Geowebinar Insights

The study is dedicated to developing a spatial predictive modeling workflow for polymetallic mineralization using convolutional neural networks. The scientific problem lies in the subjectivity and high labor intensity of manual and conventional lineament extraction from digital elevation models, as well as the need for comprehensive integration of heterogeneous geological and geophysical datasets. The object of study is the metallogenic province of southeastern Zabaykalye. An original algorithm for automated lineament extraction was established by fine-tuning a convolutional neural network on synthetic and natural SRTM elevation matrices. For predicting lead-zinc deposits, a multi-layer parameter framework was compiled (fault tectonics, intrusive contacts, gravimetric and magnetic fields, erosion level, and lineament density) and classified using a sliding-window AlexNet architecture. As a result, a validation accuracy exceeding 70% was achieved, successfully contouring known ore fields and delineating prospective exploration targets in the western sector of the region. The practical significance lies in delivering an automated software tool for localizing hidden polymetallic ore deposits.

The study focuses on the development and application of computer vision and machine learning algorithms for the automated diagnostics of ore minerals and native gold in granular products and polished sections. The scientific problem stems from the high labor intensity, subjectivity of manual mineragraphic analysis, and the necessity to avoid expensive local precision techniques in routine processing. The research investigates ore samples from typical black shale-hosted gold deposits (Irkutsk region). The methodology comprises electric pulse disintegration, centrifugal-gravity separation via hydroseparator, assembly of curated optical image datasets on calibrated dark-gray backgrounds, and convolutional neural network training for grain classification, localization, and segmentation. Consequently, the "MinNine" software suite was implemented, enabling automated recognition of gold and associated sulfides (pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite), grain size distribution assessment, and equivalent circle diameter calculation. The practical significance lies in accelerating mineralogical workflows, providing rapid operational evaluation of ore metallurgical properties, and optimizing beneficiation flowsheets for solid mineral resources.

The study focuses on the ethical and methodological aspects of applying generative artificial intelligence in the preparation and peer review of scientific publications, including within the Earth sciences domain. The scientific problem lies in the risks of uncontrolled use of large language models, including factual inaccuracies, erosion of independent critical thinking, breaches of data confidentiality, and ambiguity regarding authorship responsibility. The methodology involves analyzing international and Russian publishing guidelines (COPE, STM, and ASEP recommendations), evaluating the accuracy of automated AI-generated text detectors, and examining practical precedents of inappropriate AI usage. The results indicate that existing automated detectors do not ensure reliable identification of generated text, and AI tools cannot qualify as authors or co-authors under any circumstances. The practical significance of the research consists in establishing criteria for journal editorial policies, underscoring the mandatory transparent disclosure of AI utilization, prompt documentation, and upholding the researcher’s ultimate accountability for published data.

The study addresses the resource and radioecological challenges of the nuclear fuel cycle within the development of the trans-Arctic transport corridor and the Northern Sea Route. The Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation is examined as a strategic region requiring sustained energy expansion to support mining hubs and logistical infrastructure. The scientific problem stems from declining uranium reserves, reduced exploration funding, and the critical need to identify concealed deep-seated mineralization amid extended mine lead times. A multilevel exploration framework ("etagere") integrating satellite monitoring, unmanned aerial systems, ground surveys, and deep geophysics is demonstrated using the Kyuchus ore district. Furthermore, radioecological disposal solutions for high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel are evaluated using natural uranium deposit analogues, considering deep geological boreholes and abandoned underground mine workings. The findings establish an integrated geological basis for securing Arctic atomic energy supplies and long-term environmental isolation of hazardous radionuclides.

The study evaluates the development prospects of the Russian Federation's phosphorite mineral resource base for producing wet-process phosphoric acid and complex mineral fertilizers. The objects of study are phosphorite deposits of European Russia, including the Unecha-Krapivna district of the Bryansk Region, as well as residual-infiltration ores of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The scientific problem stems from the exhaustion of the prepared reserve pool in the Khibiny apatite deposits and the technological underutilization of phosphorites due to their historical limitation to low-efficiency phosphate rock powder. The research methodology relies on comparative geological and techno-economic analyses of industrial phosphate ore types, results of mineralogical-technological testing, and laboratory acid extraction, accounting for agrochemical and environmental constraints. It is established that fine-grained phosphorites of the Bryansk Region and rich ores of the Krasnoyarsk Territory are suitable for deep chemical processing into acid. The practical significance of the work consists in formulating substantiated investment models for commercial phosphorite development, addressing phosphogypsum waste utilization and land-use factors.

The report focuses on analyzing the scientific, methodological, and pedagogical contributions of Professor A. B. Kazhdan to the methodology of mineral prospecting and exploration, as well as the development of the specialized academic school at the Department of Prospecting and Exploration Methods of MGRI. The scientific problem lies in the need to modernize methods of exploration, geological-economic evaluation, and mineral reserve estimation using mathematical modeling and geostatistical approaches. The study synthesizes the department’s research experience in improving the exploration of uranium deposits (including the Elkon Horst occurrences), local target prediction, and offshore geological exploration. The application of mathematical modeling, harmonic analysis, and geostatistics (variogram analysis) for optimizing exploration grid spacing and evaluating reserve reliability using early computers is highlighted. The achievements of Kazhdan’s school culminated in fundamental textbooks on geological modeling, the mentoring of over fifty Ph.D. candidates, and the establishment of a geoinformatics department. The practical significance lies in integrating mathematical and geostatistical methods into mineral exploration practices and formalizing specialized training for exploration geologists.

The study focuses on reconstructing the genesis and physicochemical parameters of magmatic-hydrothermal ore-forming systems. The object of research is the Tigrinoe greisen tin deposit, located within the tin belt of the Russian Far East. The scientific problem lies in constraining the fluid sources, the thermodynamic regime of mineral precipitation, and the interaction with host rocks during tin ore deposition. A comprehensive analytical approach was applied, combining fluid inclusion microthermometry in quartz and topaz, gas chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and stable isotope analysis of oxygen and hydrogen (δ18O, δD) in silicates and inclusions. The results demonstrate that mineralization occurred under predominantly reduced conditions from magmatic fluids governed by two-feldspar granite buffering and open-system melt degassing. Pulsed hydrothermal activity and rock-buffered oxygen isotope exchange in the quartz-fluid system were documented, with only minor meteoric fluid involvement at late stages. The practical significance of the findings consists in establishing reliable genetic and isotopic-geochemical criteria for prospecting and exploring granite-related greisen tin systems.

The study focuses on utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for large-scale airborne geophysical surveys in radioactive mineral exploration. The object of study is the Katyulkan-Kalinskaya (Tukan-Mankholinskaya) tectonic diaphthesis zone within the Anabar Shield, composed of migmatized gneisses and crystalline schists. The scientific problem lies in delineating and detailing radioactive and magnetic anomalies in remote platform terrains characterized by rugged topography and sedimentary cover. The methodological workflow integrated fixed-wing UAV aerial photography to generate a high-precision digital elevation model, followed by low-altitude aeromagnetic and airborne gamma-ray spectrometry surveys using a multirotor system with terrain-following flight paths. As a result, distribution maps of naturally occurring radioactive elements (uranium, thorium, potassium), dose rate, and magnetic field intensity were generated. Linear radioactive anomalies and prospective ore zones of mercuryite mineralization were delineated near the confluence of the Merkyu and Katyulkan rivers. The practical significance of the research consists in demonstrating the operational efficacy of 1:50,000 UAV-based geophysics and substantiating data integration with digital terrain models for subsurface deposit targeting.

The presentation addresses the scientific, organizational, expert, and research activities of the Russian Geological Society aimed at securing and expanding the national mineral resource base. The scientific problem lies in the need to coordinate approaches to organizing geological exploration, refine its regulatory and methodological framework, and address interdisciplinary environmental and medical issues in subsoil use. Based on the synthesis of legacy and modern geological-geophysical data, statistical analysis of workforce capacity, and expert audits, the outcomes of key research and production initiatives are evaluated. The scope of investigation includes assessing the noble and base metal ore base of the Kamchatka Krai, forecasting the petroleum potential of Lower Paleozoic and Precambrian strata in the Baltic petroliferous province, and evaluating hydrocarbon resources in the Barents region. The development of industry standards for technological testing of complex radioactive, rare-metal, and industrial mineral ores is substantiated. Special attention is paid to advancing environmental geochemistry and occupational safety during exploration operations. The practical significance lies in establishing a methodological foundation for identifying promising exploration targets, updating regulatory guidelines, and enhancing the state mineral resource replenishment strategy.

The study focuses on evaluating the safety of deep borehole disposal of radioactive waste in horizontal and vertical configurations. The scientific problem lies in minimizing the thermoconvective transport of radionuclides driven by the decay heat of waste and the geothermal gradient at depths of three to five kilometers. Based on two-dimensional hydrodynamic and solute transport modeling, a comparative assessment of radionuclide migration (exemplified by americium-241) was carried out under various borehole geometries and fault conditions. It was established that horizontal borehole placement reduces upward convective currents by orders of magnitude compared to vertical wells due to a drastic reduction in the vertical extent of the heat source. It was demonstrated that internal faults can increase the peak radionuclide concentration at the surface by three orders of magnitude, whereas an overlying low-permeability layer attenuates it by nearly an order of magnitude. The practical significance of the research consists in justifying the technical advantages of horizontal drilling and identifying geological low-permeability barriers for repository site selection.

The study focuses on conceptual hydrodynamic and geochemical modeling of the formation of sandstone-type (roll-front/strata-bound) uranium deposits. The scientific problem lies in assessing the spatiotemporal evolution of the ore deposition zone during the mixing of ore-bearing oxidized fluids with fault-related reducing solutions. The applied method involves mathematical modeling of fluid dynamics and reactive transport in a three-component system comprising dissolved and precipitated uranium, an oxidant, and a reductant. It is established that ascending flow through faults spreads along the permeable sandstone layer and displaces the horizontal ore-bearing fluid toward the upper boundary, depending on flow ratios. Following the depletion of the uranium source, continuous influx of the reducing fluid drives remobilization and downward migration of the mineralized zone, whereas high reductant concentrations prevent remobilization and stabilize ore distribution across the stratum. The practical significance of the research consists in refining predictive criteria for orebody morphology to improve the efficiency of in-situ recovery mining.

The study focuses on the mechanisms of foreign trade and technological cooperation in the mining industry across friendly markets in Asia and Latin America. The scientific problem lies in the need to diversify supply chains for mineral processing equipment, critical components, and flotation reagents under external economic restrictions. Based on a comparative analysis of industrial infrastructure in Brazil, Peru, and Indonesia, the technological capabilities of open-pit mining equipment maintenance, slurry transport, and mineral beneficiation are examined. Particular attention is paid to the gold mining sector in Indonesia, the ownership structure of extractive assets, and the specifics of corporate regulation when establishing joint ventures. It is established that direct export-import supplies are inefficient without institutional business localization and overcoming intermediary barriers. The practical significance of the research consists in substantiating the establishment of joint ventures and technological partnerships as a key mechanism for ensuring sustainable equipment supplies and facilitating the entry of mining enterprises into promising international raw material and machinery markets.

The report focuses on analyzing investment, scientific, and technical cooperation in the mining industry and subsurface management between the Russian Federation and CIS states (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan). The scientific and industrial problem lies in the need to intensify geological exploration, develop low-grade and refractory ores, and expand domestic processing of raw materials amid tight industry competition and regulatory constraints. The research employs methods of sectoral structural analysis of investment flows, mining dynamics assessment, and monitoring institutional support mechanisms for interstate projects. Based on major mineral assets (Sotskoe, Jeruy, Muruntau cluster, Zangezur, Agarak, and Almalyk complexes, as well as rare-metal deposits in Kazakhstan), the study examines additional exploration, transition to underground mining, tailings reprocessing, and the construction of advanced processing plants. The practical significance lies in systematizing engineering and technology transfer initiatives, localizing mining equipment manufacturing, and utilizing subsidized financing mechanisms across the Eurasian region.