Halokinetic structure in the Kipushi-Kalindi area (Zambia-DRC) and comparison of the paragenetic sequences of alteration and mineralization in Kipushi-Kalindi area and Kakanda (DRC)

 

PhD Candidate: Helen Twigg

Supervisor: Prof. Murray Hitzman

Funded by: Science Foundation Ireland Research Professorship and Rio Tinto

Abstract:

This research project will provide a basin evolution history of the Kipushi-Kalindi area of the Central African Copperbelt, a Neoproterozoic mixed carbonate-evaporite-clastic meta-sedimentary basin which hosts significant deposits of copper and cobalt, lead, zinc, uranium and gold.

The formation of varied mineral deposits types throughout the history of the basin will be investigated using district scale facies mapping and structural interpretation of high resolution aerial magnetic surveys, combined with deposit scale paragenesis studies and isotope analysis. The role of salt beds in the formation of the mineral deposits will be investigated.

The creation of the combined geological model using restoration methods, will allow identification and importance of the multiple factors which control base metal mineral deposition.  The outcome of this study will be a characterisation of trap sites and resulting deposit types at different points of basin history.