Recent contributions to copperbelt geochemistry

Abstract

Short abstracts are given of some recently completed investigations bearing on the geochemistry of Copperbelt ore deposits. Three detailed investigations were carried out on veins and altered barren zones in the ore-bearing argillites and footwall quartzites at Chambishi, Luanshya and Muliashi. At all three places, hot fluids have locally altered the host rock, formed veins, leached and remobilized sulphides, and in one case, formed breccia. Comparison of samples from selected parts of the orebody and barren rock at Chambishi has shown interesting mineral and chemical trends that may have important bearing on the origin of the ore. An investigation into the use of mercury in prospecting was also undertaken with some positive results