Quête des ressources
en Afrique centrale
Atelier 1 Ressources Minérales
& Géologie (partie1-2)
APERCU SUR LES RESSOURCES MINERALES DE LA RDC
M. Chabu, UNILU, DRC
→ Rich endowment
Metals in the Katangian: Cu, Co, Zn, Pb, Cd,
Ge, U, Ni, V
-
-
Rare metals in the Kibarian (Kivu-Maniema):
Sn, Nb, Ta, Be, REE, Li, W
Iron and manganese in the Palaeoproterozoic,
especially in the northeast
-
Gold in the Kibalian and the Kibarian (north and
northeast)
-
Metals associated with ultrabasic rocks in the
Kasai-Lomami complex: Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pt
-
Diamond in the Kasai kimberlites and in
Katanga
-
→ Worldwide importance for Co, Ta, Cu and
diamond
Geology of the granite-related mineralization in the eastern part of the
Democratic Republic of Congo: current state of knowledge
S. Dewaele & M.A. Fernandez
Rare metal mineralisation (Li, Sn, W, Nb-Ta) in both Kivu and Maniema
↓
Overview of the present state of knowledge
Potential of the primary mineralisation: numerous but small deposits
presently known
State-of-the-art concerning:
Mapping
Stratigraphy
Magmatism
Uranium potential in Southern Katanga Province
(D.R.Congo): a review
François T. Lubala & Chabu I. Mumba,
UNILU, DRC
Uranium is known for a long time in the
DRC, cf. Shinkolobwe and Manhattan
project
-
-Remaining
potential for uranium
Presentation of the five known
occurrences, all associated with copper
deposits in the Katangian (redox control)
-
Close relationship with nickel and
cobalt
-
Vein-type deposits (pockets) of limited
extension
-
SIMS U-Pb ages on heterogenite: implications for the Katanga
deposits
Deloule et al.
Dating of heterogenite of Shinkolobwe
In addition to the expected Pliocene (3.1 Ma) age, measurement of two
Neoproterozoic dates (823 Ma, 688 Ma)
The Athabasca-Katanga connection
J. Jedwab, ULB, Belgium
- Potential for palladium at Shinkolobwe
- Discovery of palladium-bearing minerals in
chlorite-rich rocks
1 mm
- Based on the U-Se-Ni-Au-Pd-V association
50 of
µmsimilarity with the world-class
proposition
uranium unconformity-related deposits in
Canada
- Fingerprinting of heterogenite and malachite – Van
Brabant et al. cf. part 3
Questions and perspectives
The DRC is underexplored, only the deposits near the surface have
been discovered
Reinforcement of the technical and scientific potential!
Extensive exploration work is necessary to revaluate the real
potential of the Sn, W, Ta, Li occurrences (large deposits?)
Exploration for uranium
Basic geological work (mapping, stratigraphy, tectonics and
metamorphism) has to be done
Characterisation of magmatism and mineralisations
Implications on fingerprinting studies
Relationship with other elements?
Succession of mineralisation periods (cfr Shinkolobwe)?
Evaluation of ages and additional dating
Workshop Mineral Resources 2/2
Cailteux J.
Muchez et al.
Cu-Co mineralization and textonic evolution in Zambia
D Delvaux
Evolution of sediment hosted Cu-Co mineralization
S Roberts
Gisements de Cu dans le Katanguien
Mineralisation et contexte structural
D Demaiffe
Kimberlites du Kasaï et Katanga
Workshop Mineral Resources 2/2
Conclusions (Cu-Co)
1.
2.
Coherent framework for Cu-Co mineralisation genesis
(multistage).
Improved understanding of geology / tectonic
evolution of Lufilian arc in a regional context.
• Important guidelines for future exploration
• Large potential for identification of additional deposits
• Interest for accompanying elements (U), (Ni, Au-PGE,…)
• Challenges for geophysical/chemical exploration
Workshop Mineral Resources 2/2
Conclusions (Diamond)
1.
2.
3.
Congo major producer of industrial diamonds.
Mbuji Mayi (highest ct/ton but lowest US$/ton)
Many suspected (unidentified) kimberlite pipes
• Large potential for diamonds (Kasaï, Kundelungu,…)
• ? Jewellery grade or industrial
• Industrial diamonds is a vanishing market
Workshop Mineral Resources 2/2
Perspectives
1.
2.
Huge potential for more world class deposits
Need for education of geologists aware of
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
most advanced ore forming processes theories
modern exploration tools
mineral resources evaluation
Need for a “geometallurgical” perspective
Avoid confusion of Resources vs. Reserves