Lufilian Belt Research Articles

Landscape responses to intraplate deformation in the Kalahari constrained by sediment provenance and chronology in the Okavango Basin

AbstractThe structural depression that occupies the Okavango Basin in southern Africa comprises a depo‐centre within the intracratonic Kalahari Basin where sediments of the Cenozoic Kalahari Group have accumulated. The Okavango Basin has been formed due to stretching and subsidence at an area of diffused deformation, southwestwards to the main East African Rift System (EARS). Sediments from two full Kalahari Group sequences, located on opposite sides of the Gumare Fault that forms a major fault within the Okavango Basin, were studied to determine their provenance and chronology. Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclide (TCN) 26Al/10Be burial dating was used to constrain a chronostratigraphical framework, and Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic ratios combined with geochemical and sedimentological analyses were applied to track the source areas of the sediments.Results indicate the following sequence of basin filling: (a) Accumulation between ca. 4–3 Ma during which the currently downthrown (southern) block received a mixture of sediments mostly from the Choma‐Kalomo, Ghanzi‐Chobe, and Damara terranes, and possibly from the Lufilian Belt and/or Karoo basalts during earlier stages of deposition. Simultaneously, the upthrown (northern) block received sediments from more distant Archean sources in the Zimbabwe and/or Kasai cratons, (b) Hiatus in sedimentation occurred at both sites between ca. 3–2 Ma, (c) Sediments on both sides of the Gumare Fault share a similar source (Angolan Shield) with minor distinct contributions to the downthrown block from the Kasai Craton and local sources input to the upthrown block, and (d) Regional distribution of aeolian sand since at least 1 Ma. The change in source areas is attributed to rearrangements of the drainage systems that were probably linked to vertical crustal movements on the margins of the Okavango Basin. The tectonically induced morphodynamics controlled the landscape evolution of the endorheic basin where vast lakes, wetlands and salt pans have developed through time.

Sedimentary evolution and stratigraphy of the ~765–740 Ma Kansuki-Mwashya platform succession in the Tenke-Fungurume Mining District, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The origin of the Mwashya Conglomerate at the base of the Mwashya Subgroup in the Lufilian Belt is uncertain since it is considered as either a tectonic or as a sedimentary breccia. At Tenke Fungurume Mining District (TFMD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Mwashya Conglomerate is marked by an iron-bearing polymictic conglomerate embedded between the Kansuki and Kamoya formations. In this paper, the Kansuki-Mwashya platform succession at TFMD was investigated to shed light on the origin of this conglomerate, the depositional evolution and the tectonostratigraphic framework of the platform. Lithofacies analysis revealed that the Mwashya Conglomerate is a periglacial olistostrome, which was formed around ~765–745 Ma. A pre-Sturtian age for this conglomerate is supported by the Kamoya Formation, which is here interpreted as a post-glacial cap carbonate sequence. The Kansuki-Mwashya platform succession consists of a protected coastal lagoon adjacent to a tidal flat environment, both bordered by a barrier shoal. This paper concludes that the Kansuki-Mwashya platform succession was driven by rifting pulses, occurring gravity flows on instable slope, superimposed upon the ~750–717 Ma long-lasting Sturtian glacial period.

Pan-African structural evolution of Paleoproterozoic basement gneiss and Cu-Co mineralized shear zones in the Domes Region of the Lufilian Belt, Mwombezhi Dome, Zambia

In the Domes Region of the Lufillian Belt, world-class stratiform Cu (±Co, ±Ni, ±U, ±Pb, ±Zn) deposits are closely associated with tectonized pre-existing basement unconformities, viz. the pre-Katanga-basement décollement (KD). In the KD footwall on the Mwombezhi Dome, the Lumwana Mine exploits mineralization within <60 m thick, laterally-extensive shear zones beneath kilometer-scale thrust sheets of Paleoproterozoic gneiss and schist. New field data and structural analysis highlight preferential strain localization, kinematics and sequential reactivation of multiple shear zone generations (D1-3) under high- to medium-grade, metamorphic conditions and clockwise P-T-t path during the Lufillian Orogeny (ca. 550-500). Regional, progressive, top-to-the-NNE fore-thrusting is assigned to D1, while D2 represents localized, opposite, top-to-the-SSW kinematics attributed to under-thrusting by dome-scale fore-thrusted basement slivers. Subsequent D3 shear zones transposed D1-2 structures and represent overall top-to-the-NNE extensional detachment and NNE-SSW-elongation along a maximum principal extension axis (L3) which defines kilometer-scale shear- or asymmetrical-boudins of competent gneiss in the KD footwall. A pre-existing NNE-SSW prolate dome asymmetry (L1-2) dictates a downlimb-directed sense of shear on the short axes of D3 asymmetrical boudins (WNW-ESE). D3 shear zones are preferentially localized along relict pre-Katanga anisotropy and D1-2 mylonitic horizons, while Cu–Co bearing ore shoots are associated with passive fold hinges in these asymmetrical boudin necks.

Petrology, geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb geochronology of the Zambezi Belt in Zimbabwe: Implications for terrane assembly in southern Africa

The Zambezi Belt in southern Africa has been regarded as a part of the 570–530 Ma Kuunga Orogen formed by a series of collision of Archean cratons and Proterozoic orogenic belts. Here, we report new petrological, geochemical, and zircon U-Pb geochronological data of various metamorphic rocks (felsic to mafic orthogneiss, pelitic schist, and felsic paragneiss) from the Zambezi Belt in northeastern Zimbabwe, and evaluate the timing and P-T conditions of the collisional event as well as protolith formation. Geochemical data of felsic orthogneiss indicate within-plate granite signature, whereas those of mafic orthogneiss suggest MORB, ocean-island, or within-plate affinities. Metamorphic P-T estimates for orthogneisses indicate significant P-T variation within the study area (700–780 °C/6.7–7.2 kbar to 800–875 °C/10–11 kbar) suggesting that the Zambezi Belt might correspond to a suture zone with several discrete crustal blocks. Zircon cores from felsic orthogneisses yielded two magmatic ages: 2655 ± 21 Ma and 813 ± 5 Ma, which suggests Neoarchean and Early Neoproterozoic crustal growth related to within-plate magmatism. Detrital zircons from metasediments display various ages from Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic (ca. 2700–750 Ma). The Neoarchean (ca. 2700–2630 Ma) and Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2200–1700 Ma) zircons could have been derived from the adjacent Kalahari Craton and the Magondi Belt in Zimbabwe, respectively. The Choma-Kalomo Block and the Lufilian Belt in Zambia might be proximal sources of the Meso- to Neoproterozoic (ca. 1500–950 Ma) and early Neoproterozoic (ca. 900–750 Ma) detrital zircons, respectively. Such detrital zircons from adjacent terranes possibly deposited during late Neoproterozoic (744–670 Ma), and subsequently underwent high-grade metamorphism at 557–555 Ma possibly related to the collision of the Congo and Kalahari Cratons during the latest Neoproterozoic to Cambrian. In contrast, 670–627 Ma metamorphic ages obtained from metasediments are slightly older than previous reports, but consistent with ∼680–650 Ma metamorphic ages reported from different parts of the Kuunga Orogen, suggesting Cryogenian thermal events before the final collision.

Precambrian olistoliths masquerading as sills from Death Valley, California

Olistolith production and magmatism are processes commonly associated with extensional tectonic settings, such as rift basins. We present a cautionary exemplar from one such Precambrian basin, in which we reinterpret metabasite bodies, previously documented as sills, to be olistoliths. We nevertheless demonstrate that, on the basis of field observation alone, the previous but erroneous sill interpretation is parsimonious. Indeed, it is only by using isotopic age and compositional analysis that the true identities of these metabasite olistoliths are revealed. We present new data from metabasites and metasedimentary strata of the Kingston Peak Formation (Cryogenian) and Crystal Spring Formation (Mesoproterozoic) of Death Valley, USA. These include field observations, U–Pb apatite ages, U–Pb zircon ages (detrital and igneous) and whole-rock geochemistry. These data also provide a new maximum age for the base of the Pahrump Group and suggest that the Crystal Spring Diabase was more tholeiitic than previously thought. Similar sill/olistolith misinterpretations may have occurred elsewhere, potentially producing erroneous age and tectonic-setting interpretations of surrounding strata. This is particularly relevant in Precambrian rocks, where fossil age constraints are rare. This is illustrated herein using a potential example from the Neoproterozoic literature of the Lufilian belt, Africa. We caution others against Precambrian olistoliths masquerading as sills. Supplementary material: Details of a meta-igneous boulder from P12 of the Silurian Hills, LA-ICP-MS and whole-rock geochemistry methods and standards, and U–Pb apatite and zircon isotopic data, including standards and selected cathodoluminescence images, are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3990639

Tectono-metamorphic evolution of the internal zone of the Pan-African Lufilian orogenic belt (Zambia): Implications for crustal reworking and syn-orogenic uranium mineralizations

The internal zone of the Pan-African Lufilian orogenic belt (Zambia) hosts a dozen uranium occurrences mostly located within kyanite micaschists in a shear zone marking the contact between metasedimentary rocks attributed to the Katanga Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequence and migmatites coring domes developed dominantly at the expense of the pre-Neoproterozoic basement. The P–T–t–d paths reconstructed for these rocks combining field observations, microstructural analysis, metamorphic petrology and thermobarometry and geochronology indicate that they have recorded burial and exhumation during the Pan-African orogeny. Both units of the Katanga metasedimentary sequence and pre-Katanga migmatitic basement have underwent minimum peak P–T conditions of ~9–11kbar and ~640–660°C, dated at ca. 530Ma by garnet-whole rock Lu–Hf isochrons. This suggests that this entire continental segment has been buried up to a depth of 40–50km with geothermal gradients of 15–20°C.km−1 during the Pan-African orogeny and the formation of the West Gondwana supercontinent. Syn-orogenic exhumation of the partially molten root of the Lufilian belt is attested by isothermal decompression under P–T conditions of ~6–8kbar at ca. 530–500Ma, witnessing an increase of the geothermal gradients to 25–30°C·km−1. Uranium mineralizations that consist of uraninite and brannerite took place at temperatures ranging from ~600 to 700°C, and have been dated at ca. 540–530Ma by U–Pb ages on uraninite. The main uranium deposition thus occurred at the transition from the syn-orogenic burial to the syn-orogenic exhumation stages and has been then partially transposed and locally remobilized during the post-orogenic exhumation accommodated by activation of low-angle extensional detachment.

Synmetamorphic Cu remobilization during the Pan-African orogeny: Microstructural, petrological and geochronological data on the kyanite-micaschists hosting the Cu(–U) Lumwana deposit in the Western Zambian Copperbelt of the Lufilian belt

The Pan-African Lufilian orogenic belt hosts world-class Cu deposits. In the Congolese Copperbelt (DRC), Cu(–Co) deposits, are mostly hosted within evaporitic and siliciclastic Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks (Mines Subgroup) and are interpreted as syn- to late-diagenetic deposits. In this paper, we present new data on Cu(–U) deposit hosted in metamorphic rocks of the internal zone of the Lufilian belt known as the Western Zambian Copperbelt in which a primary Cu mineralization is overprinted by a second syn-metamorphic Cu mineralizing event. This mineralizing event is synchronous with the Pan-African metamorphism affecting both the pre-Katanga basement and the Katanga metasedimentary sequence. Cu(–U) occurrences in the Western Zambian Copperbelt are hosted by kyanite-micaschists metamorphosed in the upper amphibolite facies.Mineral inclusions of graphite, micas and sulfides in kyanite porphyroblasts of the Cu-bearing kyanite-micaschists in the Lumwana Cu deposit point to a sedimentary protolith with relics of an inherited Cu stock. Based on petrologic, microstructural and geochronological evidence, we propose that this initial Cu-stock was remobilized during the Pan-African orogeny. Graphite, micas and sulfides preserved in a first generation of kyanite poikiloblasts (Ky1) define an inherited S0/1 foliation developed during the prograde part of the P–T path (D1 deformation-metamorphic stage) reaching HP–MT metamorphic conditions.Remobilization during the retrograde part of the P–T path is evidenced by chalcopyrite–pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite–bornite delineating a steep-dipping S2 schistosity and by chalcopyrite and bornite delineating a shallow-dipping S3 schistosity associated with top to the south kinematic criteria. This retrograde path is coeval with ductile deformation in the kyanite field as evidenced by a second generation of synkinematic kyanite porphyroblasts (Ky2) transposed in the S3 schistosity (Ky2–3), and is marked by progressive cooling from ca. 620°C down to 580°C (rutile geothermometry). Syn-S2–3 metamorphic monazite grains yield U–Th–Pb ages ranging from ca. 540 to 500Ma.Final retrogression and remobilization of Cu is marked by recrystallization of the sulfides in top to the north C3 shear bands associated with rutile crystals yielding temperatures from ca. 610 to 540°C. This final remobilization is younger than ca. 500Ma (youngest U–Th–Pb age on syn-S3 recrystallized monazite). These data are consistent with successive Cu remobilization for more than 40Ma during Pan-African reworking of sediment-hosted deposits either from the basement of the Katanga sedimentary sequence or from the Katanga sequence itself marked by burial (D1), syn-orogenic exhumation (D2), and post-orogenic exhumation during gravitational collapse (D3).

Metal sources for the Nkana and Konkola stratiform Cu–Co deposits (Zambian Copperbelt): Insights from Sr and Nd isotope ratios

The Central African Copperbelt lies within the Lufilian orogenic belt, in the border region between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. A Sr and Nd isotope study was performed on gangue carbonates associated with multiphase mineralisation at the Zambian Konkola and Nkana deposits. Comparison with isotopic signatures of basement rocks provides new insights into the likely metal source(s) for the Cu–Co mineralisation. At least three mineralisation phases can be identified with respect to the Lufilian orogeny. Gangue carbonates of the first, pre- to syn-kinematic mineralisation phase in both deposits have Sr and Nd isotopic compositions that correspond to felsic rocks of the Domes Region, a tectonic zone in the Zambian part of the Lufilian Belt where basement rocks crop out. However, the isotopic signatures from both deposits differ. This can be attributed to local variation in isotopic composition of the basement below the deposits. Radiogenic isotope ratios suggest that subsequent, syn-kinematic mineralisation at both sites occurred due to the remobilisation of precursor ore. Petrographic evidence indicates that the third, late-kinematic mineralisation phase at Nkana resulted from a renewed input of metals with a mafic affinity (e.g. Co, Ni). However, Sr and Nd isotope ratios resemble those of the earlier mineralisation phases and do not reflect a change in source composition. Nonetheless, comparison with the isotopic signatures of the Co-poor Konkola deposit and Co-rich stratiform deposits in the DRC might indicate a mafic component in the Nkana metal source. Calculated mixed isotopic compositions support such a mafic component.

Hypersaline fluids generated by high-grade metamorphism of evaporites: fluid inclusion study of uranium occurrences in the Western Zambian Copperbelt

In the Pan-African Lufilian belt (Western Zambian Copperbelt), uranium mineralizations, preferentially scattered in kyanite ± talc micaschists (metamorphosed evaporitic sediments) or concentrated along transposed quartz veins provide an opportunity to (1) understand the time/space relationship between the ore minerals and the deformation of the host rocks, (2) identify the different fluid events associated with specific stages of quartz deformation and (3) characterize the ore fluid geochemistry in terms of fluid origin and fluid/rock interactions. In the U occurrences studied in Lolwa and Mitukuluku (Domes region, Western Zambian Copperbelt), two mineralizing stages are described. The first generation of ore fluids (53–59 wt% CaCl2, 13–15 wt% NaCl; N2–H2 in the gas phase of fluid inclusions) circulated during the high-temperature quartz recrystallization, at 500–700 °C. This temperature is in agreement with the P–T conditions recorded during the crustal thickening related to continental collision at ca. 530 Ma. LA-ICPMS analyses show the presence of uranium within this fluid, with a concentration mode around 20 ppm. The second generation of ore fluid (21–32 wt% NaCl, 19–21 wt% CaCl2; CO2–CO in the gas phase of fluid inclusions) percolated at lower temperature conditions, at the brittle–ductile transition, between 200 and 300 °C. This temperature could be related to the exhumation of the high-grade metamorphic rocks at ca. 500 Ma. The formation of H2 and CO is interpreted as the result of radiolysis in the presence of dissolved uranium in the aqueous phase of these fluid inclusions. Finally, a late fluid (14–16 wt% NaClequiv) circulated in the brittle domain but seems unrelated to U (re-)mobilization event.

Geochemical signatures of uranium oxides in the Lufilian belt: From unconformity-related to syn-metamorphic uranium deposits during the Pan-African orogenic cycle

The Pan-African Lufilian belt (Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo) is known for its world-class copper and cobalt deposits. In addition, the Lufilian Copperbelt hosts several uranium occurrences concentrated within deformed siliciclastic rocks of the basal Neoproterozoic Katanga Supergroup. We report LA-ICPMS and EMP analyses of the rare earth element (REE) and yttrium (Y) abundances (designated as the REY signatures) of uranium oxides from two uranium mineralizing events of the Lufilian belt previously dated at 652±8Ma and 530±6Ma by the U–Pb method on uraninite. Uranium oxides dated at ca. 650Ma from the External fold-and-thrust belt are characterized by (i) bell shape REE patterns centered on middle REE (MREE), (ii) positive europium (Eu) anomalies and (iii) relatively low Y contents. In contrast, uranium oxides dated at ca. 530Ma from the Domes region are characterized by (i) REE patterns but with a less pronounced light REE (LREE) fractionation, (ii) negative Eu anomalies and (iii) higher Y contents. Moreover, the External fold-and-thrust belt also contains uranium mineralization dated at ca. 530Ma having the same characteristics as the ca. 530Ma uranium oxides from the Domes region (a moderately fractionated REE pattern and a negative Eu anomaly).As REY signatures are known to reflect mineralizing processes, the distinct geochemical signatures of the two uranium oxide generations (ca. 650Ma and ca. 530Ma) provide meaningful information about the uranium cycle during the Pan-African orogeny. Compared to the REY signatures of the known worldwide uranium deposit types, the REY signature of uranium oxides dated at ca. 650Ma of the External fold-and-thrust belt is similar to the REE patterns from unconformity-related U deposits (Athabasca in Canada and Kombolgie in Australia). Uranium oxides of the Domes region and some of the External fold-and-thrust belt display similar characteristics to syn-metamorphic U deposit (Mistamisk in Canada). Accordingly, we propose that the two stages of uranium oxide crystallizations within the Lufilian belt, at ca. 650 and ca. 530Ma, occurred under distinct physico-chemical conditions. The first stage, at ca. 650Ma, may be related to late diagenesis hydrothermal processes, at the basement/cover interface, with the circulation of highly saline basinal brines linked to evaporites of the Roan Group. This Pan-African unconformity-related uranium deposit is the youngest of this type described to date. The second stage may be connected to metamorphic fluid circulations, at about 530Ma, during the Lufilian orogeny in the Domes region and also in the External fold-and-thrust belt.

Petrography, geochemistry, and geochronology of granitoid rocks in the Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic Lufilian–Zambezi belt, Zambia: Implications for tectonic setting and regional correlation

There are several pre-orogenic Neoproterozoic granitoid and metavolcanic rocks in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt in Zambia and Zimbabwe that are interpreted to have been emplaced in a continental-rift setting that is linked to the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent. However, no geochemical data were previously available for these rocks in the Zambian part of the belt to support this model. We conducted petrographic and whole-rock chemical analyses of the Neoproterozoic Nchanga Granite, Lusaka Granite, Ngoma Gneiss and felsic metavolcanic rocks from the Lufilian–Zambezi belt in Zambian, in order to evaluate their chemical characteristics and tectonic settings. Other magmatic rocks of importance for understanding the evolution of the belt in Zambia, included in this study, are the Mesoproterozoic Munali Hills Granite and associated amphibolites and the Mpande Gneiss. The Neoproterozoic rocks have monzogranitic compositions, aluminum-saturation indices (ASI) < 1.1, and high contents of high field strength elements (HFSE) and rare earth elements (REE). The chondrite-normalised spider diagrams are similar to those of A-type granites from the Lachlan fold belt and show negative Sr, P, and Ti anomalies. On various tectonic discrimination diagrams the Neoproterozoic rocks plot mainly in A-type granite fields. These petrographic and trace element compositions indicate that these rocks are A-type felsic rocks, but they do not have features of granites and rhyolites emplaced in true continental-rift settings, as previously suggested. On the basis of the A-type features and independent regional geological and geochronological data, we suggest that the Neoproterozoic granitoid and felsic metavolcanic rocks were emplaced during the earliest extensional stages of continental rifting in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt. The apparent continental-arc like chemistry of the granitoid and felsic metavolcanic rocks is thus inferred to be inherited from calcalkaline sources. The Mesoproterozoic Munali Hills Granite and Mpande Gneiss have trace element features e.g., Nb–Ta depletions, which indicate that that these gneisses were emplaced in a convergent-margin setting. The MORB-normalised spider diagram of co-magmatic amphibolites exhibit a fractionated LILE/HFSE pattern recognized in subduction zones. This inference is consistent with remnants of ocean crust, juvenile Island arcs and ophiolites elsewhere in the Mesoproterozoic Irumide belt in Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, we report the first U–Pb zircon age of 1090.1 ± 1.3 Ma for the Munali Hills Granite. The age for the Munali Hills Granite provides new constraints on correlation and tectono-thermal activity in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt. The age of the Munali Hills Granite indicates that some supracrustal rocks in the Zambezi belt of Zambia, which were previously thought to be Neoproterozoic and correlated with the Katanga Supergroup in the Lufilian belt, are Mesoproterozoic or older. Consequently, previous regional lithostratigraphic correlations in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt would require revision.

Towards a new understanding of the Neoproterozoic-early palæozoic Lufilian and northern Zambezi belts in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Lufilian Belt is of geological significance and economic importance due to rich CuCo mineralisation in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Copperbelt of Zambia. Though thorough exploration has yielded much information on the mines districts, the understanding of the belt as a whole appears, to some extent, historically charged and confused. In the first part of this article, basic knowledge and assumptions are reviewed and existing models critically assessed. Results include recognition of standard lithostratigraphies of the Katanga Supergroup comprising the Roan, Mwashia, Lower and Upper Kudelungu Groups in the Copperbelt and Katanga, a lower limit for the onset of deposition at about 880 Ma, and a major orogenetic event involving northeast directed thrusting (Lufilian Orogeny) at 560-550 Ma. The depositional history of the Lufilian Belt was controlled by continental rifting leading to formation of a passive continental margin. Continental rifting related to the dispersal of Rodinia began ca 880 Ma ago and was accompanied by magmatism (Kafue rhyolites: 879 Ma; Nchanga Granite: 877 Ma; Lusaka Granite: 865 Ma). Differential subsidence of the northwestward propagating rift soon allowed invasion by the sea advancing from the southeast, and subsequent development of marine rift-basin and platform domains. The standard stratigraphies for the Roan Group are restricted to the platform domain that bordered the rift-basin on its northeastern side. This domain included the Domes region of the Lufilian Belt and extended southeastwards into the northern Zambezi Belt. The platform was differentiated into a carbonate platform (barrier) represented by the Bancroft Subgroup (previously ‘Upper Roan’) in Zambia and Kambove Dolomite Formation in Katanga and a lagoon-basin (lower Kitwe Subgroup/Zambia; Dolomitic Shale Formation/Katanga) with mudflats (R.A.T. Subgroup/Katanga) and a siliciclastic margin towards the hinterland. The mineralised horizons of the ‘Ore Formation’ in Zambia and ‘Series des Mines’ in Katanga are related to temporarily anoxic conditions prevailing in the Roan Lagoon-Basin which had a southwest-northeast extent of ca 400 km. The lagoon-basin was subsequently filled by clastics derived from mainly northeastern sources (upper Kitwe Subgroup/Zambia; Dipeta Subgroup/Katanga). Possibly due to continental rupture in the southeastern, more advanced, segment of the rift and concomitant differential movement in the rupturing plate, the Kundelungu Basin started to open during deposition of the Mwashia Group. Opening of the extensional basin was accompanied by rifting, rapid subsidence of the affected platform segment and widespread mafic magmatism, which lasted until deposition of the Lower Kundelungu Group. The elevated margins of the rapidly subsiding Kundelungu Basin offered favourable conditions for inland glaciation during the Sturtian-Rapitan global glaciation epoch. The diamictites of the Grand Conglomát are thus dated at ca 750 Ma. Tectonogenesis in the Lufilian and Zambezi Belts is related to ca 560-550 Ma collision of the ‘Angola-Kalahari Plate’ (comprising the Kalahari Craton and southwestern part of the Congo Craton) and the ‘Congo-Tanzania Plate’ (comprising the remaining part of the Congo Craton) along a southeast-northwest trending suture linking up the southern Mozambique Belt with the West Congo Belt. Collision was accompanied by northeast directed thrusting involving deep crustal detachments and forward-propagating thrust faults that developed in platform and slope deposits below a high level thrust. In the Domes region, the platform sequence was detached from its basement and displaced for ca 150 km into the External Fold-Thrust Belt of Katanga. The large displacement was enhanced by fluids liberated from evaporite-rich mudflat deposits of the R.A.T. Subgroup. In the Zambezi Belt, northeast directed thrusting was succeeded by southwest directed backfolding and backthrusting, due to greater shortening or thickening of the thrust wedge. The Mwembeshi Shear Zone accommodated greater shortening in the Zambezi Belt relative to the Lufilian Belt by sinistral transcurrent movement. The Mwembeshi Shear Zone is a reactivated pre-existing zone of weakness in the lithosphere of possibly Palæoproterozoic age. There is no evidence of Neoproterozoic collision along this zone in the Lufilian Belt/Zambezi Belt domain.

Lead isotopes of the carbonate-hosted Kabwe, Tsumeb, and Kipushi Pb-Zn-Cu sulphide deposits in relation to Pan African orogenesis in the Damaran-Lufilian Fold Belt of Central Africa

Lead isotope ratios of galena from the carbonate-hosted massive sulphide deposits of Kabwe (Pb-Zn) and Tsumeb (Pb-Zn-Cu) in Zambia and Namibia, respectively, have been measured and found to be homogeneous and characteristic of upper crustal source rocks. Kabwe galena has average isotope ratios of 206/204Pb = 17.997 ± 0.007, 207/204Pb = 15.713 ± 0.010 and 208/204Pb = 38.410 ± 0.033. Tsumeb galena has slightly higher 206/204Pb (18.112 ± 0.035) and slightly lower 207/204Pb (15.674 ± 0.016) and 208/204Pb (38.276 ± 0.073) ratios than Kabwe galena. The isotopic differences are attributed to local differences in the age and composition of the respective source rocks for Kabwe and Tsumeb. The homogeneity of the ore lead in the two epigenetic deposits suggests lead sources of uniform isotopic composition or, alternatively, thorough mixing of lead derived from sources with relatively similar isotopic compositions. Both deposits have relatively high 238U/204Pb ratios of 10.31 and 10.09 for Kabwe and Tsumeb galenas, respectively. These isotope ratios are considered to be typical of the upper continental crust in the Damaran-Lufilian orogenic belt, as also indicated by basement rocks and Cu-Co sulphides in stratiform Katangan metasediments which have a mean μ-value of 10.25 ± 0.12 in the Copperbelt region of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). The 232Th/204Pb isotope ratios of 43.08 and 40.42 for Kabwe and Tsumeb suggest Th-enriched source regions with 232Th/235U (κ-values) of 4.18 and 4.01, respectively. Model isotopic ages determined for the Kabwe (680 Ma) and Tsumeb (530 Ma) deposits indicate that the timing of the mineralisation was probably related to phases of orogenic activity associated with the Pan-African Lufilian and Damaran orogenies, respectively. Galena from the carbonate-hosted Kipushi Cu-Pb-Zn massive sulphide deposit in the Congo also has homogeneous lead isotope ratios, but its isotopic composition is comparable to that of the average global lead evolution curve for conformable massive sulphide deposits. The μ (9.84) and κ (3.69) values indicate a significant mantle component, and the isotopic age of the Kipushi deposit (456 Ma) suggests that the emplacement of the mineralisation was related to a post-tectonic phase of igneous activity in the Lufilian belt. The isotope ratios (206/204Pb, 207/204Pb, 208/204Pb) of the three deposits are markedly different from the heterogeneous lead ratios of the Katangan Cu-Co stratiform mineralisation of the Copperbelt as well as those of the volcanogenic Nampundwe massive pyrite deposit in the Zambezi belt which typically define radiogenic linear trends on lead-lead plots. The host-rock dolomite of the Kabwe deposit also has homogeneous lead isotope ratios identical to the ore galena. This observation indicates contamination of the Kabwe Dolomite Formation with ore lead during mineralisation.

Tholeiitic magmatism associated with continental rifting in the Lufilian Fold Belt of Zambia

Metabasic rocks form a small but geologically important component of the geology of the base metal-rich Neoproterozoic Copperbelt of central Africa. The disposition of the metabasic rocks follows the 150 km long, arcuate, structural trend of the thrust belt. Despite their structural disposition, the metabasic rocks played a passive role during the thrusting due to their rigidity and lithological contrast with the host sedimentary rocks. The main thrust horizons are located along evaporite layers below the position of the metabasic rocks. The metabasic rocks form part of an allochtonous unit overlying para-autochtonous rocks of the Upper and Lower Katangan sequences. A petrological and geochemical study of the metabasic rocks indicates that they crystallised from genetically related, tholeiitic magmas. Fractionation of olivine, pyroxene and plagioclase played an important role in the generation of the range of mafic compositions. The rocks are enriched in incompatible trace elements with chondrite-normalised ( La Yb ) N values raning from 4 to 7. Incompatible trace element ratios (e.g. La Nb 1.5; La Ta = 16 ) indicate little interaction between the protolith to the metabasic rocks and continental crust. The trace element data instead suggest that melting of an enriched asthenospheric source produced the magmas. A comparison of the studied metabasic rocks with those from other parts of the Lufilian Belt shows an overall geochemical similarity of the magmas. All the metabasic rocks from the Katangan succession show a close chemical affinity with intraplate magmas.

Mineralization controls and source of metals in the Lufilian fold belt, Shaba (Zaire), Zambia, and Angola; a reply

Mineralization controls and source of metals in the Lufilian fold belt, Shaba (Zaire), Zambia, and Angola; a reply

Mineralization controls and source of metals in the Lufilian fold belt, Shaba (Zaire), Zambia, and Angola; a reply

Mineralization controls and source of metals in the Lufilian fold belt, Shaba (Zaire), Zambia, and Angola; a reply

Mineralization controls and source of metals in the Lufilian fold belt, Shaba (Zaire), Zambia, and Angola; a discussion

Mineralization controls and source of metals in the Lufilian fold belt, Shaba (Zaire), Zambia, and Angola; a discussion

A provisional metamorphic map of Zambia—explanatory notes

Examination of the provisional metamorphic map of Zambia shows the existence of two major metamorphic belts. One, the ‘Lufilian Belt’, parallels the Lufilian structural arc, while the other, the ‘LuangwaKariba Belt’, includes parts of the ‘Zambezi’, ‘Irumide’ and ‘Mozambique’ tectonic belts. Structural, metamorphic and geochronological considerations suggest that the whole of the Luangwa-Kariba Belt forms part of the Mozambique orogenic belt.

Metamorphic patterns in Zambia and their bearing on problems of Zambian tectonic history

Metamorphic mineral assemblages determined in thin-sections have been used to compile metamorphic maps showing the distribution of metamorphic facies and minerals in Zambia. These maps lead to the recognition of two non-parallel metamorphic belts. The Lufilian Belt curves along the southern margin of the Lufilian (structural) Arc, and the Luangwa—Kariba Belt covers the entire eastern and south-eastern borders of the country. Stratigraphic and mineralogical relationships, and radiometric data, indicate that the two belts are contemporaneous and their present major features are the result of a single tectonothermal episode which ended c. 500 m.y. ago. In particular, the Irumide fold belt is not recognisable as a metamorphic entity.