De Putter, T.,  Mees, F.,  Decrée, S. & Dewaele, S. 2011. ‘Supergene copper deposits and minerals in the world-class SHSC deposits of the Central African Copperbelt (Katanga, DRC)’. In: Barra F et al (eds), Let’s talk of ore deposits, Proceedings of the XIth Bienneal SGA Meeting,. Book of abstracts. Antofagasta : Universidad Catholica del Norte, 838-840. (PR)

Conference abstract

Central Africa is a region with an exceptional wealth in mineral deposits. The Copperbelt, a world-class series of copper and cobalt deposits, located in northern Zambia and in the south-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Katanga), has received considerable attention from ore geologists. However, only few of these studies have focused on the supergene Cu- and Co-ore deposits capping the primary ores. This secondary ore “bonanza” results from a combination of geodynamic and geochemical processes, from the beginning of the Cenozoic era onward. These secondary deposits deserve attention, as features providing key information about recent regional geodynamics, as Cu ores with a great diversity in mineralogical composition, and, especially, as deposits of great economic importance, in particular for artisanal mining.