Keynote speaker: Rob Bowell

Africa is continent rich in mineral resources, with deposits of precious metals, base metals, industrial minerals, and energy minerals. The geology of Africa is diverse, and the continent contains a wide range of mineral deposit types, including magmatic, hydrothermal, sedimentary, and metamorphic deposits.

Magmatic deposits are formed from the cooling and crystallization of magma, and they are found in areas with volcanic activity. The Bushveld Complex in South Africa is one of the largest magmatic deposits in the world, containing platinum, palladium, rhodium, and other metals. Other magmatic deposits in Africa include the Sukari gold deposit in Egypt, and the Archean Greenstone Belt hosted nickel sulphide deposits in Zimbabwe.

Hydrothermal deposits are formed when hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through the Earth's crust and deposit minerals in fractures and voids. These deposits are often associated with volcanic activity and can be found in areas with geothermal activity. Examples of hydrothermal deposits in Africa include the Kibali gold deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Geita gold deposit in Tanzania, and the Tasiast gold deposit in Mauritania.

Sedimentary deposits are formed from the accumulation and cementation of sedimentary rocks. These deposits can contain minerals such as coal, phosphate, and iron. The major sedimentary deposit in Africa is the phosphorite deposits in Morocco and Western Sahara, which contain large reserves of phosphates used in fertilizers.

Metamorphic deposits are formed when rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, causing them to undergo changes in mineralogy and texture. These deposits can contain minerals such as diamonds, gold, and platinum. The Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa is one of the largest gold deposits in the world and is believed to have been formed from metamorphic processes.

In addition to these major deposit types, Africa also contains important energy resources such as oil and gas. The Niger Delta in Nigeria is a major oil and gas producing region, as is the Gulf of Guinea along the west coast of Africa.

All in all, the geology of Africa is diverse, and the continent contains a wide range of mineral deposit types. The mineral resources of Africa are critical to the global economy and have played a significant role in the development of many African countries.

ST03_S01- Metallogeny and Ore Deposits in Africa

Convener: Aphary Muyongo and Abasi Vatuva

Africa is continent rich in mineral resources, and its metallogeny and ore deposits have played a significant role in shaping its economic development. The continent hosts a diverse array of valuable minerals and ore deposits, including gold, copper, iron, uranium, diamonds, and platinum group elements, among others. These deposits are associated with a variety of geological settings, such as greenstone belts, granite intrusions, sedimentary basins, and kimberlite pipes. The Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa stands out as one of the world's largest gold deposits, while the Copperbelt region in Central Africa is renowned for its vast copper and cobalt resources. The exploration and exploitation of these mineral deposits have driven economic growth and attracted significant investment in mining industries across the continent. Additionally, Africa's mineral resources continue to be of global importance, contributing to the global supply of essential metals and minerals. The study of metallogeny and ore deposits in Africa is vital for understanding the geological processes that have led to the formation and distribution of these valuable resources, ultimately aiding in their responsible exploration and sustainable development.

ST03_S02- The Geology and Geo-resources in Northwest Africa.

Convener: Youssef Driouch 

Northwest Africa (NWA) is a region with diverse geology and abundant georessources. The area encompasses countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and parts of Western Sahara. The geology of NWA comprises a variety of rock formations, including sedimentary basins, mountain ranges, volcanic terrains, and extensive desert landscapes. The Atlas Mountains traverse the region, hosting valuable mineral deposits like lead, zinc, copper, and phosphates. In the Sahara Desert, vast reserves of oil and natural gas are found, contributing to the energy resources of the area. Additionally, NWA is renowned for its rich mineral wealth, including precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as industrial minerals like gypsum, salt, and phosphate rock. The region's georessources have significant economic importance, driving industries and attracting investment in mining and energy sectors. Understanding the geology and georessources of NWA is crucial for sustainable management, resource exploration, and harnessing the potential of these valuable natural resources for the benefit of the region's economies and communities.

ST03_S03- Rare earth and critical metals in ore deposits: Mineralogy and genesis

Convener: Rainer Ellmies 

Africa is a significant player in the global production of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical metals due to its rich mineral deposits. Rare earth elements (REEs) and critical metals are a group of strategically important elements that play a crucial role in various modern technologies and industries. These elements, including neodymium, dysprosium, and cobalt, are essential for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, electronics, and defense applications. Ore deposits hosting REEs and critical metals can have diverse mineralogy and genesis. The mineralogy and genesis of these deposits in Africa vary across different regions. In Southern Africa, carbonatite complexes, such as the Palabora Complex in South Africa and the Zomba-Malosa Complex in Malawi, host economically viable REE and critical metal mineralization. These deposits contain minerals like bastnäsite, monazite, and apatite. In West Africa, lateritic weathering processes have resulted in the formation of ion adsorption deposits, similar to those found in southern China. These deposits, primarily in Madagascar and Mozambique, are characterized by the accumulation of REEs and critical metals in clay-rich soils. Hydrothermal vein and pegmatite deposits are also found in Africa, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia, where minerals like columbite-tantalite and spodumene host tantalum, niobium, and lithium, which are critical metals for high-tech industries. The mineralogy and genesis of REE and critical metal deposits in Africa reflect the continent's diverse geological history and offer significant potential for the sustainable production of these valuable resources.

ST03_S04- Geological characterization and ore genesis of critical metals and mineral deposits in Africa

Conveners: Rob Bowell, Filadelphia Mbingeneeko and Abner Nghoongoloka

The geological characterization and ore genesis of critical metals and mineral deposits in Africa encompass a wide range of settings and processes. The continent is known for its diverse mineral wealth, including deposits of critical metals such as cobalt, platinum group elements, rare earth elements, and lithium. In Southern Africa, the Bushveld Complex in South Africa is a significant source of platinum group elements, formed through magmatic processes associated with layered intrusions. The Katanga Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosts important cobalt and copper deposits associated with sedimentary and hydrothermal processes. In West Africa, gold deposits are abundant, often associated with hydrothermal veins and shear zones. Additionally, pegmatite-hosted lithium deposits have been identified in countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe. The geological characterization of these deposits involves detailed mapping, geochemical analyses, and the study of structural controls to understand the specific geological processes that led to their formation. This knowledge is crucial for exploration efforts and sustainable resource management across the continent.

Africa has become a focus of exploration for critical metals and minerals that are associated with a high supply risk in the global market.  These includes Rare Earth Elements, Graphite, Copper, Manganese, Phosphates, Aluminum, Cobalt, Nickel, Vanadium and Lithium. Additionally, Africa is the host to the largest known resources of Germanium. This session will provide a forum for exploration and mining professionals as well as academics to present research on these deposits and will focus on the geological characteristics of these deposits, their relationship to the known geology and the key indicators to aid future exploration.

ST03_S05-Sediment-hosted and supergene manganese deposits

Convener: Absai Vatuva

Africa is home to significant sediment-hosted and supergene manganese deposits, which play a vital role in the global manganese industry. Sediment-hosted manganese deposits in Africa are often associated with marine sedimentary sequences, particularly in the Kalahari Basin of South Africa and Namibia. These deposits formed through diagenetic processes, where manganese-rich fluids interacted with organic matter and carbonate minerals in the sediment. The supergene manganese deposits in Africa occur as weathering products of primary manganese ores. In countries like Gabon and Ghana, weathering and lateritic processes have transformed primary manganese oxides into secondary minerals enriched in manganese. These supergene deposits are often found near the surface and are economically significant due to their high-grade manganese content. The geological characterization of sediment-hosted and supergene manganese deposits in Africa involves detailed geological mapping, geochemical analysis, and exploration efforts to identify potential mining targets. These deposits contribute to Africa's manganese production, which is essential for steelmaking and various industrial applications.

ST03_S06-New analytical techniques and equipment applied to ore deposits.

Convener: Ester Shalimba