The purpose of the research is to conduct petro- and paleomagnetic studies of Early Paleozoic rocks of the carbonate basement of a number of diamond deposits in the Yakutsk diamondiferous province in order to study the changes in petrophysical parameter values in the dynamic influence zone of a kimberlite pipe. It is shown that the formation of kimberlite diatremes accompanied by pulsating explosions shifting upwards brings about thermoelastic stress fields in the kimberlite-bearing medium, which are characterized by epigenetic changes and associated petrophysical heterogeneities (petrophysical anomalies). Petromagnetic heterogeneities of burning and stress are, therefore, some of these petrophysical anomalies, within which kimberlite-bearing rocks have contrastingly changed their original magnetic characteristics under the action of thermodynamic processes. Primarily, petromagnetic anomalies are reflected in the changed nature of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility: from sedimentary to dyke geotype. In addition, petromagnetic anomalies of magnetic susceptibility can be accompanied by the formation of metachronous natural residual magnetization vectors in kimberlite host rocks. The dimensions of petromagnetic anomalies (petromagnetic heterogeneities) may significantly exceed the size of the kimberlite pipe itself, which facilitates identification and delineation of the most promising areas. Besides, the magnetoelastic effect can create zones close to the kimberlite bodies that are hardly permeable for relatively viscous, protocrystal-rich mafic magmas. This is the reason for their wedging out along petrophysical barriers that is presented by splitting into thin tongues, formation of trap-free windows and corridors, toroidal shafts with sharply increasing thickness in intrusions, etc. Having relatively elevated values of magnetic and density parameters, such forms of igneous formations will be reflected in the observed geophysical fields. Thus, it is reasonable to consider petromagnetic anomalies as an important petrophysical search criterion for the detection of bedrock kimberlite bodies.

The purpose of the study is to survey the magnetic field induction on the Romashkinskoye oil field (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) using an unmanned aerial vehicle over the profile of 68 km 320 m. A DJI Matric 600Pro electric hexacopter was used as an unmanned aerial vehicle. The survey scheme was as follows: the mission route consisted of three parallel flights (main profiles) and one crossing flight (transverse profile). The distance between adjacent parallel flights was 100 m. The intersecting profile was necessary to connect the main profiles. The flight assignments of each field day were built to overlap the profiles by at least 100 m by the nearby flights and make the flight trajectory coincide with the one of the previous flight. To optimize the process one takeoff / landing point was selected for two nearby flights. During one 20-25 min survey the maximum profile covered by the unmanned aerial vehicle was 1.25 km. The maximum flight distance (from the takeoff moment to the landing) did not exceed 6–6.5 linear kilometers. The methodology considered in the article made it possible to cover 45 linear kilometers over a long span even in adverse weather conditions (rain and wind gusts of 8–12 m/s). The resulting root mean square error for this survey was ±4.7 nT. The survey conducted allowed to obtain 3 profiles with the magnetic field induction magnitude over an extended section. A good correlation was registered between the aeromagnetic survey and the data on the block structure of the basement (according to geomorphological analysis data) with the local component of the crystalline basement. Altunino-Shunak fault has clearly manifested itself in the magnetic field as a positive anomaly with an amplitude of ≈60 nT.

The purpose of the research is to compare the evolution of gold ore mineralization in the structures of the Baikal-Patom and Verkhoyansk-Kolyma marginal continental orogenic belts that arose on the passive margin of the Siberian continent in the Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic and Paleozoic-Mesozoic, and hosting the largest gold deposits in Russia. The similarities are noted as they reveal themselves in the characteristics of the mineralization stages, and in the typomorphism of pyrite that is the main mineral of ore formations. The study demonstrated the role of polychronic orogenic events of the Paleozoic and late Mesozoic times, which led to the formation of large fold belts in the development of large-scale gold mineralization of the southern and eastern framing of the Siberian craton. These events caused precious metals to mobilize and redistribute from precious metal-rich stratigraphic horizons as corresponding orogenic plutonometamorphic belts were formed. A comparative analysis of the Paleozoic-Mesozoic and Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic metallogenic profiles of the southern and eastern margins of the Siberian craton demonstrates the influence of the formation processes of orogenic gold mineralization, regardless of the composition of the host strata and mineralization age. General metallogenic characteristics of paleogeodynamic formation settings of noble metal mineralization of the orogenic-type, regardless of its age, can serve as the basis for geological-genetic and forecasting predictions as well as for the development of integrated assessment criteria for their prospects within the regions under investigation.

The purpose of the study is to present the research results of the capabilities of modern portable rapid X-ray fluorescence analyzers when solving problems of geological and geochemical prospecting. On example of the applied SciAps X200 analyzer, the metrological indicators for the analysis results by portable instruments have been studied. The accuracy assessment results of analytical studies according to state standard reference samples are shown. Reproducibility of the analysis results is calculated on the basis of samples from promising gold sites of the Bodaibo synclinorium. The method is proved to be of high precision, and measurement errors in many cases are many times lower than the permissible certified values. The reproducibility is shown as 0,5–20 % depending on the element, which in most cases is significantly lower than the methodology permits. The results of interlaboratory comparative tests confirming the comparability of the analytical results of stationary and portable X-ray fluorescence analyzers are presented. For a number of significant elements, the authors have substantiated the lack of need to refine the results of the field rapid X-ray fluorescence analysis using labor-intensive and expensive methods with acid decomposition - atomic emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. It has been proved that introduction of portable express equipment into geological prospecting works will make it possible to conduct real-time “on site” analytical studies.

The purpose of the present research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of data on the geological and physical properties of formations and the fluids saturating them in the Volga-Ural oil and gas province using the methods of geological and statistical model ranking. The discriminant analysis conducted on the basis of qualitative criteria (reservoir type and stratigraphic confinement) identified in all cases the zones of uncertainty, which affect the effectiveness of managerial decision-making in the conditions of analog objects. On this score, the results for six models were refined and updated according to the principle of rank uniqueness value calculation by three methods, both for each model individually and for model systems while using them within the obtained distributions of objects in the axes of canonical discriminant functions. Theoretical and practical recommendations were given regarding the use of geological and statistical models in the development of Volga-Ural oil and gas province fields. The results obtained can be used to solve a wide range of practical problems of proactive resource management, which enable effective determination of the best strategy for the successful extraction of residual and hard-to-recover oil reserves. The proposed parameter ranking table allows both to determine the most unstable parameters with a high degree of probability and to level the factor of heterogeneity and disequilibrium of field data. The conducted study established that identification of object association with a particular group in the axes of canonical discriminant functions leads to the formation of the zone of uncertainty. The latter increases the risks of making ineffective managerial decisions when developing different categories of subsoil users’ assets. Using the methods of ranking geological and statistical models, an algorithm for constructing a hierarchical system is proposed, which allows to expand the application field of the results of geological and statistical modeling in the oil and gas industry as well as to reduce the risk of nonrepresentative results.

The purpose of the work is to study and analyze the structure of the lands disturbed by the mining enterprises of Eastern Siberia and the Far East developing ore deposits. While the issue of disturbed land reclamation is treated today by the project documentation of the mining enterprises as an aggregate plan, there is a risk of leaving the lands without due attention after the completion of mining operations. The conducted study included the analysis of the disturbed land structure according to the project documentation and field observations at four mining enterprises. As a result, the nature of the disturbed land sites and their area was determined. The field research revealed disturbances not provided by the projects and requiring extraordinary solutions to eliminate them. The average structure of disturbed lands under underground mining of ore deposits was determined, its differences from the similar structure under open-pit mining were identified. It has been proven that the activities of mining enterprises involved in the underground development of ore deposits and reclamation of disturbed lands lack due attention, which leads to the growth in technogenic relief area and adverse environmental impacts. The presented research methodology includes field work with the visits to mining enterprises, as well as the analysis of design solutions and satellite images.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of snow cover parameters in the urbanized area of the city of Irkutsk and its adjacent areas according to the system of profiles reflecting the features of the area microrelief. Field surveys were conducted in accordance with standard recommendations for snow and geochemical surveys. Snow sampling was carried out at the entire snow depth, with the exception of the snow depth of 0.5-1 cm. Sampling points located at least 25 meters away from the roads. Snow sampling in the residential areas of the city was carried out in the places with undisturbed snow cover and free from extraneous snow banks and landfills. Global Mapper, Golden Software Surfer, Statistica software were used to carry out statistical analysis, build the models of profile sections and obtain the diagrams of snow cover parameter distribution. A 3D relief model was obtained on the basis of radar topographic survey data, which revealed a multiple formation relief of the studied area featuring mountains, high plains with undulating flat gently sloping watersheds, valleys, hollows and depressions. The height difference is up to 230 m. The diagrams of snow depth distribution built with regard to the profiles made it possible to identify the territories with the deepest snow cover. A geochemical analysis of the melt water filtrate was carried out over a three-year period. In 2021 a high correlation with electrical conductivity was found for the contents of tungsten, sodium, bromine, calcium, molybdenum, sulfur, barium, magnesium, antimony, tantalum, cesium, titanium, chromium, and silicon. The average correlation level with electrical conductivity was recorded for arsenic, copper, and lead. The analysis data obtained indicate a different contamination level of the area as a result of atmospheric precipitation in those years due to the activity of industrial facilities. The distribution patterns of the pH snow index have been revealed. It is shown that zones with pH<6 are mostly confined to the Irkutsk aluminum smelter. The zones with pH >6 are caused by the influence of the power plants using hydrocarbon fuels: gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, diesel fuel, coal. The snow cover was subjected to field and laboratory studies using GIS technologies and physico-chemical methods. The distribution and migration of pollutants in various spatial and temporal aspects have been revealed taking into account the terrain relief. The conducted study opens up opportunities for modeling the landscape structure, taking into account meteorological parameters, phenological processes and snow cover state for the purposes of the national economy and the location of construction of various facilities.

The purpose of the article is to present the research results on the application of concentration methods to hazardous waste from the industrial site of the former Vostsibelement battery plant located in the town of Svirsk, Irkutsk region (Russia), which is the facility of accumulated environmental damage. The previous studies have identified significant contents of heavy metals and arsenic that exceed standard values by hundreds and thousands of times in the industrial site soils. This fact determines soil high hazard class – II and III. To reduce the hazard class and decrease the volume of hazardous waste it is proposed to use a recuperative approach, that means to recover some metals and arsenic in order to return them in economic circulation. A spiral concentrator, a shaking table and a centrifugal concentrator were used for gravity concentration of metals and arsenic. The best results were obtained using a shaking table. The latter made it possible to increase the lead content in the concentrate by 22 times as compared to the content in the original sample, arsenic content by 7.7 times, and iron content by 16.7 times. Magnetic concentration of the shaking table middlings made it possible to obtain a concentrate with a high content and recovery of iron, copper and zinc. Despite the fact that the soil waste contains a significant amount of organic matter unlike the case of ore processing, the possibility of successful metal recover and significant reduction of metal concentrations in soil is shown. The proposals for a further waste-recycling scheme are made on the basis of the data obtained.