TITLE:
Structural Controls and Predictive Mapping of Tin, Niobium and Tantalum Mineralization Associated with the Mayo Darlé Stanniferous Granitoids; Contributions of Geostatistics
AUTHORS:
Bah-Yero Liman, Ngounouno Ismaïla, Mbowou Gbambié Isaac Bertrand, Alpha Baster Kenfack Fokem, André William Boroh, Amadou Diguim Kepnamou
KEYWORDS:
Mayo Darlé, Tin, Niobium, Tantalum, Geostatistics, Mapping
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.12 No.1,
January
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study of the spatial dispersion of
tin, niobium and tantalum mineralization associated with the Mayo Darlé
granitoids was to produce prospecting guides through predictive maps of Sn, Nb
and Ta in the region. It was based on a database (in appendix) obtained after
analysis of rock samples (greisens and quartz veins) collected in the field,
using a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Two approaches were
used: 1) structural studies in the field using the directions of veins and
fractures 2) the use of variographic maps, an essential element in
geostatistics for determining directional anisotropies. A joint synthesis of
the modelling results shows that tin, tantalum and niobium mineralization at
Mayo Darlé is concentrated along strike intervals N315E to N320E, with
mineralization also occurring along strike N35E for high-grade Sn, medium-grade
Ta and low-grade Nb. In short, mineral concentrations disperse progressively in
space: positively from east to west for tantalum and niobium, and inversely for
tin.