Abstract
This article is devoted to the study of the state of the resource base of iron ore raw materials in Kazakhstan, as well as to the overview of the main geological and industrial types of iron ore deposits in the Republic. During the study, the territorial division of the country’s iron resources into regions was made, the geological features of occurrence were considered and the most promising regions of the country were identified in terms of increasing balance reserves of iron ores. The paper analyzes the geological conditions of localization of ore bodies, structural and tectonic factors of their formation, as well as spatial variability of the qualitative characteristics of ores. In total, 4 main geological and industrial types of iron deposits are identified, which are spatially distributed unevenly. It is noted that significant iron reserves are located in Eastern, Southern and Western Kazakhstan, however, only a few deposits in the region are economically viable for extraction at present. In turn, Central Kazakhstan is considered as one of the key objects of further geological research, since its stratiform deposits of siliceous-carbonate formation are characterized by the presence of complicated geological and structural features, and their potential can make a significant contribution to the replenishment of iron mineral resources. Particular attention is paid to the application of spatial modeling and geostatistical analysis methods, which allow objectifying assessment of reserves, clarifying spatial patterns of mineral substance distribution and increasing reliability of ore content forecast. The obtained results can be used to optimize the strategy of geological exploration and scientific substantiation of the prospects for the development of iron ore deposits in Central Kazakhstan.