Characteristics of graphite mineralization and it’s exploration potential in Chenjere area Ruangwa district south eastern Tanzania
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Dodma
Abstract
Electromagnetic and magnetic surveys, geological mapping, trenching, drilling and
geochemical analysis were carried out in the Chenjere area to investigate the graphite
characteristic and the exploration potential of graphite mineralization. Mtimbo,
Matochi, Ng'imbwa, and Nakapelo were discovered to have graphite potential using
these approaches. Loss on ignition (LOI) and infrared spectroscope (IR) analysis
revealed graphite grades ranging from 4 to 8 wt.%. The graphite zones have
thicknesses of 13 to 29 m and strike lengths of 1 to 4 km. The study has revealed that
the graphite mineralization zones are concordant with the prominent strike of NE to
SW. The electromagnetic signals have shown a positive correlation with the graphite
mineralization as the high conducting bodies are coinciding with the graphite
mineralization. This is proven by samples from trenching and drilling analysed by the
IR method. Petrographic studies have confirmed that the graphite encountered is of
flake type disseminated in the host rock of graphitic gneiss. Flakes showed dip-slip
lineation similar to those of hosting rocks. Based on the field observation,
electromagnetic survey, graphite grade, petrographic studies and comparison with the
renowned graphite deposits the Chenjere graphite is of sedimentary origin. The
graphite flakes are coarse ranging from 50 to 1000 µm. The lath shape flakes had inter
growth with silicate gangue minerals with no overgrowth. The graphite flake size, the
grade and the extension are warranting for the economic exploration potential in the
Chenjere area
Description
Dissertation (MSc in Geology)
Keywords
Graphite mineralization, Mineralization, Electromagnetic, Magnetic surveys, Geological mapping, Trenching, Drilling, Geochemical
Citation
Moye, C. D. (2021). Characteristics of graphite mineralization and it’s exploration potential in Chenjere area Ruangwa district south eastern Tanzania (Master's Dissertation). The University of Dodoma, Dodoma.