Mineralization and sustainable development in the West African Craton: from field observations to modelling

Abstract

This Special Publication combines results obtained by interdisciplinary groups from numerous academic institutions working on Paleoproterozoic formations to decipher the origins of the main mineralization resources in the West African Craton (WAC) and their impacts on African economic development. Structural, geophysical, sedimentological, stratigraphical, geochemical, petrophysical and mineralogical analyses have been used to highlight the complexities involved in mineralization emplacement and its origin and evolution within the WAC. Fourteen articles, mainly of basic research carried out in the WAC and surrounding areas, contribute to new knowledge in mineral research with updated references. They show that the geodynamic evolution of the WAC is complex from one area to another: it involves subduction, collision and obduction during several deformation phases ranging from Birimian (2.3-2.0 Ga) to Pan-African (650-450 Ma) events. Mineralization is mainly controlled by tectonics within shear zones, orogenic belts, basins and faulting systems occurring in the various corridors. Mineralized fluid circulation is stressed and injected into appropriate formations and precipitate several types of well-documented ore deposits: porphyry, metal-bearing, volcanogenic massive sulfide, sedimentary exhalative and lateritic. Various modelling techniques, when integrated help to understand the mechanisms of mineralization emplacement, some of which are still a matter of debate. Traditional and industrial exploitation of ore deposits, mainly gold, may inadvertently cause pollution to water tables and rivers, thus affecting the environment including watersheds. The challenge for further studies is mitigation for sustainable development that can be appropriately used to minimize such damage.The aim of this volume is thus to bring new insights to research activities on ore deposits within the WAC.

Analyse Structurale De La Déformation Dans Les Granitoïdes Éburnéens De La Région De Doropo (Nord-Est De La Côte d’Ivoire)

“…Ce manque serait dû à la mauvaise qualité des affleurements et à l'importante couverture latéritique. L'intérêt porté à cette région résulte de la découverte d'indice d'or dans les zones avoisinantes ainsi que l'importante d'activité d'orpaillage qui s'y déroule (Aïfa, 2021). Ceci a conduit à porter un regard sur cette région en y menant des études géologiques plus poussées afin de comprendre son organisation structurale, et ainsi mettre à jour les données géologiques préexistantes.…”

New lithostructural map of the Doropo region, northeast Côte d'Ivoire: Insight from structural and aeromagnetic data

“…The Paleoproterozoic terrains of the West African Craton (WAC), particularly those of the Man-Leo Shield, are composed of granitoid and greenstone belts (Metelka et al, 2011;Aïfa, 2021). They represent an interesting target for mineral exploration because they contain numerous mineral deposits (Allibone et al, 2002;Feybesse et al, 2006;Béziat et al, 2008;Amponsah et al, 2015Amponsah et al, , 2016Markwitz et al, 2016;Goldfarb et al, 2017).…”