Radioactivity as a prospecting indicator of rare earth, gold and polymetal deposits in eastern Kazakhstan and an indicator of increased radioecological hazard during their development

Abstract

This study evaluates the role of natural radioactivity as an exploration indicator for rare-metal, gold, and polymetallic mineralization in Eastern Kazakhstan, as well as its significance as a factor of radioecological hazard. The analysis is based on the results of regional radiohydrolithochemical surveys conducted at a scale of 1:1,000,000, including bottom sediment sampling within microbasins. The study focuses on key natural radionuclides (U-238, Ra-226, Th-232, Ra-228, K-40) and their spatial distribution. Factor analysis was applied to identify anomalous geochemical associations and to assess their relationship with metallogenic structures. As a result, 80 potentially radioecologically hazardous zones were identified across Kazakhstan, including 5 zones within Eastern Kazakhstan. Within the study area, 12 anomalous sites were distinguished, characterized by 3–5 factors with cumulative explained variance ranging from 62.8% to 83.6%. The identified anomalies show spatial correspondence with major metallogenic zones, particularly the Rudny Altai and Kalba-Narym regions, which are associated with polymetallic and rare-metal mineralization. The results demonstrate that natural radioactivity can serve both as an effective exploration indicator and as an important factor of environmental risk. The study highlights the potential of integrating radioactivity parameters into exploration criteria and emphasizes the need to consider radiation safety in geological exploration and mining activities.