Within the framework of this research, the complex geological history of the Pan African-Volta basin has been systematically reconstructed. Based on a broad review of literature and new data, 5 stages of geological-tectonic development have been identified. For the first time a systematic review of the mineral potential of the Pan-African Volta Basin was executed. Known and potentially existing mineralization have been related to the geotectonic history and metallogenetic conclusions have been drawn. Based on the findings of this research, the folded thrust belt located at the eastern rim of the Volta basin has been identified as the most prospective area for the ultramafic rocks with chromite, nickel mineralization and PGEs, hydrothermal gold and banded iron formation (BIF) but this will require further work.

Within the framework of this research, the complex geological history of the Pan African-Volta basin has been systematically reconstructed. Based on a broad review of literature and new data, 5 stages of geological-tectonic development have been identified. For the first time a systematic review of the mineral potential of the Pan-African Volta Basin was executed. Known and potentially existing mineralization have been related to the geotectonic history and metallogenetic conclusions have been drawn. Based on the findings of this research, the folded thrust belt located at the eastern rim of the Volta basin has been identified as the most prospective area for the ultramafic rocks with chromite, nickel mineralization and PGEs, hydrothermal gold and banded iron formation (BIF) but this will require further work.:Table of contents Table of contents iii List of tables v List of figures 1 Introduction 5 Summary of work done 6 Acknowledgements 6 1 In the Geology and regional geotectonic development of the West African Shield 7 1.1 Introduction 7 1.2 The basement of the Proterozoic sedimentary platform cover 9 1.3 Connection of West African Shield to Brazil 10 1.4 The Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequence and the extent of the Volta Basin 13 1.4.1 Introduction 13 1.4.2 The Neoproterozoic Sedimentary Sequence 15 1.5 The Pan-African Mobile Belt 23 1.5.1 The Buem Fold and thrust belt 23 1.5.2 New defined units 30 1.6 Interpretation of the deep structure of the Volta Basin 35 1.7 Metallic Minerals 37 1.7.1 Introduction 37 1.7.2 Iron (Fe) 39 1.7.3 Aluminium (Al) 46 1.7.4 Manganese (Mn) 50 1.7.5 Lead (Pb) 52 1.7.6 Copper (Cu) 55 1.7.7 Mineralisation related to ultramafic rocks 57 1.7.8 Gold (Au) 69 1.7.9 Tantalum (Ta) 72 1.7.10 Zirconium (Zr) 73 1.7.11 Heavy minerals in sands of Paleochannels 76 1.8 Non-metallic minerals 83 1.8.1 Introduction 83 1.8.2 Limestone (CaCO3) 84 1.8.3 Magnesite (MgCO3) 91 1.8.4 Barite (BaSO4) 93 1.8.5 Diamonds 97 1.8.6 Bitumen 100 1.9 Mineral Prediction with advangeo® Prediction Software 102 2 Minerogeny 109 2.1 Mineralisation controls and indicators 109 2.1.1 Geochemical Properties of selected stratigraphic units 109 2.1.2 Intrusive rocks 114 2.1.3 Volcanic rocks 118 2.1.4 Fault structural controls 119 2.1.5 Reactive Rocks 121 2.1.6 Other sedimentary controls: placers and paleoplacers 122 2.1.7 Laterites 122 2.1.8 Control of diamond occurrences 132 2.2 Key stages of metallogenic development 132 3 Discussion and recommendations 136 3.1 Recommendations 138 4 List of References 139 5 Appendices 144 5.1.1 Sample G113RK1 144 5.1.2 Sample G109RK1 145 5.1.3 Sample G116RK1 147 5.1.4 Sample G121RK1 149 5.1.5 Sample G121RK2 151 5.1.6 Sample G121RK3 152 5.1.7 Sample G131RK1 154 5.1.8 Sample G144RK2 155 5.1.9 Sample G145RK1 156 5.1.10 Sample G147RK1 157 5.2 Thin Sections 159 5.3 Deep drilling Data 174 5.4 Geophysical Datasets 176 5.5 Geochemical properties of volcanic rocks 181 5.6 Regional Geochemical Datasets (MSSP) 186 5.6.1 Methodology of data processing 188 5.7 Geochemical analysis – Electronic Dump 190 5.8 Geochemical properties of selected geo-tectonic units 190 5.8.1 Epicratonic basin 190 5.8.2 Foreland Basin 195 5.8.3 Thrusted continental margin 202