Metallogeny is the science of the regularities of formation and location of mineral deposits in space and time.
The laboratory focuses on the study of physical and chemical processes in the lithosphere in relation to the genesis of minerals, subsoil use and its impact on the environment. The research is performed by means of construction and analysis of models that reflect factors and dynamics of development of metallogenic and geo-ecological systems. Understanding the factors and models of element behavior in natural and natural-technogenic systems is essential for predicting the distribution of minerals and controlling environmental risks. Production of minerals is accompanied by large expenses for the restoration of the surrounding ecosystem. A comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to this problem is necessary, with due consideration and analysis of both metallogenic (including anthropogenic) systems and geo-ecological settings. The foundation for analyzing and solving problems is often centered on models.
The laboratory was established in 2018 on the basis of one of the subdivisions of the Laboratory of Geology and Petrology of Diamondiferous Provinces. The Laboratory focuses on studies of the formation stages of the continental lithosphere, identification of relations between the deposit formation processes and the evolution of the Earth’s mantle and lithosphere, analysis of the mineral distribution patterns for the purpose of developing a scientific basis for deposit forecasting and prospecting, geo-environmental support of geological surveying, prospecting and exploration and mining operations at the stage of field planning and production.
The Laboratory employees have studied geological complexes of the Aldan and Anabar shields, Olenyok and Prikolyma uplifts, and deposits of the Yakutia diamondiferous province. A model of the formation of acidic crystalline crust, mantle, magmas, and lithosphere of ancient platforms, kimberlites and diamond has been developed. We have clarified the forecasting criteria,with dimond content, noble metals and environmental risks being prognosed. The areas for exploratory works of state enterprises of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and mineral developers were localized. Geo-ecological studies of the technogenic massifs of the the Daldyn and Alakit-Markha kimberlite fields were conducted in order to assess the degree of toxicity of surface and underground technogenic storage facilities of the industrial sites of the Udachny and Aikhal mining and processing plants of PJSC ALROSA. The validation of the technique of the elemental composition analysis of bio-samples (hair) using a set of methods of atomic absorption spectrometry with partial and full acid decomposition was conducted. We have identified the trace element status of adult and child population of 8 small settlements of the Aldan, Vilyuysk and Gorny districts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), residing directly in the areas of impact of the separated parts of launch vehicles.