Multiphase origin of the Cu–Co ore deposits in the western part of the Lufilian fold-and-thrust belt, Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo)

A multiphase origin of the Cu–Co ores in the western part of the Lufilian fold-and-thrust belt in Central Africa is proposed based on literature, satellite image interpretations and petrographic and fluid inclusion analyses on samples from the stratiform mineralization of Kamoto and Musonoi (DR Congo). The various mineral occurrences in the Katanga Copperbelt can be classified in distinct categories: stratiform, supergene enrichment and vein-type. The stratiform mineralization form the largest group and can be found mainly in Lower Roan (R-2) rocks, which can be identified as ridges on satellite imagery. Ore deposits outside the R-2 occur along lineaments and result often from supergene enrichment.The main phase of the stratiform mineralization in the Katanga Copperbelt occurred during diagenesis preceding the Lufilian orogeny. Petrographic observation identified various mineralizing phases, which played a role in the formation of these stratiform mineralization. Mineralization started during early diagenesis, but mainly occurred during further burial. After the formation of early diagenetic pyrite, the circulation of diagenetic Cu–Co-rich fluids resulted in the formation of the main mineralization. Preliminary microthermometric investigation of primary inclusions in authigenic quartz, associated with the main stage of stratiform mineralization, indicates that an H2O–NaCl fluid with a minimum temperature between 80 and 195 °C and a salinity between 8.4 and 18.4 eq. wt% NaCl circulated during the main phase of mineralization.Numerous faults and fractures formed during the Lufilian orogeny cut the stratiform mineralization. They are, however, at Kamoto and Musonoi only associated with minor sulphides. Supergene alteration along faults and fractures resulted in an enrichment of the mineralization, with the formation of secondary Cu-oxides, -carbonates and -silicates.The importance of the interaction of various processes for the formation of economic Cu–Co ore deposits is confirmed by the straightforward relationship on satellite imagery between the location of economic mineral occurrences and faults, which acted as pathway for descending waters that caused the supergene enrichment and upgrading of the primary mineralization.