HISTORY AND PRIORITY TASKS OF STUDYING METACONGLOMERATE FORMATIONS OF THE PRECAMBRIAN UKRAINIAN SHIELD

Based on the wide development and huge ore potential of metaconglomerate formations in the Precambrian of all the Shields of the world, the study of these formations within the Ukrainian Shield is emphasized. The history of their study is considered in detail. The main stages of research are highlighted with the list of leading organizations and researchers. Attention is paid to the need for a theoretical rethinking and systematization of all the scattered available factual materials on metaconglomerate formations of the Precambrian of Ukraine as potential Au-Th-U-REE ore-bearing objects, and justification and improvement of the criteria for their prospecting.