Geophysical exploration of the Kalahari Suture Zone

✍ Scribed by J.S. Brett; R. Mason; P.H. Smith

• Book ID: 104354014
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2000
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 942 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1464-343X
• DOI: 10.1016/s0899-5362(00)00034-8

✦ Synopsis

Limited of Montreal, Canada, commenced exploration of the Kalahari Suture Zone in southwest Botswana in 1996, following the interpretation of airborne magnetic surveys covering 400 km of strike along the Kalahari Suture Zone. Initial focus was on mafic/ultramafic intrusions associated with the Tshane Complex as potential targets for Cu-Ni-PGM mineralization, but these targets are now considered to be too deeply buried (>700 m) to be of economic significance at this time. The exploration focus has been redirected to several prospective large coincident magnetic/gravity anomalies. These are considered prospective targets for Olympic Dam-type Cu-Co mineralisation associated with alkaline intrusive complexes, and/or Ni-Cu-Co-PGM mineralisation associated with basic intrusive complexes. The two most important and prospective targets are the so-called 'Great Red Spot' and Tsetseng Complex. Additional ground geophysical surveys and deep drilling are planned for the next phase of exploration. These large targets are of high priority and represent tremendous potential for mineral development in the sparsely populated area of western Botswana.