An analysis of geological and structural conditions of localization of the Khokhsolakh gold-antimony zone and new prospects for its ore content (Northern slope of Sette-Daban, Southeastern Yakutia)

The article presents the results of systematization and analysis of archival geological materials on the Khokhsolakh gold-antimony zone (Sette-Daban, Yakutia) in order to clarify the geological and structural conditions of ore localization and assess its metallogenic potential. It was established that the Khokhsolakh occurrence is confined to a crush zone in the core of a gently dipping brachyform anticline, composed of Lower Carboniferous terrigenous rocks (Khatynakh C₁h and Natalka C₁n formations), and is spatially confined to the zone of influence of the regional Taskan fault. Based on the analysis of archival materials, the characteristics of two ore bodies, represented by quartz-stibnite breccias with gold grades up to 42 g/t and antimony up to 29 %, were detailed. Using materials from the State Geological Map-1000/3, a quantitative assessment of forecast resources was carried out, confirming the presence of 10 tons of gold and 15 thousand tons of antimony of the P₂ category. A critical analysis of the prospecting methods of past years (low-sensitivity geochemistry, fragmentary geophysics) revealed the reasons for the incomplete assessment of the zone’s potential. Based on the program of a new stage of geological re-study (GRD-200, 2025–2027), a modern predictive prospecting complex was substantiated, including ICP-MS lithochemistry, ground geophysical surveys, and isotope-geochronological studies. The conclusion was drawn about the high industrial potential of the Khokhsolakh zone and the feasibility of its designation as a priority prospecting area.

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