Guliyev E.E.¹, Gasimov E.E.^1,2, Talibov M.I.¹, Gasimov E.Sh.¹

¹ AzerGold CJSC, Azerbaijan, 2H, Mikayil Mushfig St., Baku, AZ1004: e.guliyev@azergold.az,

emil.e.gasimov@azergold.az,m.talibov@azergold.az, elbrus.gasimov@azergold.az

² Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azerbaijan, 34, Azadlig Avenue, Baku, AZ1010: gasimov.emil@asoiu.edu.az

DOI: 10.35714/ggistrat20260100023

Summary. The Soyudlu (Zod) gold deposit is one of the major gold-bearing objects of the Lesser Caucasus. This study focuses on the geological structure of the deposit, the spatial distribution of mineralized bodies, and the principal structural and hydrothermal factors controlling ore localization. Particular attention is given to graphical interpretation, because the geometry of ore bodies and their spatial relationship with fault systems, dikes, and hydrothermal alteration zones provide key evidence for understanding the mineralization pattern. The deposit is confined to the central and southeastern part of the Garamanly–Zod–Soyudlu anticlinal structure within the Goycha-Hakari geostructural zone and belongs to the ophiolitic domain of the Lesser Caucasus. The ore field is characterized by gabbroic and ultrabasic rocks, rhyodacitic dikes, and a structurally complex system of north–south, northwest–southeast, and northeast–southwest faults. Graphical materials show that mineralization is concentrated in a limited number of principal ore bodies and follows a distinct tectonic framework. Hydrothermal alteration is represented mainly by quartz-carbonate and talc-carbonate assemblages developed along pre-existing structural dislocations. Quantitative descriptors of structural ordering, ore-body concentration, and alteration-zone variability support the interpretation that Soyudlu is a structurally controlled hydrothermal gold system. The combined interpretation of the location scheme, ore-body distribution map, isometric diagram, and three-dimensional views confirms that the deposit may be regarded as an important geological model for understanding structurally focused gold mineralization in the Lesser Caucasus.

Keywords: Soyudlu (Zod), gold deposit, Lesser Caucasus, structural control, hydrothermal alteration, ore bodies, geological interpretation

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