Geology,formation conditions and distribution of cupriferous sandstones in northeastern Olekma-Vitim mountain province

Certain stratigraphic horizons of the lower Proterozoic Udokan contain ore deposits and shows in cupriferous sandstones of the Kodar-Uclokan structural and fades zone. Copper mineralization occurs in the Chitkanda, Aleksandrovst, Butun, Talakan, Salcukan and Naminga formations and is of sedimentary origin, syngenetic with its carrier rocks. Most cupriferous sandstones are found in the Chitkanda, Talakan and Sakukan formations; these facies are arranged in definite belts with relation to the copper source area. Areas of the Kodar-Udokan zone lying north of the southern boundary of the several copper belts (fig. 4) are the most promising for copper production. Also prospective are areas of young depressions in the north and southeast of the zone of copper belts. It may be that considerable stretches of the Udokan cupriferous horizons are to be found here.--IGR Staff