Abstract
The plutono-metamorphic series of the locality of Zimbi, extends over a narrow strip of 135 km2 on the eastern edge of the gold district of Baden-Colomine in East Cameroon. The work carried out in this locality is based on a cartographic approach (processing of maps and Landsat-7 ETM + images), combined with a geological and mining survey on the ground using conventional tools. On the morphostructural level, we observe NE-SW oriented penetrative lineaments. The trajectories of these are deviated or not in contact with other less dense lineaments, organized in networks of directions N-S, NE-SW, ENE-WSW, E-W, NW-SE. Parallel to the main Cameroon Center Shear (N070E), the ENE-WSW network which induces a significant reversal of foliation on contact, defines a structuring dexter shear zone accompanied by NE-SW and EW satellite shear zones with dexter kinematics and NW-SE and NS of senestrial kinematics. The lithological diversity allows the facies of calc-alkaline granite to predominate. Zimbi's range of structural elements highlights a magmatic fluidity substituted in foliation. The foliation directed NE-SW, of dip (40-90 °) either towards the NW, or towards the SE; carries a linearization of stretch submeridienne. The folding that affects it is induced by two directions of compression perpendicular N-S to NE-SW and E-W to NW-SE, which define the voltage slots favorable to mineral concentrations by circulation of mineralizing fluids. The shear zones and the quartz-feldspathic veins, structures favorable to mineralization such as gold, secondarily affect this complex. These geomorphological, lithological and structural geology data make the plutono-metamorphic procession of Zimbi a privileged area for mining research, in the gold district of Baden-Colomine.
Highlights
In Cameroon in general and in the Eastern Region in particular, precious stones are exploited mainly in the flats of rivers
It emerges penetrating lineaments globally oriented NE-SW and representing the foliation. The trajectories of this one are deviated or not to the contact with other less dense lineaments corresponding to fractures and faults which are more or less organized in networks of global directions NS, NE-SW, ENE-WSW, EW, NW-SE
Parallel to the main Cameroon Center Shear (N070E, [23, 24]), the ENE-WSW network which induces a significant reversal of foliation on contact defines a structuring dexter shear zones accompanied by shear zones NE-SW and EW satellites of dextral kinematics and NW-SE and NS of kinematic sinistrus (Figure 2b)
Summary
In Cameroon in general and in the Eastern Region in particular, precious stones (gold, diamonds, sapphires, etc.) are exploited mainly in the flats of rivers. These are alluvial ores from the surrounding rocks. This paper presents the results of a preliminary exploration to geologically develop an inventory of the potential for gold concentration in the rocks of the Zimbi locality.
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