Hydrogeochemical regime transformation of the Karagaily River under the influence of the exploitation of the Sibay copper-zinc deposit is shown on the basis of mineralogical and geochemical studies of bottom sediments. The activity of migration and accumulation of metals depends on the pH of the river water, which changes under the influence of technogenesis. The cessation of quarry water discharge in 2019 led to the activation of metal accumulation processes
and a decrease in their runoff into larger rivers.