Authors :
Ibrahim Ouedraogo; Olisa Olusegun.G.; Saga Sawadogo
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mr29t8d4
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may1828
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Gold mineralization in Gnimi-Yaboghan, southwestern Burkina Faso, was investigated to enhance understanding
of its geological context and exploration potential. Geological mapping at a 1:50,000 scale revealed amphibolite, schist,
granitoid, and quartz veins. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses (XRF, ICP-MS) and fire assay techniques identified
quartz, feldspar, mica, and accessory minerals. The granitoids were classified as calc-alkaline, peraluminous, and S-type,
indicating formation in a subduction zone. A ternary diagram suggested a hydrothermal submarine origin for the quartz
veins. Lithophile elements (K, Rb, Ba, Sr) showed a genetic link between quartz veins and metasedimentary rocks, with
metamorphic fluids likely responsible for gold deposition. Gold content was very low in granitoids (<0.002 ppm) but reached
up to 9.9 ppm in quartz veins, confirming them as the primary gold-bearing structures. This study supports previous
findings that most gold in Burkina Faso is hosted in quartz veins and highlights the significance of hydrothermal processes
in mineralization.
Keywords :
Geochemical Prospecting, Gold Mineralisation, Hydrothermal Fluid, Structures, Burkina-Faso.
References :
- Goldfarb, R.J., Groves, D.I., Gardoll, S. Orogenic gold and geologic time: A global synthesis: Ore Geology Reviews 2001; 18, Pp. 1–75.
- Béziat, D., Dubois, M., Debat, P., Nikiéma, S., Salvi, S., and Tollon, F. Gold metallogeny in the Birimian craton of Burkina Faso (West Africa). Journal of African Earth Sciences,2008;50(2–4), 215–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2007.09.017..
- Baratoux, L., Metelka, V., Naba, S., Ouiya, P., Siebenaller, L., Jessell, M.W., Nare, A., Salvi, S., Beziat, D., Franceschi, G.Tectonic evolution of the Gaoua region, Burkina Faso: Implications for mineralization. Journal of African Earth Sciences 2015; Volume 112, pp. 419-439.
- Markwitz, V., Hein, K. A. A., Jessell, M. W., and Miller, J. Metallogenic portfolio of the West Africa craton. Ore Geology Reviews, 2016, 78, 558–563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2015.10.024
- Ilboudo, H., Sawadogo, S., Traoré, A. S., Sama, M., Wenmenga, U., & Lompo, M. Intrusion-related gold mineralization: Inata gold deposit, Bélahourou district, Northern Burkina Faso (West-Africa). Journal of African Earth Sciences 2018; 148, 52–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2018.05.015
- Oke, S. A., Abimbola, A. F., & Rammlmair, D. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Gold Bearing Quartz Veins and Soils in Parts of Maru Schist Belt Area , Northwestern Nigeria. Journal of Geological Research 2014; Arti(http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/314214).
- Gustafson, L. B. (1989). SEG distinguished lecture in applied geology the importance of structural analysis in gold exploration. Economic Geology, 84(4), 987–993. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.84.4.987
- Nguimatsia, F. W. D., Bolarinwa, A. T., Yongue, R. F., Ndikumana, J. de D., Olajide-Kayode, J. O., Olisa, O. G., Abdu-Salam, M. O., Kamga, M. A., Djou, E. S. Diversity of Gold Deposits, Geodynamics and Conditions of Formation: A Perspective View. Open Journal of Geology 2017;07(11),1690–1709. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2017.711113
- Lovering, S. Epigenetic, diplogenetic, singenetic, and lithogene deposits. Economic Geology (1963);V.58,PP.315-331
- Ouiya, P., Siebenaller, L., Salvi, S., Beziat, D., Naba, S., Baratoux, L., Nar e, A., Franceschi, G.,2016. The Nassara gold prospect, Gaoua District, southwestern Burkina Faso. Ore Geol. Rev. 78, 623e630.
- Koffi, Y. H., Djro, S. C., Wenmenga, U. Lithostructural and Petrochemical Survey of Djarkadougou Gold Prospect (South West Burkina Faso /West Africa).EarthScienceResearch 2017; 6(1), 155. https://doi.org/10.5539/esr.v6n1p155
- Ali, R., Isdine, D., Hermann, I., Séta, N. Nouvelles données lithologiques et structurales du secteur de Nindangou dans le prolongement Est de la ceinture de Goren ( Burkina Faso-Afrique de l ’ Ouest ). Bulletin de l'Institut Scientifique · November 2022
- Castaing, C., Billa, M., Milesi, J., Thieblemont, D., Le Mentour, J., Egal, E., Donzeau, M., Guerrot, C., Cocherie, A., Chevremont, P. Notice explicative de la carte geologique et miniere du Burkina Faso a 1/1,000,000. BRGM BUMIGEB , 2003;147.
- Ouedrago, G. E., Joseph, U., Zerbo, K., Geosciences, L., Zongo, H. G., Joseph, U., Zerbo, K., and Geosciences, L. Structural Evolution and Its Implication for the Emplacement of Gold Deposit in the Central Part of Burkina Faso , West Africa. ESI Preprints 2023; 458.
- Ledru, P., Feybesse, J., Dommanget, A., Marcoux, E., Codex, O. (1992). Early Proterozoic ore deposits and tectonics of the Birimian orogenic belt , West Africa. 58, Precambrian Research, 58 (1992) 305-344 305 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam
- Block, S., Ganne, J., Baratoux, L., Zeh, A., Jessell, M., Ailleres, L., Siebenaller, L., Toulouse, G. E., Diop, C. A., and Road, W. (2015). Petrological and geochronological constraints on lower crust exhumation during Paleoproterozoic ( Eburnean ) orogeny , NW Ghana , West African Craton. J. Metamorphic Geol, 33, 463–494. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12129
- Nancy, I. (1990). A Major 2 . 1 Ga Event of Mafic Magmatism in West Africa ’ An Early Stage of Crustal Accretion regions from the manfie that growth from of sinking mobile of the Ahaggar [ Lancelot work by Boher data , 1990 ) have shown major series of orogenic episodes : ( 1 ) the Liberian The polycyclic crustal growth in West Africa. 95.
- Boher, M., Abouchami, W., Michard, A., Albarede, F., Arndt, N.T., 1992. Crustal growth in West Africa at 2.1 Ga. J. Geophys. Res. B Solid Earth Planets 97, 345e369.
- Ganne, J., Gerbault, M., Block, S., 2014. Thermo-mechanical modeling of lower crust exhumation-Constraints from the metamorphic record of the Palaeoproterozoic Eburnean orogeny, West African Craton, Precambrian Research, 243, 88–109.
- Caby, R., Delor, C., & Agoh, O. (2000). Lithologie, structure et metamorphisme des formations birimiennes dans la region d’Odienne (Cote d’Ivoire): Role majeur du diapirisme des plutons et des decrochements en bordure du craton de Man. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 30(2), 351–374. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-5362(00)00024-5
- Tounkara et al. (2017). Structural and Lithological Study of Gold Mineralization in the Areas of Bena and. Open Journal of Geology, 7, 1318–1326. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2017.79087
- Abouchami et aL ,(1990). A Major 2 . 1 Ga Event of Mafic Magmatism in West Africa ’ An Early Stage of Crustal Accretion regions from the manfie that growth from of sinking mobile of the Ahaggar [ Lancelot work by Boher data , 1990 ) have shown major series of orogenic episodes . Journal OF Geophysical Research, VOL. 95, NO. B I 1, PAGES 17,605-17,629, OCTOBER 10, 1990
- Oberth, T. Ulrich Vetter, Donald W. Davis, Joe A. Amanor , (1998). Age constraints on gold mineralization and Paleoproterozoic crustal evolution in the Ashanti belt of southern Ghana. Precamhrian Research 89 (1998) 129- 143
- Dabo M. et Aïfa, T. (2011). Late Eburnean deformation in the KoliaBoboti sedimentary basin, Kédougou-Kéniéba Inlier, Sénégal. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 60, 106-116, doi:10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2011.02.005.
- Chris Raplph,(2013).Birimian Greenstone Belt of West Africa-june 2013(Vol.82.No10)-ICMJ's Prospecting and Mining Journal.
- Augustin, J., Gaboury, D., & Crevier, M. (2015). The world-class Wona-Kona gold deposit ,Burkina Faso.Ore Geology Reviews, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2015.10.017
- Block, S., Jessell, M., Aillères, L., Baratoux, L., Bruguier, O., Zeh, A., Bosch, D., Caby, R., Mensah, E., 2016. Lower crust exhumation during Paleoproterozoic (Eburnean) orogeny, NW Ghana, West African Craton: interplay of coeval contractional deformation and extensional gravitational collapse. Precambrian Research. Volume 274, pp. 82–109.
- Jessell, M. W. (2018). 100 years of research on the West African Craton Journal of African Earth Sciences 100 years of research on the West African Craton. October 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2015.10.008
- Seta Naba , Martin Lompo , Pierre Debat , Jean Luc Bouchez , Didier Beziat (2004). Structure and emplacement model for late-orogenic Paleoproterozoic Structure and emplacement model for late-orogenic Paleoproterozoic granitoids : the Tenkodogo – Yamba elongate pluton ( Eastern Burkina Faso ). Journal of African Earth Sciences 38 (2004)41–57https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2003.09.004.
- Reisberg, L., Le Mignot, E., Andre-Mayer, A.S., Miller, J., Bourassa, Y., 2015. Re-Os geochronological evidence for multiple Paleo-Proterozoic Gold mineralizing events at the scale of the West African Craton. In: Proceedings of the 13th SGA Biennial Meeting, Nancy, 24-27 August 2015, 4, pp. 1655e1658.
- Hein, K. A. A., Morel, V., Kagon, O., Kiemde, F., & Mayes, K. (2004). Birimian lithological succession and structural evolution in the Goren segment of the Boromo – Goren Greenstone Belt , Burkina Faso. 39, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2004.05.003
- Metelka, V., Baratoux, L., Naba, S., Jessell, M. W. (2011). A geophysically constrained litho-structural analysis of the Eburnean greenstone belts and associated granitoid domains, Burkina Faso, West Africa. Precambrian Research, 190(1–4), 48–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2011.08.002
- Chudasama, B., Porwal, A., Kreuzer, O. P., and Butera, K. (2015). Geology , geodynamics and orogenic gold prospectivity modelling of the Paleoproterozoic Kumasi Basin , Ghana , West Africa. Ore Geology Reviews, 20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2015.08.012
- Lüdtke, G., Hirdes, W., Konan, G., Kone, Y., N’da, D., Traore, Y., Zamble, Z., 1999. Geologie de la region Haute Comoe Suddfeuilles Dabakala (2b, d et 4b,d). Di rection de la Geologie Abidjan Bulletin, p. 176.
- Béziat, D., Bourges, F., Debat, P., Lompo, M., Martin, F., and Tollon, F. A Paleoproterozoic ultramafic-mafic assemblage and associated volcanic rocks of the Boromo greenstone belt: Fractionates originating from island-arc volcanic activity in the West African craton. Precambrian Research, 2000; 101(1), 25–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-9268(99)00085-6
- Ilboudo, H., Sawadogo, S., Kagambega, N., and Remmal, T. Petrology, geochemistry, and source of the emplacement model of the Paleoproterozoic Tiébélé Granite Pluton, Burkina Faso (West-Africa): contribution to mineral exploration. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2021;110(5),1753–1781. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-021-02039-3
- Masurel, Q., Eglinger, A., Thébaud, N., Allibone, A., Mcfarlane, H., Miller, J., Jessell, M., Aillères, L., Vanderhaeghe, O., Masurel, Q., Eglinger, A., Thébaud, N., and Allibone, A. Paleoproterozoic gold events in the southern West African Craton : review and synopsis (2021).
- Baratoux, L., Mételka, V., Naba, S., Jessel, M.W., Grégoire, M. and Ganne, J. (2011) Juvenile Paleoproterozoic Crust Evolution during the Eburnean Orogeny (~2.2-2.0 Ga), Western Burkina Faso. Precambrian Research, 191, 18-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2011.08.010
- Cox, K.G., Bell, J.D., Pankhurst, R.J., 1979. The interpretation of igneous rocks. Allen & Unwin, p. 1-464.
- Irvine, T.N., Baragar, W.R.A. A guide to the chemical classification of the common volcanic rocks. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 1971; 8, Pp. 523-548.
- Peccerillo, A., Taylor, S.R. Geochemistry of Eocene calc-alkaline volcanic rocks from the Kastamonu area, Northern Turkey. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 1976; 58, Pp. 63-81.
- Frost, B.R., Barnes, C.G., Collins, W.J., Arculus, R.J., Ellis, D.J., Frost, C.D. A geochemical classification for granitic rocks. Journal of Petrology 2001;42, Pp. 2035-2048.
- Frost, B.R., Frost, C.D.. A Geochemical Classification for Feldspathic Igneous Rocks. Journal of Petrology, 2008;11, Pp. 1955-1969.
- Debon, F., Le Fort, P. A chemical–mineralogical classification of common plutonic rocks and associations. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Earth Sciences, 1983; 73, Pp. 135–149.
- McDonald,G.A.,Katsura,T. Chemical composition of Hawaiian lavas.Journal of petrology 1964;5,82-113.
- Pearce, J.A., Harris, N.B.W., Tindle, A.G. Trace element discrimination diagrams for the tectonic interpretation of granitic rocks. Journal of petrology 1984; 25, Pp. 217-235.
- Pearce, J.A. A user's guide to basalt discrimination diagrams. In: WYMAN, D. A. (ed.): Trace Element Geochemistry of Volcanic Rocks: Applications for Massive Sulphide , 1996.
- Bonatti, T. Kraemer, and H. Rydell, “Classification and genesis of submarine iron-manganese deposits,” in Proceedings of the Conference on Ferromanganese Deposits on the Ocean Floor,D.R.Horn,Ed , 1972; pp. 149–166,ArdenHouse,Harriman, NY, USA.
- Turekian, K.K., Wedepohl, K.H. Distribution of the Elements in Some Major Units of the Earth's Crust. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 1961;72, Pp. 175-192.
- J. D. Clemens (13 Nov 2024): Igneous reasons why porphyry Cu–Au deposits are not magmatic, Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, DOI: 10.1080/08120099.2024.2422433
- Danbatta, U. A., Abubakar, Y. I., and Ibrahim, A. A.. Geochemistry of Gold Deposits in Anka Schist Belt, Northwestern, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Chemical Research 2008 ;13.
- J. R. Vearncombe (2023) Function and status of structural geology in the Resource industry, Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 70:7, 908-931, DOI: 10.1080/08120099.2023.22149
- Garrels, R. M. and MacKenzie, F.T., Evolution of Sedimentary Rocks 1971; p. 394, Norton and Co., New York.
- Adebayo, S.,and Obasaju,D. Geological and Geochemical Prospecting for Gold Mineralization in Bode-Saadu Axis, Southwestern Nigeria. GeoScience Engineering 2021; 67(3), 64–76. https://doi.org/10.35180/gse-2021-0053
- Fontaine, A., Eglinger, A., Ada, K., Andre-Mayer, A-S., Reisberg, L., Siebenaller, L., Le Migot, E., Ganne, J., Poujol, M. Geology of the world-class Kiaka polyphase gold deposit,West African Craton, Burkina Faso. Journal of African Earth Sciences 2017; Volume 126, pp. 96-122.
- Debat, P., Nikiema, S., Mercier, A., Lompo, M., Beziat, D., Bourges, F., Roddaz, M., Salvi, S., Tollon, F., Wenmenga, U.A new metamorphic constraint for the Eburnean orogeny from Paleoproterozoic formations of the Man shield (Aribinda and Tampelga countries, Burkina Faso). Precambrian Research 2003; Volume 123, p. 47–65
- Perrouty, S., Ailleres, L., Jessell, M.W., Baratoux, L., Bourassa, Y., Crawford, B. Revised Eburnean geodynamic evolution of the gold-rich southern Ashanti Belt, Ghana, with new field and geophysical evidence of pre-Tarkwaian deformations. Precambrian Research 2012 : Volume 204-205, pp. 12-39.
- Ouedraogo, T., Sawadogo, S., and Kiéma, B. La minéralisation aurifère de Napélépéra , SW Burkina Faso , Afrique de l ’ Ouest : mise en place dans une zone de cisaillement tardi-orogénique Éburnéenne Résumé. Afrique SCIENCE 2022; 20(1), 81–92.
- Holden, E., Wong, J. C., Kovesi, P., Wedge, D., Dentith, M., and Bagas, L. Identifying structural complexity in aeromagnetic data : An image analysis approach to green fi elds gold exploration. Ore Geology Reviews 2012 ;46, 47–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2011.11.002
Gold mineralization in Gnimi-Yaboghan, southwestern Burkina Faso, was investigated to enhance understanding
of its geological context and exploration potential. Geological mapping at a 1:50,000 scale revealed amphibolite, schist,
granitoid, and quartz veins. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses (XRF, ICP-MS) and fire assay techniques identified
quartz, feldspar, mica, and accessory minerals. The granitoids were classified as calc-alkaline, peraluminous, and S-type,
indicating formation in a subduction zone. A ternary diagram suggested a hydrothermal submarine origin for the quartz
veins. Lithophile elements (K, Rb, Ba, Sr) showed a genetic link between quartz veins and metasedimentary rocks, with
metamorphic fluids likely responsible for gold deposition. Gold content was very low in granitoids (<0.002 ppm) but reached
up to 9.9 ppm in quartz veins, confirming them as the primary gold-bearing structures. This study supports previous
findings that most gold in Burkina Faso is hosted in quartz veins and highlights the significance of hydrothermal processes
in mineralization.
Keywords :
Geochemical Prospecting, Gold Mineralisation, Hydrothermal Fluid, Structures, Burkina-Faso.