Abstract
Low-grade basement rocks of Neoproterozoic age with well developed shear zones and posttectonic granitic intrusives from Hawzien area of northern Ethiopia were studied for field characteristics, mineralogy, textures, alteration assemblages and geochemistry to explore theirpotential for base metal mineralization. The basement rocks includes metavolcanic (mafic to felsic), metavolcaniclastic and metasedimentary rocks. The intrusive post-tectonic granitoids mark the end of Proterozoic. Field observation and petrographic data indicate the presence of NS, NE-SW trending shear zones; hydrothermal quartz (±calcite) veins of different generations; malachite stains; alterations like chloritisation, kaolinization, epidotization, sericitization; and presence of base metal sulfides in association with quartz and calcite veins. Geochemistry of surface and drill core samples indicate enrichment of zinc in shear zones with low concentrations of copper, lead, gold, arsenic and silver. Zn-rich base metal mineralization with Pb-Cu-Fe (±Ag-As-Au) is related to D2 deformation. Barite veins are although common, conspicuously occurring in E-W trending veins. Post-tectonic granitoids are facilitating the hydrothermal activity and the source rock compositions controlling the nature of the mineralization. A paragenetic scheme is suggested on the basis of texture, mineral association, alteration and deformation. Keywords: Abraha-Weatsebaha, Tigray, Ethiopia, Neoproterozoic, Shear zones, Paragenesis, Sulfide mineralization
Highlights
Ethiopia is endowed with a wide variety of minerals and rocks of which, some are in large quantities with excellent qualities
The study area forms part of the Neoproterozoic basement rocks formed in an island arc tectonic setting
They are prominent in shear zones and compared to quartz, calcite veins are less prominent and mainly confined to metaandesite
Summary
Ethiopia is endowed with a wide variety of minerals and rocks of which, some are in large quantities with excellent qualities. Many areas in Tigray are explored for base metals and gold and some of them are successful in delineating mineralized zones for further detailed studies at Workamba, Terer, Meli, Adi Daro, Asegede, Daro, Techi and Werri. In tune with the ongoing exploration activities, many areas are been studied by Universities in collaboration with companies to understand the nature of mineralizations, their genesis with respect to the intrusives, alterations and host rocks. In this light, Abrha-Astebha and Hawzein areas potential for mineralization were chosen for study and the results are presented in the paper. The present paper deals with the mineralization and tries to understand the nature of the deposit based on geological, petrographical and geochemical data
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