Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to understand the valorization of gold showings in the Seribaya deposit, western Mali. Samples taken from Air Core (AC) boreholes were subjected respectively to the magnetic susceptibility test and the X-ray fluorescence analysis. These results lead to the development of a simple methodology, based on signatures/indicators geochemical to identify lithology or to locate mineralization. We note that, compared to other chemical elements, Arsenic remains the most correlated with gold in the study area. Since this correlation remains weak (r = 0.16), it shows that Arsenic does not always accompany gold. There would be a generation of Arsenic related to mineralization, and other generations that would not be. The observation of the strip logs led to the identification of the lithologies (focusing on the immobile elements, Ti, V, Cr, Y, Zr) and the establishment of the alteration profile. Highly altered levels (Saprolite ± Saprock) are characterized by the disappearance of most mobile elements. A medium to strong correlation between gold mineralization and magnetic susceptibility measurements has been observed, in some places, and at depths. These mineralized intervals typically consist of quartz veins, suggesting that they have structural control over the mineralization. Gold mineralization is believed to be related to quartz veins. In addition, gold would be in paragenesis with a generation of Arsenic hosted in coarse sediments.
Highlights
In Mali, gold export has substantially increased since the 1990s [1]
Gold mineralization is believed to be related to quartz veins
Gold would be in paragenesis with a generation of Arsenic hosted in coarse sediments
Summary
In Mali, gold export has substantially increased since the 1990s [1]. The Siribaya deposit is located in the eastern part of Kedougou Kéniéba Inlier (KKI). From the geological point of view, the study area is located in West Africa Craton (Figure 1). This sector contains several gold deposits (e.g., Wiliwili, Hamdallaye, Dandôko) that are located around the Senegalese-Malian Shear-Zone (SMSZ) within the Kofi group. The SMSZ and its secondary structures are recognized as controlling gold mineralization in the KKI. The intensity of gold Artisanal Mining Sites (AMS) emphasizes that the study area is a highly promising area in gold. Prospective studies are still ongoing in these areas in order to find resources that can be exploited
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