Evaluation of the Geological and Metallogenic Potential of Koffissiokaha Permit, Area of Katiola, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The semi-industrial permit of Koffissiokaha, south-eastern area of Katiola, is located in the northern part of Fêtêkro Birimian Greenstone Belt (Côte d’Ivoire). This permit, applicated by the company Blue-Hill Exploration Sarl (BHEX), is in the southern continuity area of Lafigué permit (Endeavour Mining). Blue-Hill will have to work to highlight potential gold mineralization, quantify it (resource calculation) and initiate administrative procedures to obtain a Semi-Industrial Exploitation Authorization (AESI). Our recent works, including field mapping coupled with petrographic and microstructural studies, are therefore intended to contribute to the knowledge of the geology and to the evaluation of the gold potential of this permit. They suggest that Koffissiokaha permit includes four major lithologic units: 1) a sedimentary unit formed by metaarenites and metasiltites, 2) a unit of mafic pyroclastites (cinerites, tuffs and volcanic breccias) 3) a plutonic unit of metagabbro and finally, 4) a lode-type unit made up of metarhyodacites. The metamorphism that affected the volcano-sedimentary rocks is of low grade to greenschist facies. On the structural level, deformations with variable gradients are noted. The major planary structure, the schistosity, is oriented N20 - 40 with weak (°), moderate (50° - 60°) and steep dips (>70°) or subvertical. The faults generally correspond to narrow dextral or senestral shear-zones (75°) towards south-east or subvertical. They are most often intersected by late strike-slip faults-oriented NW-SE, NNW-SSE and N-S. Quartz veins are associated with faults or deformation zones. They are generally oriented N20 to N40, with weak (°), moderate (55° - 65°) and steep dips (>75°). Orientations of joints and fractures are mostly subparallel to the plans of schistosity, shears and most of quartz veins. However, ENE, WNW and N-S fractures are also distinguished. The sulphide paragenesis consists of pyrites (and pyrrhotites), arsenopyrites and chalcopyrites. Gold mineralization is controlled by both structural and hydrothermal parameters.