KIMBERLITE PROSPECTING CRITERIA AND NEW PROSPECTS FOR YAKUTIA PRIMARY DIAMOND POTENTIAL
DOI: 10.24411/0869-5997-2018-10009
Keywords:
kimberlite fields, forecasting criteria, diamond prospecting, kimberlite-controlling zones.Abstract
Yakutian diamondiferous province (YDP) is a major source of the Russian diamond production. The bulk of diamond prospecting is concentrated here. The areas where Lower Paleozoic kimberlite-hosting deposits are exposed or overlain by a thin sedimentary cover (>60% YDP area) have been studied satisfactorily. The available results preclude identification of
new areas prospective for primary diamond sources there. Closed areas are of particular interest for exploration in YDP. In addition to Daldyn-Olenek deepseated fault zone hosting major diamond deposits (Udachnaya, Aikhal, Yubileinaya pipes), the main potential for new deposit discovery is associated with areas located on Patom-Vilyui aulacogen sides. Vilyui-Markhin and Chara-Sin deep-seated fault zones
are considered as mineragenetic ones. Major prospects for new diamond deposit discovery are associated with them.
