Scope of stratigraphic and sedimentologic analysis of the Katanga Sequence, Zambia

Abstract

It is speculated that the Katanga Sequence of the Zambian Copperbelt may have been deposited in a large basin which extended to the southwest into South West Africa. This concept calls for improved regional correlation, particularly since many economic strata-bound deposits in these areas are found in identical stratigraphic sequences of similar age. The Great Conglomerate, partially glacial in origin, can be considered a deposit of the widespread Late Precambrian glaciation and can, therefore, provide a much needed time-stratigraphic marker. The association of the Copperbelt orebodies to particular sedimentary facies may help to delineate trends of mineralization on a local as well as on a more regional scale. The lowermost part of the Katanga Sequence is interpreted as deposited during a regional transgression of the sea which created similar environments along a northwest-southeast belt. Though much of the Copperbelt ore is considered syn-sedimentary in origin, some occurrences are better explained by secondary processes.