Delineation of lithologies and subsurface structures related to gold mineralization in Kibati prospect Mvomero, Morogoro: Implications for gold exploration
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Structures, lithologies, and potential zones and their relationship to gold mineralization were investigated to decipher the controls of gold mineralization at the Kibati Gold Prospect. The structures and lithologies were investigated through the interpretation of high-resolution aeromagnetic data, ground magnetic data, geological mapping, and rock sampling. Aeromagnetic results reveal the presence of two structural systems that trend in NW-SE and NE-SW, whereby the NW-SE is the dominant control of gold mineralization. The subsurface structure with NW-SE trending controls the mineralized fluids as a consequence of gold mineralization in the surface lithologies. Results from the detailed investigation in two blocks A and B within the study area show that most of the structures trend in the NW-SE direction. Petrography and field observations show that granitic gneiss, garnet biotite quartzo-feldspathic gneiss, dolerite and amphibolite are the main exposed outcrops. The quartz vein shear zone hosted with hematite-limonite is associated with auriferous veins characterized by gold values ranging from 0.004 to 19.680 g/t. Exposed quartz veins in the northern part of the Kibati area also returned gold values of up to 0.623 g/t. The gold anomaly is persistent and collinear with the NW-SE trending structures delineated from magnetic maps. The trend of the structures in blocks A and B overlaid with gold anomalies range from 0.0623-4.419 g/t and 10.19-19.680 g/t respectively, which confirm the target zones located within shear zones hosted quartz vein striking NW-SE of Kibati prospect. These structures, therefore, act as conduits where gold precipitated in minor/local structures in blocks A and B.
Description
Dissertation ( MSc. in mineral exploration)
Keywords
gold mineralization, Delineation of lithologies, subsurface structures, gold exploration
Citation
Balambirwa, O. (2023). Delineation of lithologies and subsurface structures related to gold mineralization in Kibati prospect Mvomero, Morogoro: Implications for gold exploration. Dodoma; The University of Dodoma