This thesis reports the results of a mineralogical and geochemical study of pans situated in the Northern Cape Province with special emphasis on the clay minerals. From east to west the depth and size of the pans increase and associated with this increased maturity the abundance of salt (halite and thenardite) and the quantity of green sediment are also enhanced. Chemically the sediments are dominated by SiO2 that also dilutes Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O, Al2O3 and MgO (when associated with dolomite) concentrations. Authigenic calcite, dolomite, analcime and loughlinite (Na-sepiolite) occur in some of the pans to the west and FTIR spectrometry indicates that all the pans host glauconite and/or celadonite. However, smectite, illite/smectite interstratification, kaolinite and/or chlorite and loughlinite only occur in some pans. The glauconite and/or celadonite does not occur as discrete mineral grains, but forms part of the fine-grained matrix common to all of the pans and no evidence of any precursor minerals were observed. The pan environment appears to present a closed, saline setting that is conducive for the direct precipitation of a mica with a chemical composition between that of glauconite and celadonite. The influence of the water-table on the formation of the glauconite and/or celadonite appears to be significant, as the highest abundance of salt is invariably associated with the position in the profile where the sediment appears to reach its most intense green colour. In the case of Koi Pan, the celadonite component of the solid solution seems to increase as the green colour intensifies. Loughlinite in Koi Pan and Brak Pan sediments also appear to be authigenic and it is suggested that it forms after precipitation of low Mg calcite that leads to Mg enrichment of the system and consequent sepiolite formation associated with minor dolomite. Thermoluminescence ages obtained from the Koi Pan sediment range between 37ka and 48ka before present at a depth of ~120cm below the surface, while for Brak Pan, at roughly the same depth, an age of between 110ka and older than 150ka before present was obtained. This may suggest different sedimentation rates in the pans or much younger ages and thus faster formation of glauconite and/or celadonite in Koi Pan since it is suggested that the mineral is authigenic. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

The Albert Silver mine is situated on the farm Roodepoortjie, 32 kilometres north of Brorikhorstspruit in the Transvaal. The deposit forms the largest of a number of sub-parallel quartzhematite lodes accompanied by sulphide mineralization and is accompanied by an extensive alteration zone along its northern flank. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1970.

Field and laboratory spectroscopy are sub-fields of remote sensing, where the radiometric data of materials are individually measured either where the materials occur in situ or in a controlled laboratory environment. Both applications require the use of a spectroradiometer to record this reflected electromagnetic radiation. The spectral properties of rocks from the Mambulu Complex in the Natal Belt have not been studied previously. Four dominant rock types, namely, massif-type anorthosite, leuco-gabbro, pyroxenite and magnetitite were sampled from the Mambulu Complex and their spectral reflectances measured. Absorption features were determined after continuum removal was applied to the spectra. Anorthosite showed absorption features at 480-490, 592, 603, 608, 627-726, 765, 1410, 1905-1955, 2200, 2250 and 2330nm. For leuco-gabbro absorption features were observed at 481, 950-1010, 1407, 1917, 2206, 2252, and 2300-2340nm. Magnetitite displayed absorption features at 414, 460-515, 620-715, 982, 1380-1480, 1800, 1905-1930 and 2145-2330nm. For medium-grained pyroxenite absorption features were present at 410-420, 483, 680, 977-993, 1410-1415, 1800, 1920, 2205, 2250, 2307, 2400 and 2430nm. Coarse-grained pyroxenite showed absorption features at 460-727, 979, 1000, 1401, 1422, 1800, 1913, 1930, 2203, 2258, 2321, 2388 and 2421nm. ANOVAs and Bonferroni tests were applied to the spectral data to calculate significant spectral differences and between which pairs of rocks these significant differences occurred. Results showed that there were significant spectral differences between all the rock types of the Mambulu Complex. The variability of spectral characteristics within rock species was attributed to the difference in composition of fresh and weathered surfaces; and the significant spectral differences between rock samples can be attributed primarily to differences in mineral composition. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

Thesis (PhD) -- Stellenbosch Univesrsity, 1972. / The Darling batholith is characterised by large scale hybridisation, but mainly consists of the coarsely porphyritic Darling granite. This granite changes gradationally into a biotite-rich variety which occupies a roughly elliptical area with a major, northwesterly trending axis of 30 km. The biotite granite envelops a large irregular body of hybrid granodiorite. Small intrusions of younger granite occur within the batholith namely the Klipberg and Contreberg granites and possibly the biotite-rich Dassenberg granite. Dassen Island is underlain by fine-grained granite which could be related to either the younger or coarsely porphyritic granites. A prominent northwesterly trending mylonite zone can be traced through Darling to Swartberg, and ultimately to Trekoskraal in the Saldanha batholith, but is not continuous since it occasionally changes into gneissic granite and is also interrupted by the younger intrusives. Quantitative mapping included measurement of matrix grain size, average maximum phenocryst length, xenolith distribution density, quartz nodule distribution density and average size, lineation, dark mineral index and gneissosity. On Dassen Island the distribution of tourmaline nodules was , determined. The results are displayed as small scale contour maps which show strong correlation between the various parameters. The average values of matrix grain size, average phenocryst length and xenolith distribution density are respectively 2-5mm, 20-60mm and 0-1,5 per m² for the Darling granite, and 1-2 mm, 5-20 mm and 1-9 per m² for the hybrid granodiorite. It was found that the matrix grain size decreases with increase in hybridisation. The spotty distribution pattern of tourmaline nodules on Dassen Island indicates addition of boron by assimilation of metamorphites and a late stage liquid immiscibility process. The granites :.have normal mineralogy and the K-feldspar of the phenocrysts is maximum microcline (Δ = 0,9 - 1,0). The hybrid granodiorite contains much pinitised cordierite and locally garnet. The deeply pleochroic bioti te is probably of the 2M1 polytype and has a higher Fe:Mg ratio in the hybrid granodiorite than in the granite (2,8 - 3,0 vs. 2,2 - 2,3). The intimately associated chlorite seems to be of the Ia polytype. The cordierite is of the normal and low temperature type with average intensity index of 2,7 , distortion index of 0,3 and 2 a of 63°. The xenoliths are predominantly quartzitic metagraywackes, but lime-rich types holding sphene and diopside were occasionally encountered. Thirteen new chemical analyses and thirty-one previously published analyses are used to calculate average composite analyses of the various rock types. The results of calculations employing Barth standard cell values indicate that the hybrid granodiorite could have originated by reaction between granite magma and Malmesbury quartzitic metagraywacke and pe-lite with a little limestone. A "granite differentiation index" based on weight percentages of (Ti02 + MgO + FeO + Fe2O3) and (Si02 + Na2O + K2O) shows a linear relationship between the granites in probable order of age. The magmatic differentiation trend is separated from the hybridisation trend on a 6alk - 2(al - alk) - (100 - 2al) diagram. Mesonorms and their cordierite variants are used to effect comparison with the experimental granitic system of von Platen (1965). The Darling and Contreberg granites plot near the relevant cotectic surfaces. A pilot experimental study of melting behaviour indicates that the Contreberg granite is closer to a minimum melt composition than the Darling granite. Comparison of alkali values with a M Na2O - M K2O Schreinemakers diagram of Korzhinskii (1959), shows that the alkali ratio of the older analyses may be incorrect, and indicates that the dark minerals have a greater effect on plagioclase composition than the amount of K-feldspar. The classification of granites by means of Harpum diagrams is shown to have little relevance to the reconstruction of the ancient thermodynamical variants. The Darling granite is correlated with the Hoedjies Point granite of the Saldanha batholith and on geochronological evidence probably corresponds in age (500- 600 m.y.) with the Cape Peninsula granite. The younger granites of Darling are tentatively correlated with the Cape Columbine granite of the Saldanha batholith. The northeastern boundary of the Darling batholith is a major fault, the Colenso fault, which is considered to extend as far as Northwest Bay, Saldanha. It is proposed that the Darling batholith occupies a down-faulted block within a graben and that the hybrid granodiorite represents a remnant synform of the roof rocks intruded by the granite. The younger granites constitute only four percent by volume of the batholith and may represent anatectic melts from a nearby subjacent source.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study is to ascertain whether geochemical exploration techniques can be used in the search for tanzanite deposits in the Merelani area, NE Tanzania. Previous studies have successfully demonstrated a partial extraction method (in situ soil leaching) in identifying prospective ultramafic bodies at the Rockland ruby mine in the Mangare area, Kenya, thereby demonstrating the usefulness of geochemical methods in gemstone exploration. In this study, a partial extraction as well as a whole-rock geochemical method was used to determine the applicability of these methods in prospecting for tanzanite mineralisation using different sampling media, such as soil, stream sediment and calcrete. It is possible that this geochemical approach may not be as effective as physical methods such as the separation and examination of heavy mineral suites. However, its viability needs to be evaluated due to the potential efficiency and relative logistic ease of the method. In essence the scientific method employed is to compare overburden (soils, stream sediments and calcrete) chemistry with known underlying geology, the latter having been established via diamond core drilling. A positive correlation would allow the prediction of overburden covered tanzanite mineralisation. Soil samples were collected from a trench dug perpendicular to regional lithological strike over both barren and tanzanite-bearing horizons. XRF trace element data for the soils was compared to the chemistry of the underlying lithologies. ICP-AE data derived from 1 molar HCL soil leachate (12 hour leach) and soil XRF data, from the same samples, was compared, using a mass balance index, to discern any hydromorphic dispersion of selected trace elements and to evaluate the leachate as a viable alternative to XRF analysis. In general, a good correlation exists between the soil and rock trace element data profiles over the length of the section. However, Ti- and Zr-normalised mass balance calculations show some down-hill drift, but this does not disrupt the overall pattern. The ICP-AE acid leach data show that hydromorphic dispersion is low, that the trace elements of interest (V, Cr, Ni and Cu) are hosted within non-soluble phases. Consequently, the leach technique is not a viable alternative to XRF analysis of the soils. XRF analysis of the soils was shown to be potentially useful in identifying new areas of mineralisation as the soils overlying a graphitic calc-silicate schist, that always occurs adjacent to the tanzanite mineralisation in the Merelani area, was found to be easily identifiable based on anomalous concentrations of V. An exploration concession was chosen for stream sediment sampling on the basis of the presence of large streams, of a few tsavorite mines indicating high prospectivity for tanzanite, and because of a variation in geology on the property. Tanzanite and tsavorite are cogenetic in the known tanzanite deposits. In this case the aim was to investigate the possible occurrence of tanzanite-like geochemical anomolies (i.e. the anomalous V observed in the soil chemistry investigation) could be detected in the vicinity of the tsavorite mines. Tsavorite, the gem variety of grossular garnet, also contains high concentrations of V. The samples were analysed by XRF whole-rock methods for trace element content. The data shows a number of clear positive V anomalies in the study area. The data also shows that each of the existing or abandoned mines in the area is marked by a positive V anomaly. This section of the study also demonstrated a relatively low degree of stream sediment dispersion of the trace elements of interest – most likely a function of the semi-arid climate. The fine fraction (<90μm), however was shown to be mobilised to a relatively larger degree than the coarse (180μm – 300μm) and medium (90μm - 180μm) fractions. As is predictable from the leachate analysis, factor analysis of the data shows that the trace elements are dominated by heavy mineral geochemistry and that a study in heavy mineral exploration might provide a cheaper and more viable option to those explored in this study. Calcrete samples were taken from an abandoned, 10m deep mine shaft, which was sunk through the calcrete to reach the tanzanite deposit. The shaft was sampled from the bottom, closest to the tanzanite mineralisation, to the surface to investigate the association between trace element geochemistry and proximity to the deposit. There was no vertical association between the trace element geochemistry of the calcrete and proximity to the tanzanite deposit. There was also no clear indication in the geochemistry of the calcrete of the existence of the tanzanite deposit beneath it. This further indicates the immobility of the elements of interest in this environment. This study has demonstrated that properly constrained soil and stream sediment geochemical studies may be of use in tanzanite exploration. However, it must be stressed that this is only the case if the geochemical signature of the lithological package associated with the mineralisation is unique and well known. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om te bepaal of geochemiese eksplorasie tegnieke vir die soek na tanzaniet afsettings in die Merelani area, noord-oos Tanzanië, gebruik kan word. Voorige studies het gewys dat ‘n gedeeltelike ekstraksie metode (in situ grond looging) gebruik kon word om prospektiewe ultramafiese liggame by the Rockland rubyn myn in die Mangare area, Kenia te identifiseer. Hierby is gedemonstreer dat geochemiese eksplorasie metodes suksesvol in edelsteen eksplorasie toegepas kan word. In hierdie studie is ‘n gedeeltelike ekstrasksie en heel-rots geochemiese metodes gebruik om die toepaslikheid van hierdie metodes op tanzaniet eksplorasie te toets. Verskillende geologiese materiale is gemonster, naamlik grond, stroom sedimente en kalkreet. Dit is moontlik dat hierdie geochemiese benadering nie so effektief soos fisiese metodes soos swaar mineraal skeidings mag wees nie. Dit is nogtans belangrik om die toepaslikheid van hierdie metodes op tanzanite eksplorasie te toests, as gevolg van die potensiële effektiwiteit en relatiewe logistiese gemak van die metodes. Die essensie van die wetenskaplike metodiek wat in hierdie studie gebruik is, is om die geochemie van die grond, stroom sedimente en kalkreet te vergelyk met die geochemie van die onderliggende geologie wat deur middel van diamant boorwerk vasgestel is. ‘n Positiewe korrelasie sou dan dui op ‘n bedekte tanzaniet afsetting. Grond monsters is van ‘n sloot geneem wat loodreg op die strekking van die tanzaniet gemineraliseerde en ongemineraliseerde horisonne gegrawe is. XRF spoor element data van die gronde is vergelyk met die chemie van die onderliggende gesteentes. IGP-AE data wat bekom is deur die monsters met 1 molaar HCl te loog (12 uur loging) is vergelyk met XRF data van dieselfde monsters deur middel van ‘n massa balans indeks om te bepaal of daar enige hidromorfiese dispersie van sekere spoor elemente is en om die toepaslikheid van loging as ‘n alternatief tot die heel-rots metode te bepaal. In die algemeen is daar ‘n goeie korrelasie tussen die grond en rots spoor element data profiele oor die lengte van die seksie. Alhoewel, Ti- en Zr-genormaliseerde massa balans data profiele wys dat daar ‘n mate van afwaartse beweging van grond na die voet van die heuwel is, maar dat hierdie ‘n breuk in die algemene patroon vorm nie. Die IGP-AE data dui daarop dat die hidromorfiese verspreiding van spoor elemente laag is en dat die spoor elemente wat van belang is (V, Cr, Ni en Cu) in nie-oplosbare fases gesetel is. Gevolglik is die logings metode nie ‘n toepaslike alternatief tot die heel-rots XRF metode op gronde nie. XRF analises op die gronde het gewys dat die XRF metode moontlik nuttig kan wees om nuwe areas van tanzanite mineralisasie aan te dui, omdat die gronde wat ‘n grafietiese kalk-silikaat skis oorlê, wat altyd langs die tanzaniet draende horisonne voorkom, is op grond van anomale konsentrasies van V geïdentifiseer. ‘n Eksplorasie konsessie is op die basis van die teenwoordigheid van groot strome, ‘n paar tsavoriet myne wat aanduidend is van hoë prospektiwiteit vir tanzaniet is en as gevolg van ‘n variasie in geologie in die area vir stroom sediment monstering gekies. Tanzaniet en tsavoriet is kogeneties in bekende tanzaniet afsettings. In hierdie geval was die doel om te ondersoek of tanzanietagtige anomalieë (nl. die anomale konsentrasies van V wat in die ondersoek van die grond chemie opgemerk is) in die omgewing van die tsavoriet myne geïdentifiseer kan word. Tsavoriet, die edelsteen variëteit van grossulaar granaat, bevat hoë konsentrasies V. Die monsters is deur middel van die XRF heel-rots metode vir spoor elemente geanaliseer. Die data dui op ‘n paar monsters met hoë V konsentrasies in die ondersoek area. Hierdie studie het ook gedui op ‘n lae stroom sediment verspreiding van die spoor elemente van belang, heel waarskynlik is dit ‘n funksie van die semi-ariede klimaat. Die fyn fraksie (< 90μm) blyk tot ‘n groter mate as die growwer (90μm tot 180μm en 180μm - 300μm) fraksies gemobiliseer te word. Soos voorspel kan word deur die loogings analise het faktor analise gewys dat die spoor elemente deur swaar mineraal geochemie gedomineer word en dat ‘n studie op swaar minerale moontlik ‘n goedkoper en meer toepaslike eksploraise metode is as die wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is. Kalkreet monsters is van ‘n ongebruikte, 10m diep myn skag wat deur die kalkreet gesink is om by die tanzaniet gemineraliseerde horison uit te kom geneem. Monsters is van die bodem van die skag, naaste aan die tanzaniet mineralisasie, tot die oppervlak geneem om die assosiasie tussen die spoor element geochemie en afstand van die tanzaniet mineralisasie te ondersoek. Geen vertikale assosiasie tussen spoor element geochemie en die nabyheid tot die tanzaniet afsetting kon vasgestel word nie. Daar was geen duidelike aanduiding in die geochemie van die kalkreet op die onderliggende tanzanite afsetting nie. Hierdie is ‘n verdere annduiding op die nie-mobiele toestand van spoor elemente in hierdie omgewing. Hierdie studie het suksesvol gedemonstreer dat goed gedefinieerde grond en stroom sediment geochemiese studies moontlik in geochemiese eksplorasie vir tanzaniet bruikbaar kan wees. Dit is belangrik om in gedagte te hou dat dit slegs die geval is as die geochemie van die litologiese paket wat met die mineralisasie geassosieer is uniek en goed bekend is.

The intention of this work is to provide a deeper understanding of the engineering geological behaviour of granite saprolite and how this affects the engineering of such material, with specific reference to the construction of Injaka Dam in the north eastern portion of South Africa Whilst extensive investigation of weathered granites has been carried out internationally, very little detailed research on the nature of this material is documented locally. The construction of Injaka Dam afforded the opportunity to investigate the saprolite in detail. This study was initially submitted to the Department of Geology and Applied Geology at the University of Natal, Durban (renamed the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2004) to fulfill the requirement of a Master of Science degree in 200 I. Following this submission, and supported by recommendations made by the external examiners and the project supervisor, it was agreed to upgrade the work and submit this thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Intensive chemical weathering of granite at Injaka Dam site has resulted in the formation of thick saprolitic deposits overlying the weathered bedrock. The granite forms part of the 3 075 Ma Nelspruit Suite which has been intersected by the African erosion surface. The extensive, multicyclic period of weathering and erosion that formed this surface has resulted in deep (up to 35 m) chemical weathering of the underlying bedrock in this area. The construction of Injaka Dam on this material necessitated a thorough engineering geological investigation to understand the nature of the weathering and the possible influences it exerts on the engineering behaviour of the saprolite. This was accomplished by analysing the weathering of the granite and relating the effects of these weathering processes and changes to the engineering behaviour of the material. By applying various chemical and mineralogical indices to the weathered granite, the intensity of weathering and related changes could be quantified and compared with the engineering behaviour of the material. This was achieved by applying a series of engineering indices to the material and relating these to the quantified weathering changes. In this way tentative extrapolation of the engineering behaviour of the material could be gained and used to predict engineering performance. The resultant effects of the engineering behaviour of the material on the design and construction of the dam are also discussed. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, 2004.

Detailed geological knowledge is often a major unknown factor in open pit mining and design, and therefore poses a significant risk in the mining venture. As the knowledge of the geology improves so the risk of unforeseen conditions reduces and therefore safety and productivity can be increased. Historically, geotechnical methods and information have predominantly been used exclusively for pit slope optimisation. This research documents the procedures and developments undertaken to compile a comprehensive geotechnical database, and the application of the geotechnical data to open pit mining, beneficiation and planning. The utilisation of the geotechnical information has been enhanced through the novel development and application of a computerised, 3D geotechnical model. Sandsloot open pit was developed to extract the Platreef pyroxenite orebody, which is hosted within the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. Sandsloot is currently the world's largest open pit exploiting Platinum Group Metals. Interaction of the basic magma with the footwall sediments of the Transvaal Supergroup and varying degrees of assimilation has resulted in a unique suite of hybrid rock types. These various rock types provide significant engineering geological challenges. Geology and the detailed understanding of its properties are fundamental to the optimal design and successful operation of any mine. Extensive fieldwork was conducted to collect geotechnical information, both from exploration boreholes and in-pit mining faces. Over a 5-year period, geotechnical data were collected from 29,213 m of exploration core and 6,873 m of exposed mining faces. Extensive field and laboratory testing was undertaken in order to define the complete set of geotechnical properties for each rock type in the Sandsloot mining area. The geotechnical information relating to each borehole and facemap was stored in the Datamine® software package. The information was collected in the form of rock mass rating (RMR), uniaxial compressive strength (DCS), fracture frequency (FF/m) and rock quality designation (RQD). The architecture of the database was developed along the principals used for generating an ore reserve model. One of the novel applications was the development of a computerized 3D, geotechnical model in Datamine®. The geotechnical parameters, namely RMR, DCS, FF/m and RQD, were modelled for each rock type, using geostatistics, to generate a 3D model. The data were interpolated between exploration boreholes and exposed mining faces and the modelling was constrained using wireframes separated by rock type. The result is a 3D model containing 15 m3 model blocks populated with interpolated geotechnical information. The dimensions of the model blocks are linked to the mining bench height of 15 m. The model can be queried to give predictions on rock mass conditions for any planned mining area, as is the case with the ore reserve model, which provides predictions on platinum grades. The crux of the innovative research is the practical application of the 3D geotechnical model. This was achieved through the development of both a fragmentation and a slope design model, which read the interpolated geotechnical information. These models provided an engineering tool to optimise mining and milling perfonnance. Rather than viewing the drill and blast department as an isolated cost centre and focussing on minimising drill and blast costs, the application of the model concentrated on the fragmentation requirements of the milling and mining business areas. Two hundred and thirty-eight blasts were assessed to detennine the optimum fragmentation requirements for ore and waste. Based on the study a mean fragmentation target of 150 mm was set for delivery to the crushing circuit and a mean fragmentation of 230 mm was set for waste loading from the pit. The mine operates autogenous mills, which are sensitive to the fragmentation profile delivered. The harder zones occurring in the ore zone have a major impact on the plant's perfonnance. The geotechnical parameters in the model were related to Lilly's Blastability Index, and in turn to required explosive volumes and the associated drill and blast costs. Having defmed the fragmentation targets, the Kuz-Ram equation was used in the fragmentation model to predict the explosive volumes required to ensure consistent mining and milling perfonnance. The geotechnical model is used to predict changes in geotechnical conditions and therefore the blasting parameters can be adjusted in advance to ensure the milling and mining fragmentation requirements are met. Through the application of the fragmentation model over an eighteen-month period the loading and milling efficiencies improved by 8.5% and 8.8% respectively, resulting in additional revenue ofR29 million for PPL. Based on the mining rock mass rating (MRMR) values within the geotechnical model a stable slope design model was created in order to calculate optimum inter-ramp angles. From a slope design perspective the model was used to target data-deficient zones and highlight potentially weak rock mass areas. As this can be viewed in 3D, the open pit slopes were designed to accommodate the poor quality areas before they are excavated. It also follows that competent geotechnical zones can be readily identified and the slope optimised accordingly. Due to the detailed geotechnical infonnation being available in three dimensions, the open pit slopes were designed based on a risk versus reward profile. As a significant geotechnical database was available, more accurate and reliable designs were generated resulting in the overall slope angle increasing by 3 degrees. This optimisation process will result in a revenue gain of R900 million over the life of the mine. The revenue and safety benefits associated with this design methodology are substantial and have potential application to all open pit mining operations. The research has enabled detailed geotechnical infonnation to be available in three dimensions. This information can be readily accessed and interpreted, thus providing a powerful planning and financial tool from which production optimisations, feasibility studies and planning initiatives can be implemented. The development and application of a 3D geotechnical model has added a new dimension to the constant strive for business improvement and reflects a novel and successful approach towards the application of engineering geology at the Sandsloot mining operation. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The eastern portion of the Namaqua-Natal Mobile Belt, the Natal Metamorphic Province is divided into four main tectonostratigraphic units. These units comprise two accreted island arcs: the Mzumbe and Margate Terranes; an imbricately thrust nappe zone consisting of four ophiolitic nappes in a hinterland-dipping duplex; and the highly deformed metavolcaniclastic/metagreywacke Mfongosi Group directly adjacent to the stable northern foreland of the Kaapvaal Craton. Theories of late-tectonic left-lateral movement in the southern island arcs are extrapolated northwards of the southern margin of the Kaapvaal Craton coincident with the Lilani-Matigulu Shear Zone. The relative timing and structural context of vein-hosted mineralization with respect to major recognized tectonic events is resolved in five separate areas, two in the Natal Nappe Zone and three in the Natal Thrust Front. The Madidima Nappe of the Natal Nappe Zone contains several north-northeast- to northeast-trending and northeast- to east-northeast trending quartzofeldspathic veined reefs considered to have formed in a late-tectonic left-lateral shear system (main shear and synthetic shear orientations, respectively). The northeast- to east-northeast-trending reef is duplicated due to infilling of normally-faulted steep structures in the semi-brittle, incremental normal faulting of the banded amphibolite component of the nappe. Later left-lateral movement has reactivated one of these steep structures along the southern margin of a regional F2-folded band of granite-gneiss in that a southwest extension of this structure may be responsible for sub-economic veining for a length of up to 9 km. The extensive flat-lying topography of the Mbongolwane Flats area, in which the reefs are situated, is accounted for by the accelerated weathering of rocks which underwent sustained late-tectonic metamorphism in the epidoteactinolite facies, accompanied by pervasive shearing and block rotation to the south of the southern limb of the regional F2 fold in the granite-gneiss. A large, kilometer-scale, open advective fluid system which provided fluid-mediated exchange between co-existing rocks existed at the time of vein formation. The fluid system was driven by early-tectonic intrusion of a granite gneiss and amphibole-rich granite. Two areas in the Mfongosi River valley, the northern and southern Mfongosi Valley areas, contain typical evidence of deformation at the leading edge of collision in a mobile belt. The southern Mfongosi Valley area, at the confluence of the Mfongosi and Tugela Rivers, contains veining which resulted from pressure solution of the host metavolcaniclastic/metagreywacke. Veining occupies predictable shear and tension fractures formed during the initial deformation of a foreland margin sequence, in addition to occupying those fractures formed by buckling on the layer-scale. The structural context of the northern Mfongosi Valley veining is defined by subsequent deformation and vein fragmentation such that the metavolcaniclastic/metagreywacke was reduced to a melange in which vein segments acted as competent clasts; a large-scale porphyroblast/matrix system. Formation of the Manyane Thrust to the south of the Mfongosi Group interrupted the normal retrograde metamorphism of the remainder of the Tugela Nappe and initiated a "hot iron effect" whereby a short-lived thermal pulse acted at the thrust plane, producing a reversed geothermal gradient in the underlying Mfongosi group. This reversed gradient would have been counteracted by a steepened normal geothermal gradient in the Mfongosi Group caused by overloading of the Natal Thrust Front by the Natal Nappe Zone. These geothermal gradients partly account for the concentration of veining in the areas of the Mfongosi Group which are directly adjacent to the Manyane Thrust, and directly adjacent to the Kaapvaal Craton, in the lower portions of the thrust front Stable isotope studies indicate fractionation between vein and wall rock under a short-lived, mainly rock-buffered, layer-scale fluid-movement system. Also forming part of the Mfongosi Group of the Natal Thrust Front, the Ngubevu area contains an apparently enigmatic distribution of veining accompanied by gold and base metal mineralization. The structural evolution of the Ngubevu area occurred during consistent left-lateral transpression into which has intruded early-tectonic veins, formed by pressure solution and having the same structural format as the early-tectonic veining in the southern Mfongosi Valley area. Subsequent deformation of the system was accompanied by 1900 -trending tension gashes which were continually ptygmatically-folded, sheared and offset to form occasionally mineralized quartzofeldspathic "blows" and along-strike stringers in the epidote- actinolite schist. Where veining cross-cuts narrow calcite - graphite - sericite - quartz - albite - tourmaline ± chlorite schist layers, gold mineralization occurred. The late-tectonic tension gashes, antitaxially filled by quartz and amorphous calcite, cross-cut the entire range of lithologies. The fluid system during vein deposition varied: during infilling of early-tectonic fractures a short-lived fluid-flow system dominated, with the emplacement of re crystallized wallrock occurring in a closed, non-advective regime under the influence of diffusion caused by pressure solution. The fluid system changed to a more open, advective, greater than layer-scale rock-buffered one with a decreasing contribution of material from immediate host rocks. An internal fluid source is implied for the entire period of vein emplacement, derived from structural analyses which indicates negative dilation across the Mfongosi Group in this area and by comparison of vein:wallrock δ180 values which indicate a lack of igneous-derived fluids. The Phoenix Mine, in the central portion of the Tugela Nappe, and the Ayres Reef, hosted in Manyane amphibolite adjacent to the Manyane Thrust, are grouped together on the basis of their cross-cutting nature and timing with respect to metamorphism and deformation of the host rock, and also due to their similarity in isotopic plots. Both vein sets occur in approximately east-west to east-northeast-trending zones which show evidence of late-tectonic left-lateral movement. Phoenix Mine veining occurs in weakly-metamorphosed meta-gabbro/meta-norite of the Tugela Rand Complex. The Manyane amphibolite demonstrates the amphibolite facies of metamorphism due to the short-lived thermal pulse at the Manyane Thrust. Both sets of veining display slickenlines which are indicative of their emplacement prior to the late-tectonic left-lateral movement. The unusually thick quartz veins of both deposits are the results of late- to post-Tugela Rand Complex fluids or the tapping of late-tectonic metamorphic fluid reservoirs. This caused silica metasomatism and redeposition of material in post-thrusting collapse features. A highly channelized, single-pass fluid system is proposed in the absence of intrusion-derived fluids. Whole rock geochemical data allow a distinction to be made between the Natal Thrust Front and the Natal Nappe Zone: the Foremost nappe of the nappe zone consists primarily of N-type mid-ocean ridge basalts/ocean-floor to within-plate basalts which were intruded prior to nappe emplacement by metaluminous orogenic volcanic arc granitiods. The thrust front displays a lateral variation in metabasite/metasediment ratio, with the ratio increasing from east to west in this inlier. In the east, in the Nkandlha area, melanged metagreywackes dominate and there is a marked paucity of associated metabasites. In the central portions of the thrust front, in the vicinity of the Mfongosi area, active continental margin/continental arc magmatogenic greywackes and arkoses are interlayered with calk-alkaline volcanic arc basalts (volcaniclastics). The greywacke geochemistry indicates little to no mafic/ultramafic influences in sediment contribution and the source of sediment is inferred to be the southern portions of the Kaapvaal Craton. The Nkandlha and Mfongosi area Mfongosi Group segments are considered to be in-situ or para-autochthonous. The western-most Ngubevu area predominantly hosts metabasites. The geochemistry of the metabasites indicates that they are N-type mid-ocean ridge basalts/ocean floor basalts from a destructive plate margin setting. The metabasites are interbanded with metapelitic/metacalcsilicate layers produced in a shallow water oxic environment, here inferred as a spatially-restricted shallow, marginal basin. The metabasites in the Ngubevu area are notably similar to those of the Madidima Nappe, indicating a similar provenance and pre-collisional mode of formation. It is proposed that the variation in the Natal Thrust Front was due to a north-east/south-west distribution of lithological proportions or mixing, with greywackes dominating in the northeast (in proximity to the Kaapvaal Craton) and metabasites dominating in the southwest. Left-lateral transpressional movement within the Mfongosi Group of the Natal Thrust Front, and the Natal Nappe Zone, was continuous throughout plate collision and obduction. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.

A regional field and geochemical study has allowed the identification of three primary units within the Proterozoic basement of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. The Nagle Dam Formation incorporates several chemically distinct orthogneiss series, characterised by limited intragroup fractionation, and derived from discrete sources. Intrusive into the gneisses are the megacrystic A-type granites of the Mgeni batholith, comprising the biotite granites of the Ximba Suite; the hornblende granites and charnockite of the Mlahlanja Suite; and the medium grained leucogranite of the Nqwadolo Suite. Petrogenetic modelling indicates that these are predominately cumulates. A general model for the A-type granites suggests that they were derived through variable MASH processes on an original within plate type basalt. Enclaves within the Mgeni batholith form a distinct series, the Valley Trust Formation, comprising a nongenetic orthogneiss association of amphibolite and crustal sourced quartzo-feldspathic gneiss and locally derived paragneisses. Interaction between the biotite granite and the pelitic enclaves generated a biotite garnet granite. Geothermobarometry suggests temperatures of metamorphism to a maximum of 770°c for the Nagle Dam Formation and c.850°C at a pressure of 6 kb for the Valley Trust Formation. Potential magmatic temperatures of c.760°C at 5 kb are derived for the Mgeni batholith. High Mn garnets within late veins indicate subsequent intrusion at higher levels. Derivation of a tectonic model for the Valley of a Thousand Hills is assisted by a revaluation of the chemical tectonic discrimination plots as source or initiator discriminators. These indicate an origin for the Nagle Dam Formation in an arc environment, while the bimodal orthogneiss association of the Valley Trust Formation and the A-type character of the Mgeni batholith suggests their evolution during extensional events. Geothermobarometry defines an isothermal decompression path, possibly generated during a collision event, superimposed on which is a potential midcrustal heating event, resultant on the intrusion of the Mgeni batholith. These data can be integrated with revised lithotectonic data from the southern portion of the Natal Province to derive a regional model. This comprises: the collision of a number of arcs with associated splitting to form backarcs, sedimentation, and failed rift systems; syn-collisional S-type magmatism, contemporaneous with isothermal decompression of the region; and a series of pulses of post-orogenic granites. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.