The Muruntau Deposit: Geodynamic Position and a Variant of Genetic Model of the Ore-Forming System

Abstract

The paper presents the results of original structural studies conducted over a long time within the Kyzylkum ore province and at the Muruntau deposit (Central Asia), including the period when the central part of the deposit, as well as horizons at the eastern and southeastern flanks (abandoned or inaccessible at present), were available to visit. Owing to the geodynamic and structural analysis of the region and the deposit itself, several stages of deformation that created the Muruntau interference structure have been identified. These stages were attributed to the Caledonian (subduction, collision, and transpression regimes), Hercynian (subduction, collision, and transpression regimes), and Cimmerian (transpression regime) cycles of tectonogenesis. The fault–fracture structures of these stages are accompanied by the development of various newly formed (vein–veinlet-metasomatic) mineral assemblages. Based on the averaged characteristics of gold mineralization in various mineral formations, a morphogenetic classification of orebodies was developed and their role in the deposit was revealed. The morphological features of the Main Muruntau ore deposit are considered. A critical review of the results of isochron age dating was made. The subduction–hydrothermal model of the formation of the giant Muruntau gold ore deposit is discussed.