Vunda N. Estimation of diamond-bearing prospects in Mussende district (Angola)

The thesis is devoted to theoretical substantiation the role of lithological, petrographic, structural-tectonic, magmatic and metasomatic factors in the formation of kimberlite in Mussende district. For the first time identified regularities of spatial distribution of kimberlite bodies. It is established that the main petrographic varieties of kimberlites are presented by kimberlite breccias, porphyry kimberlites, basaltic kimberlites, autolithic breccias. The presence of autolithic breccias confirms the high prospects of the diamond-bearing of kimberlites. It is established that the kimberlite pipes of Mussende district presented by petrographic varieties rocks of diatreme and crater facies. The composition of kimberlite indicator minerals is investigated. The presence of diamonds in schlich samples indicates a diamond-bearing of kimberlite pipes within the area of researches. Diamonds from kimberlites of Mussende district are presented by rhombic dodecahedron. Octahedral and transition to rombododekahedral forms are characteristic for the region with industrial diamond deposits. The thirteen kimberlite pipes are identified in Mussende district, which are located in the southeastern part of the Gango concession and within the Longo kimberlite field that confirm high prospects for diamond-bearing of area.