Constraining kimberlite geology through integration of geophysical, geological and geochemical methods: A case study of the Mothae kimberlite, northern Lesotho

The Cretaceous Mothae kimberlite is located in northern Lesotho on the southeast margin of the Kaapvaal craton. Historical work suggests that Mothae has a low average diamond grade of ~ 3 cpht and the economic viability therefore depends on the presence of large, high quality (and thus value) diamonds as does that of the nearby Letseng Diamond Mine. Defining such a diamond population requires a very large and representative bulk sample. The near surface geology of the Mothae kimberlite was investigated using ground geophysical surveys, pit mapping, petrography, measurements of the mantle components and whole rock compositions. Integration of data from these different approaches clearly defines the outline of the kimberlite at the surface and permits definition, with varying confidence levels, of at least six geologically distinct domains within the body. The domains are defined primarily on the basis of variations in the relative abundances of certain mantle-derived minerals extracted from exploratory pit samples, supported to varying extents by geophysically-defined zones, variations in kimberlite type (established petrographically) and variations in whole rock composition. The domains are interpreted to reflect the presence of multiple phases of volcaniclastic kimberlite each with a potentially different diamond content. The map of the near surface geology constructed on the basis of the work described in this paper provides a valuable framework for planning of further drilling and sampling work aimed at constraining the diamond resource at Mothae. This study illustrates the value of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to understanding the geology of a complex kimberlite body during the early stages of evaluation.