Kara-Oba W deposit
Moiynkum District, Jambyl Region, Kazakhstan
Key Information
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The Kara-Oba W deposit is likely located in the Moiynkum District of Jambyl Region, south-eastern Kazakhstan, near the border with Kyrgyzstan, though there is some confusion with sources suggesting Karagandy Region.
It seems to produce tungsten minerals like wolframite and scheelite, and molybdenum mineral molybdenite, with rare minerals like betpakdalite-CaCa being unique finds.
Research suggests the deposit is a greisen type, formed from altered granite, rich in tungsten and molybdenum.
Mining likely started in the mid-20th century during the Soviet era and stopped in 1996, possibly military-financed.
The area has a rich history tied to the Silk Road, with desert landscapes and cultural sites nearby.
The climate is a mid-latitude steppe, with hot summers and cold winters, typical of desert ecology.
Geographic Location
The Kara-Oba W deposit is situated in the Moiynkum District of Jambyl Region, south-eastern Kazakhstan, close to the border with Kyrgyzstan. This area is part of the Moiynkum Desert, near the Chu river and Lake Balkhash, known for its stark desert beauty and historical significance along the Silk Road.
Minerals Produced
The deposit is renowned for tungsten minerals such as wolframite and scheelite, and the molybdenum mineral molybdenite. An unexpected detail is the presence of rare minerals like betpakdalite-CaCa, chukhrovite-(Nd), and chukhrovite-(Y), which are type localities, making it a treasure for collectors.
Geological Structure
It appears to be a greisen tungsten-molybdenum deposit, formed from a granite intrusion altered by hydrothermal fluids, concentrating tungsten and molybdenum in the greisen zone.
Mining History
Mining likely began in the mid-20th century during the Soviet era, continuing until 1996, and was possibly military-financed, with specimens from this period highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Local Culture and Characteristics
The Jambyl Region has a rich history, with ancient cities and cultural sites like Taraz, tied to the Silk Road, offering a glimpse into the past amidst the desert landscape.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is a mid-latitude steppe, with hot summers and cold winters, and low precipitation, supporting a desert ecology with unique flora like saksaul and fauna adapted to arid conditions.