Deep-reaching fracture zones in the crystalline basement surrounding the West Congo System and their control of mineralization in Angola and Gabon

Abstract

A framework of major, deep-reaching fracture zones in western Central Africa is inferred from airborne magnetometric and surface geological observations in Central Angola and Gabon. A correlation is proposed between these observations and the continental negative Bouguer anomaly. The minimum age of the inferred tectonic framework is probably Kibaran. Considerable portions are thought to have been reactivated, and others may have only originated at later stages. Its control of major structural units and the distribution of carbonatite complexes and kimberlite occurrence and of diamond and lead-zinc deposits is discussed.