life cycle concepts of extracted raw materials seems promising for the sustainable development of mineral resources by a mining company. The practical implementation of such concepts requires a system of theoretical, methodological, analytical, and organizational procedures developed in close collaboration by state officials, researchers, and subsoil users with a particular focus on the responsibility of producers.

Aim. To carry out an analysis of the existing theoretical concepts for managing the mineral resource base of mining companies and to assess their implementation prospects. The following objectives were formulated: 1) to analyze the current situation in the field of reproduction of mineral resources; 2) to review the management approaches currently used to reproduce mineral resources; 3) to evaluate the prospects of modern concepts for the management of mineral resources in the mining industry.

Materials and methods of research. The authors analyzed the publications of foreign and domestic authors in the field of sustainable development. The complex of studies included an analysis of the theoretical concepts of management of reproduction of the mineral resource base developed to date, grouping of key indicators for assessing the sustainability of a mining enterprise, comparing approaches to management of reproduction of the mineral resource base and others.

Results. Specific features of the mechanistic approach to the management of mineral resources, as well as its limitations and drawbacks, were analyzed. Particular attention was paid to a concept of the life cycle of a mining plant. The possibilities and prospects of using a methodology of mineral resource capacity management are described.

Conclusions. The transition to modern concepts in the management of mining enterprises can be achieved under the condition of changing the existing orientation to super-profitable gross mining to that balancing social, environmental, and economic considerations.

Background. Russia occupies a leading position in the global extraction of minerals, meeting all the demands of Russian economy. The efficiency of resources development determines the efficiency of both the oil and gas industry, as well as related economic sectors. At any stage, geological prospecting and exploration works are carried out sequentially and assume identification of the quantity, quality, shape and size of the valuable component contained in the deposit. In Russia, the recent trend in the development of laboratory research methods consists in creating and implementing hardware approaches capable of identifying the content of valuable components rapidly and accurately.

Aim. To compare the existing approaches for obtaining the proportionality coefficient depending on the specifics of the ore deposit under exploration and to analyze the dependence of the amount of laser sampling of microprobes on the relative standard error of sampling the main general sample.

Materials and methods. The Richards–Chechott equation and Demond and Halferdahl works were studied. An analysis of error classes was carried out.

Results. The relative standard error of sampling the main general sample was found to decrease with an increase in the number of microsamples (pulses). The number of microprobes of an analytical sample depends on the heterogeneity of the valuable component distribution.

Conclusion. An increase in the number of laser sampling of microsamples (pulses) leads to a decrease in the relative standard error of sampling the main general sample. The number of microprobes of an analytical sample depends on the heterogeneity of the valuable component distribution (K, α).

This article is dedicated to the role of L.V. Pustovalov in creating the theoretical foundations of sedimentary research in Russia, including determination and substantiation of the most important regularities governing sedimentary processes and their stages. The constituting stages of sedimentary processes, such as weathering, transport, and deposition, were identified and described. These stages lead to the differentiation of sedimentary material and the formation of sedimentary rocks of different composition and structure. The concepts of the stages of diagenesis and epigenesist (catagenesis) were formulated. For the first time, specific features of sedimentary process evolution were outlined, including sedimentation conditions and formation of individual sedimentary minerals and rocks.