The deep structure of the Kuznetsk deflection and Kamzhelinsky block junction zone of the Kuznetsk Alatau according to magnetotelluric sounding data

Abstract

The Kelbes-Zolotokitat region is one of the oldest gold-placer nodes in the Kuznetsk Alatau (Western Siberia, Russia). The production target in this area nowadays is mainly shallow valley alluvial placers. However, it is assumed that placer deposits accumulate a minor part of the region's gold resources, while large primary gold sources still remain undetected. Neither deep structure of gold ore regions, nodes and fields in the junction zone between the Kuznetsk deflection and the Kamzhelinsky block nor the regional distribution patterns of gold mineralization reflected in physical fields have been given proper investigation and analysis. The paper deals with the results of magnetotelluric studies together with the analysis results of potential geophysical fields in order to search for an ore-controlling structure hosting primary gold sources. The selected complex of methods is efficient for studying crustal heterogeneities spatially associated with orebearing structures in the Kuznetsk Alatau. A conductive heterogeneity with the vertical thickness up to 7 km caused by the endogenous channels of basement rocks fluid-magmatic processing and limited by deep-penetrating fault zones has been distinguished on the geoelectric section. The identified signs of intrusive magmatism in the area of the Kuznetsk deflection is also a significant result. The depth of the top of the granitoid body is 5 km. The watershed zone of the Konyukhta and Sukhaya rivers is marked as promising for further research using a detailed observation network.