Petrographic characteristics in the central part of Kosovo

Festim Kutllovci,Islam Fejza

doi:10.33271/mining15.04.139

Abstract

Purpose. This paper aims to provide complete identification of rock types in the Drenas region by detailed description of all types of the rocks found. The authors intended to determine interruption or continuity of all inter-formational boundaries to accurately delineate them on the ground and fully reflect on the 1: 25000 scale map, as well as to identify the nature of contact between rock types and give its detailed description. Methods. During August, September, October of 2019, the exploration field trips were carried out. Geological survey works focused on the following areas: complete identification of all rock types on the basis of studying their samples, preparation of thin sections for petrographic (only the magmatic rock), chemical and geochemical analysis. Systematic measurement of structural elements was conducted alongside with identification and description of mineral outcrops areas. Findings. Based on the study of stratigraphic units and geological description of mineral outcrop areas, we identified different types of rocks using petrography microscope preparation and chemical and geochemical analysis. The area of Drenas has the following lithostratigraphic units: gabbro diabase, harzburgite, metasandstone. Originality. The originality of the study consists in the use of optical microscope for precise identification of rocks. As a result of the research conducted in the exploration area, we have obtained a clear petrographic description of minerals composition, their texture and mineralization, which allows assessing the possibility of the area exploitation. The analyses were completed at the certified laboratory of Geology-Mining Faculty (Polytechnic University of Tirana) and Geosciences Institute. Practical implications. Petrographic study and chemical analysis led to the conclusion that the research area has Ni mineralization, which is important for the development of mining sector and the community given the environment is preserved and the adequate way of the area exploitation is applied.

Highlights

The Republic of Kosovo is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula
For the stratigraphic setting of these deposits in the Drenas zone, the study provides for numerous cartographic [5] and generalizing operations [6], as well as the analysis of drilling 1 (61.5 m depth), drilling 2 (40 m depth), drilling 3 (60 m depth), conducted by the Geozavod-Belgrade institutes (1978)
Zone, the study provides for numerous cartographic [3] and generalizing operations [7], [8] as well as the analysis of drilling 1 (61.5 m depth), drilling 2 (40 m depth), conducted by the Geozavod-Belgrade institutes (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The Republic of Kosovo is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Albania in the southwest, Montenegro in the west, Serbia in the north and east, and North Macedonia in the southeast. We consider this formation as Permo Triassic because of the similarity it has with the formation found in the area of Korab (Fig. 2) in Albania, called “Luma” unit. It resembles a Permo Triassic formation called “Verrukane”, which extends over the Mediterranean region.

Results and discussion

Petrographic characteristics

Conclusions