See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/363531039

Geochemical and Petrological Survey in Northern Ethiopia Basement Rocks

for Investigation of Gold and Base Metal Mineralization in Finarwa Area and
Its Surrounding Southeast Zone o...

Article in American Journal of Geospatial Technology · August 2022

DOI: 10.54536/ajgt.v1i1.404

CITATION READS

1 612

1 author:

Siraj Beyan Mohamed

Woldia university
3 PUBLICATIONS 37 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Siraj Beyan Mohamed on 11 October 2022.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

INDEXED IN
Page 1
 American Journal of Volume 1 Issue 1, Year 2022
Geospatial Technology (AJGT) https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt

Geochemical and Petrological Survey in Northern Ethiopia Basement Rocks for

Investigation of Gold and Base Metal Mineralization in Finarwa Area and Its Surrounding
Southeast Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia.
Siraj Beyan Mohamed1*

Article Information ABSTRACT

The study is accompanied in northern Ethiopian basement rocks, Finarwa area and its sur-
rounding areas, south eastern Tigray. The objective of the study is to amendment field geol-
Received: July 21, 2022 ogy, mineralogy, and geochemical characteristics to deliberate about the gold and base metal
Accepted: August 2, 2022 mineral potential investigations. From the field observations the geology of the area haven
been described and mapped based on mineral composition, texture, structure and colour of
Published: August 4, 2022 both fresh and weather rocks. The ore mineral under microscope are commonly base metal
sulphides pyrrhotite, Chalcopyrite, pentilandite occurring in variable proportions. Galena,
chalcopyrite, pyrite and gold mineral are hosted in quartz vein. The base metal sulfides occur
Keywords as disseminated, vein filling and replacement. Geochemical analyses result from inductively
Gold, Base metal, Slate-phyllite, coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
indicates the threshold of geochemical anomalies is directly related to the identification of
Meta-Volcanic, Threshold,
mineralization information. From samples stream sediment samples and the soil samples
Geochemical anomaly indicated that the most promising mineralization occur in the prospect area are gold(Au),
copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). This is also supported by the abundance of chalcopyrite and
sphalerite in some highly altered samples. The stream sediment geochemical survey data
shows relatively higher values for zinc compared to Pb and Cu. The moderate concentration
of the base metals in some of the samples indicates availability base metal mineralization
in the study area requiring further investigation. In addition the sulphide concentrations in
the research area are related to different stages of mineralization and are controlled both
by structures and lithology. They are well established in the slate-phyllite and metavolcanics
along the shear zones and faults as disseminated and vein filling. The rock and soil geochem-
istry shows significant concentration of gold with maximum value of 0.33ppm and 0.97
ppm in the south western part of the study area.

INTRODUCTION engaged in basic geological surveying of the country.

Rocks and minerals around us are used to develop new Mineral exploration as introduced in the country during
technologies and are used in our everyday lives. Our the 1960s when the United Nations Development
use of rocks and minerals includes as building material, program (UNDP) executed a mineral survey in western
cosmetics, cars, roads, and appliances. In order maintain and southern Ethiopia. The Economic Minerals
a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the body, humans need Exploration Department was organized in 1984, with the
to consume minerals daily. Ethiopia is one of the African establishment of the Ethiopian Institute of Geological
countries with considerable mineral resource potential and surveys (EIGS), later it was reorganized as the Mineral
is endowed with substantial amounts of metallic and non- Exploration and Evaluation Core Process (MEECP)
metallic resources and has a long history of exploration in July 2009. The aim of this unit is to conduct detail
(e.g. Assefa, 1985 and Tadesse et al., 2003). Low to high and follow up explorations and evaluate the economic
grade Precambrian rocks of southern, western, northern mineral as well as the hydrocarbon potential of the
and eastern Ethiopia have huge potential for base metal, country and assess the viability of these recourses for
precious and rare metal mineralization (Tadesse et al., further development, ultimately contributing to the socio-
2003). However, the mining activities have not reached economic progress. During the past here or four decades
to the expected levels and at the time Ethiopia is gaining various occurrences of precious, metallic, industrial and
marginal economic benefits from these resources. One of hydrocarbon resources have been identified.
the reasons for less input from the mineral sector seems Numerous gold and base metal occurrences that have been
to be the lack of basic geological information and skills, reported in several locations throughout Late Proterozoic
related to mineral exploration and sustainable conducive low-grade metamorphic belts of southern, southwestern,
environment for foreign and local investment but since western, eastern, and northern Ethiopia (Tadesse, et
the last decades or so the situation is fast changing in the al, 1996, Tadesse,et al, 2003). Gold is the dominant
country in favor of mineral exploration inviting many mineral commodity in Ethiopia and the artisanal miners
Page 15

exploration companies in the mining industry. occurs mainly in the form of secondary placer deposits.
Modern minerals exploration started in 1968 with the Primary gold is currently mined at the Lega Dembi area
establishment of Ethiopian Geological survey which is in southern Ethiopia, which has a resource of ~60 t Au
1
Woldia University , Ethiopia.
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected]
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

with an average 6 g/t of Au (Tadesse et al. 2003) that the livelihood of over 7.5 million populations.
hosted in Neoproterozoic greenstone rocks and shear- In the study area exploration activities have been
zone. Currently, some projects have reached an advanced unsuccessful in identifying surface and subsurface
exploration stage in western and northern Ethiopia and extensions of mineralization, largely due to a poor
are entering a pre-mining phase, possibly in a couple of understanding on the type of lithology, structural
years to become the next mines. Although Ethiopia is still controls, genesis and occurrences of mineralization.
underexplored for gold, and other metallic and industrial Underpinning Artisanal gold mining in Finarwa area is
mineral deposits, notable exploration activities have been the broader issue that structural adjustment and market
carried out both by the Geological Survey of Ethiopia liberalisation has ‘induced significant unemployment
and private companies. which has forced many people into illegal artisanal mining
Mineral resources of Ethiopia have not yet well explored to supplement their incomes’. So this study is carried out
and exploited, and hence its contribution to the overall to identify the host rock, type of alteration, structural
economy or GDP is low. However, as reported by the analysis, and geochemical anomaly and to recommend
World Bank Group (2014), its contribution to the site of mineralization to conduct feasibility study in the
foreign exchange earnings reached about 10% of which study area as well as correlating the anomaly with the
the artisan mining takes the lion’s share of over 65%. standard and correlating with similar deposits in other
The artisan mining also significantly contributes to the parts of Tigray.
employment of at least 1.26 million people and supports

Figure 1.1: Map of distribution low grade volcano-sedimentary sequences in Ethiopia (after Mengesha et al., 1996,
Gebresilassie, 2009 & cited from Haftu., 2015).
Description of the study area and mining with -free and reliable work plan has long
The study area is located in the northern Ethiopia, in been recognized by the mining companies. However,
south Eastern zone of Tigray along the Samre -Soqeta numerous mineral exploration projects are still plagued by
road town (Amhara region) which is about 90km from delays and cost overruns, which can frequently be traced
Mekelle capital city of Tigray(Figure 1.2). to ineffective identification and treatment of mineralized
It can be reached by the gravel road extended from zones. First, when a exploration is not properly identified
Mekelle - Samre – Finarwa or by asphaltic road from during scheduling, subsequent conflicts in the field are
Mekelle-Abi-Adi then gravel road from Abi-Adi to inevitable. Today’s projects are becoming more and more
Yechilay- Finarwa which continue into Amhara region. technically complex and logistically challenging, which
The study area covers an area of 36 km2 and is bounded exposes exploration operations to even more complex
between UTM coordinates 0501000m to 0507000m East exploration activities.
and 1448000m to 1442000m North. Regionally, the area is Currently, there is no viable explanation for the existence
lying within Samre topo sheet map and is entirely covered of the potential metallic mineral resouerces except the gold
by low grade metamorphic rocks of Precambrian age. which mined by local miners by panning. . Determining
the source(s) for the minerals (s) is a problem that has not
Page 16

Problem statement been solved. A powerful tool that has not been utilized by
The importance of developing a mineral exploration any workers is a detailed study of mineral chemistry in the

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

Figure1. 2: Location map of the study area

metamorphic rocks of the Finarwa area. Consequently, I The research works have been followed by three main
propose to seal the glaring gap in the understanding of the phases during the study. The first is pre-field work consists
genesis of the mineralization and the controlling factors of collection of relevant published and unpublished
for the mineral distribution by conducting a quantitative literatures from institutes; Bureaus, universities and
study of the mineral assemblages of the study area. internet were conducted. In addition field work planning,
The present study determine the host lithologies, extent base map preparation and interpret enhanced thematic
and associated geochemical features of the metallic Images, looking different geological and geochemical.
mineralization in addition to that children who are also The second phase is field work which includes lithological
participating in practical mining which leads them to description and collection of rock, stream sediment,
achieve poor academic performance in school will be gravel, sand and soil samples placid from representative
solved by putting criteria measurements . populations. Each sample location would be recorded
with GPS(Geographic Positioning system) plastic
METHODOLOGY flagging tape and a small aluminium tag or plastic pin-
Twenty two stream sediment and nineteen soil analysed marker showing the sample number.
using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry Analyses of the soil and stream sediment samples taken
(ICP-MS) in addition to this six stream sediment sanples enable the observation of patterns and concentrations
have been analysed using atomic absorption spectrometry in the distribution of metals in the soil and stream
(AAS) for cross checking and, nine mineralized rock sediment which would potentially indicate enriched rock
samples were collected for analysing gold and base metal underneath. Inspected field characteristics, mineralogical
mineralization using ICP MS and six mineralized rock and geochemical composition of gold bearing quartz
samples were collected and prepared for polished section. veins and soils and used to establish prospectivity
The samples analyzed using AAS have detection limit of prediction models that indicate ranking of areas with
Page 17

0.002ppm and most samples remain above detection limit potential gold mineralization.
shows positive anomaly for both gold and base metal Collected samples transport for preparation of thin
occurrence. sections and chemical analysis. Thin sections (both

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

polished and unpolished) prepared for studying the method is used to process the gold and base metal data
mineralogical, textural and alteration behaviour of the and determine the abnormal thresholds.
rocks using polarizing and reflecting microscopes. The In exploration geochemistry, values of the threshold
bulk and grab samples crushed by jaw crusher and [mean ± 2 standard deviation (Std)] were originally used
pulverized to -200 mesh sizes by the tungsten carbide to identify about 2.5% of upper (or lower) extreme values
ball mill. The representative portions of these samples and act as the threshold for further inspection of large
will obtain by passing individual sample through splitter. data sets (Hawkes and Webb, 1962). The method requires
The representative powdered samples stored in the glass that the geochemical data follow normal distribution.
bottles and were heated at 110ºC overnight and then the Some extreme values in the geochemical data derived
bottles stored in the desiccator for further processing. from the data distribution or a second (mineralization)
distribution could influence the results of this method,
Methods to determine the threshold of geochemical i.e., 5%, 10%, 20%, or even 50% of the data could be
anomalies identified as extreme values.
There are many kinds of methods for determining the
threshold of geochemical anomalies: the statistical Geology of the study area
method, direct graphical method, geochemical section The development of the Ethiopian basement is directly
method, martensitic distance method, single element or indirectly related with the Arabian Nubian shield
calculation, cumulative frequency method, local (ANS) and the Mozambique Orogenic Belt (MOB) both
singularity analysis, exploration data analysis method, etc. of which are related to the formation of the East African
In this study soils, stream sediments and rocks Orogene (EAO). The formations of northern Ethiopia
geochemical analysis result data are treated and processed provide that the geology of the region is the southern
using conventional statistical method (simple statistics) extension of the Arabian Nubian Shield (Tadesse et al.,
such as mean, range, coefficient of variation, standard 1999; Tadesse, 1996 and 1997; Abdelsalam and Stern,
deviation and threshold value and compared with general 1996). The Arabian Nubian Shield extends from Jordan
background concentrations. Exploration data analysis and southern Israel in the north to Eritrea and Ethiopia

Page 18

Figure 1.3: Geological map of the study area

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

in the south and Egypt in the west to Arabia and Oman intrusion or intensive shearing but only in phyllite. On the
in the east (Blasband et al., 2000; Archibald et al., 2014). other hand depending on the distribution (random) and
Most of the Precambrian volcano-sedimentary sequences orientation of the minerals in the intrusive rocks shows
and associated intrusions have been subjected to several that this rock is post tectonic granitoids.
orogenic episodes during the Pan African Orogeny, which Among the two dominant types of metamorphic
is the cause for the formation of the Arabian–Nubian rocks (meta-volcanic and phyllite), metavolcanics are
Shield terranes (Tadesse et al, 2003). The dominated by fine grained mineral matrix with few coarse
Arabian-Nubian shield hosts numerous VMS deposits, quartz,plagioclase and mineral clasts and rock fragments
orogenic lode gold deposits and placer deposits practiced than slate-phyllite rock. The clasts vary from dominant
by artisanal workers (Barrie et al., 2007). The ANS hosts quartz, plagioclase to mafic mineral and rock fragments
numerous gold deposits in several districts found within and show rounded sub-rounded and irregular shapes.
the entire shield most notably in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Similarly, phyllite is characterized by fine grained mineral
Ethiopia and Eritrea (Barrie et al., 2007; Barrie and matrix and with well-developed foliation and crenulations
Hannington, 1999). and boudinage as well as primary compositional banding
The Neoproterozoic basement rocks exposed in the study of minerals.
area includes metasediments, meta volcanics /clasts and
younger Granitoids. The metasediment and metavolcanic Felsic Metavolcanic
rocks, except for the younger granitoids have been The felsic metavolcanics in the study area display a
tectonized, sheared, altered and in some places show variegated color which ranges from brownish to reddish
sulphide mineralization. They are crosscut by various in color and are fine grained and shining appearance due
types of disseminated sulphide-bearing dykes and veins. to presence of fine grained sericite minerals. The rock is
The Neoproterozoic basement rocks are the oldest rocks intensively fractured and intruded by quartz veins having
exposed in the study area. The basement rocks of the different orientation and thicknesses ranging from 5 to
region indicate that the metavolcanic rocks form the 20 cm . It is highly affected by hydrothermal alterations
oldest, followed by phyllite, slate, and carbonate ¬and forming different quartz veins.
the associated post-tectonic plutonic units (Miller et al.,
2003; Beyth, 1972), granodioritic composition (Alene Mafic-Metavolcanoclastic Rock
et al., 2000; Garland, 1980) and sedimentary cover This unit is composed of intercalation of mafic-
rocks. Therefore, the order of the rocks from oldest to metavolcaniclastic which is exposed at the south eastern
the youngest is metavolcanic,slate-phyllite, carbonate, part of the study area. The dominant rock unit is mafic
granitoids and sandstone. On the basis of mineral metavolcaniclastic with less foliated phyllite rock while
association and their textures observed from hand the metavolcanoclastic is nearly none to slightly foliated
spacemen petrographical studies, the rocks in the study with a general strike direction of N-S. The fresh and
area are named as metavolcanic/clastic, slate-phyllite, weathered color of the metavolcanic rock in the area is
meta-black limestone and granitoids. The presence of green brownish and dark gray respectively. The clasts
chlorite, muscovite and biotite, development of foliation have rounded to sub rounded and elongated shape. The
and presence of primary compositional banding of rounded clast suggests that the rock does not undergone
minerals in the metamorphic rocks indicates the rocks in intensive deformation.
the study area have experienced low grade metamorphism.
Furthermore, the development of crenulation cleavage at Slate-Phyllite and Graphitic schists
places is observed due to the localized effects of quartz The slate phyllite and graphitic schist intercalation
Page 19

Figure 1.4: Felsic metavolcanic with quartz vein

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

rocks in the study area are derived from sedimentary, This unit is the dominant lithology in study area and
volcanoclastic and mafic flows. They are variegated in covers around 55 % of the area and is highly foliated
color which range from gray, black and reddish colors trending N-S to NE-NW. The degree of the orientation
with dominantly dark grey and black colored. The unit of the foliations frequently shifts due to the intruding
is fine grained texture, slightly foliated, composed of intrusive bodies within the slate-phyllite rock. Veinlet
graphite, micas (sericite), and minor amount of fine and Quartz veins several meters thick aligned parallel to
grained chlorite, feldspar and quartz. the foliation direction and frequently shifting orientation

Figure 1.5: Slate phyllite graphic schist

is observed. The presence of muscovite in the contact Table 1: Quartz vein strike direction
between the slate phyllite and granite in the central part Location (UTM)
of the study area gives the unit shiny appearance and NO Quartz Thickens Elevation
vein (cm) Northing Easting
affected by sericite alteration due to shearing movements. 1 660 5 1542720 540468 2107
2 850 3.5 1542720 540468 2107
Quartz Veins 3 100 5 1542929 541824 2087
These are formed when hydrothermal solution percolates 4 650 10 1542929 541824 2087
through fractures. Quartz veins are the common 5 50 3 1542929 541824 2087
in filling secondary material and distributed in the 6 3400 50 1543001 541199 2081
terrain particularly along shear zones and the contact 7 3500 53 1545447 538462 2023
between phyllite and dyke. Based on their cross-cutting 8 750 60 1545447 538462 2023
relationship it is possible to determine the history and 9 50 6 1545899 541148 1996
time of emplacement of the quartz veins. Their size 10 800 10 1545899 541148 1996
ranges from vein let a few centimeter thickens (1cm) up
Oxidation type alteration is common with in the western
to reef size (50 meter) thick. The vein is dominantly wide
and central part of the study area in quartz veins both
spread in the western part in filling weak zones parallal
in the felsic metavolcanic rock and slate phyllite rock.
and perpendicular to the foliation orientation.
Oxidation has been furnished various colors of yellow,
The thickness of the veins are variable, it ranges from
reddish brown, deep reddish brown, black and light
about few cms upto 50m. The overall orientation of these
reddish. The various colors have been generated from
veins and veinlet’s lies in N40º-80ºW, N15º-30ºE, E-W
oxidation or leaching of iron bearing minerals and vein
and N-S strike and dipping vertically to sub-vertically
type iron bearing minerals. Pyrite crystals associated with
to the northern, western, northern and western parts
this rock are also common but the sulphide dissolves to
respectively.
the air to react with oxygen. This reaction represents the
The quartz veins in the study area are characterized by
chemistry of pyrite weathering to form ferrous iron and
pure quartz vein (white color), smoky quartz vein and
sulfides. 2FeS2(Pyrite ) + 7O2(Oxygen ) + 2H2O(water)=
yellowish color. Most of the veins are highly brecciated
2Fe(Ferrous Iron)
and silicified cutting the phyllite/slate intercalation; at
place there is quartz reefs and fragments of quartz veins
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
cover a wide area as quartz float.
Artisanal miners and placer deposits
Surface exposures of gold Mineralization in the area in
Alterations
alluvial(stream sediment) and elluvial(soil) placer deposits
Alterations of minerals are very commonly associated
are extensively panned at Finarwa area and it’s surrounding
with the intensive hydrothermal related activities
Page 20

during rainy season and carrying water from far distances

which results in oxidation, kaolinization, silicification,
in the intermittent rivers and at any time in the Perennial
ferruginization and sericitization.
Rivers. This is the direct implication for the occurrence

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

Figure 1.6: Rose diagrams showing: - A) Foliation orientation B) Quartz vein orientation

of gold in the study area which is hosted within the shear displacement and economic transition has reconfigured,
zone affected by hydrothermal activity. but not eliminated co-existing importance of both sectors
Weathering processes produces samples (soils and in the same regions.
stream sediments) that return records on local hidden Mining and farming have often co-existed alongside
mineralization or on the potential existence of major or many other informal income generation strategies with
minor mineralization in a wide region. The residual soil past work noting that livelihood struggles have been
is the geochemical sample that is often used to detect shaped by a myriad of political and historical forces that
the location of hidden mineralization. Migration of underpin unemployment crises. Gold is artisanally mined
groundwater provided chemical response at the surface. from eluvial deposits within Finarwa area and its district
This process produces elemental dispersion pattern. but mine site selection and mining operations are done
Most of these dispersed elements (e.g., Cu, Ag, Zn, Cd, without any understanding of mode of occurrence,
As, Bi, Pb, Sb, Hg, W, Mo. and Se) are useful indicators or compositional characteristics and extent of gold
pathfinders for the presence of gold. mineralisation.
In Finarwa artisanal gold mining has become an Foundation of the Artisanal gold mining in Finarwa area
increasingly widespread economic activity of the local is the broader issue that require structural adjustment
people undertaken by socially differentiated groups and market liberalisation has ‘induced significant
with a wide range of education levels and economic unemployment which has forced many people into illegal
backgrounds incorporating a wide variety of ‘labour artisanal mining to supplement their incomes’. According
intensive activities without mechanisation. to the reports from the governmental offices the number
The local people economic activities participation in of populations involving in the traditional gold mining
Page 21

both farming and mining locate way of life into the in Finarwa and its surrounding Abergele district exceeds
classification ‘ mining farmers’ versus ‘farming miners 10,000 peoples.
which drawing attention to large-scale population In the fieldwork in Finarwa area, artisanal miners

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

Figure 1.7: Reef greater than 50cm thickness, (C); vein let (1cm thick), (D); Cross cutting relationship between vein
a and b (vein b is younger than vein a).

Figure 1.8: source from government Investment and Industry Development office panning of gold from stream
sediment in Finarwa surrounding area(Abergel district)
operate in groups, locally known as Mahber, which gold smuggling syndicates. Women can also act as co-
generally comprise people who share relationship ties, managers of a group (Mahber) with their friends.
are extended family members, or friends who have Eluvial gold occurs within the low grade slate phyllitic
known each from their place of origin or those who rock and metavolcanic rock in some locations called
have worked together at different mine sites over a long minor gold fields and has been recovered by artisanal
period of time. Some the groups(Mahberat) are made up miners through excavation of several pits of various
of wage labourers employed by a sponsor. Although the dimensions and depths. The soil rich in gold was panned
groups predominantly comprise male members (due to and washed and lighter fractions were removed until heavy
heavy manual work involved), women are also involved minerals with gold grains remained. The gold grains were
Page 22

in groups either as sponsors who hire labour or as gold separated from the heavy mineral concentrates manually.
buyers or dealers who buy gold for resale locally or to Residual weathering of rocks that underlain the study

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

area resulted into soil formation and this is reflected the soil samples examined is quartz. There is no distinct
in its mineralogy. Weathering facilitated the dispersion pattern in the mineralogical composition of the minor
of the geological materials containing primary gold and trace constituents.
mineralization. The major mineralogical constituent in all Gold and sulphide ore minerals were recognized in

Figure 1.9: Showing Recovery of gold by local people A. panning for gold B. artisanal miners C. deep hole
excavation of gold following quartz vein within felsic metavolcanic rock
the study area as attained the field work, soil, rock and Ore Petrography
stream sediment analysis results and ore petrography. Gold and sulphide ore minerals were recognized in the
The district has a high potential for shear-zone related field (Megascopic) and in microscopic study (petrography).
gold mineralization as the traditional mining in the area Most of the minerals that are recognized in the field
are following quartz veins and ore petrography showing occurred on and near quartz veins especially around the
ore minerals concentrated in quartz veins. Quartz vein shear zone. Hydrothermal alteration related sulphide
controlled gold gathering is also exercised by the local mineralizations are observed from ore petrography
people in the study area by deep hole excavation(>10m) study of the rocks collected from the research area. Ore
following quartz vein within the felsic metavolcanic rock forming sulphide minerals including pyrite, chalcopyrite
in southeastern part of the study area. Occurrence of gold and galena. They are recognized in metavolcaniclastics,
is observed in the surface samples as tiny micron grains metavolcanic and quartz dikes. The mineral pyrite is
associated with sericitization alterations in excavated occurs as both disseminated and vein filling type.
holes in area as most of the local peoples concentrate in FNCR 4:-The section contains both gold and pyrite
winter season. The Au-bearing quartz veins are generally minerals. The samples were taken from the slate-phyllite
more deformed and associated with hydrothermally rock unit intensively affected by hydrothermal veins. The
altered sericite-chlorite schist. gold and pyrite minerals in the unit occur as vein type of
Gold bearing quartz veins crosscut metapelites mineralization. Pyrite is medium grained and euhedral (as
(slate, phyllite with schist) and intensively weathered cubic outlines) to subhedral in shape.
granite in the study area indicating epigenetic styles of FNCR 6:-The section contains pyrite, chalcopyrite,
mineralization. These veins vary considerably in thickness opaque minerals which occurs within the metavolcanic
and often exhibit significant vertical and longitudinal rock unit. The pyrite mineral in the unit occurs as vein type
continuity. Vein contacts are generally sharp and steeply of mineralization, which is characterized by fracturing,
dipping. Primary gold in the area predominantly occurs medium grained and subhedral in shape.
in quartz veins, stringers that associated with second FNCR 7:-This section is composed of only pyrite mineral
generation quartz vein and second phase of deformation occurring within the quartz rich rock unit which is
within the basement rocks specially quartz veins within moderately oxidized. The pyrite mineral occurs as coarse
Page 23

metavolcanic rock. graind size and uhedral grain shape.

FNCR 10:-It is mainly composed of pyrite and galena

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

ore minerals within the felsic metavolcanic rock unit. concentration values for nine elements (Au, Ag, Pb, Zn,
Pyrite occurs as disseminated type of mineralization and Cu, Mo, W, As and Sb). A total of
medium to coarse grained size in a large amaunt. Galena nine rock, nineteen soil and twenty two stream sediment
occurs as replacement style of mineralization, medium samples discussed in this study were taken at a low
grained size in a small amaunt within the pyrite veins. density of about 1 sample per 1km2 from the areas. The
From the ore microscope observation it is concluded statistical properties of the concentrations of
that the gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite and galena minerals these nine elements are summarized in Table 1, Table 2
in Finarwa area are associated with quartz veins found and Table 3 indicating non normal data distributions.
within both meta-sediments and meta-volcanic rocks.
Since the area is highly affected by post tectonic shearing Rock geochemistry result
in some samples disseminated pyrite is observed. The geochemical data analysis of the mineralized rock
samples shows tremendous anomaly for gold and copper
concentration. The result shows presence of some
anomaly for gold and copper concentration which is
hosted in the shear zone altered metamorphic rocks. The
oxidized quartz vein within the low grade rocks shows
gold and copper mineralization.
From the rock geochemical analysis result the maximum
navigated result value for gold is 0.33 ppm which is
obtained from the analysed samples taken from quartz
vein. The rock geochemical analysis result for gold
content ranges from 0.02 to 0.33 ppm with a mean
value of 0.086 ppm and two standard deviation value
Figure 1.10: Ore Microscope where Au=gold, Gn= of 0.198214, the threshold value calculated from mean
Galena, pyr=pyrite, Ccp=chalcopyrite, opq=opaque plus two standard deviation for gold is 0.2849 and the
menerals standard crustal abundance for gold which is 0.003 ppm
((Fortescue 1992) therefore the area have good potential
for gold mineralization.
From the rock geochemical analysis for Ag content
ranges from 0.02 to 3.4 ppm with a mean value of 1.513
ppm , two standard deviation values of 2.19381 and the
calculated threshold value is 3.7071 , the result from the
rock geochemical analysis for Pb range from 2 to 79 ppm
with mean values of 17.33 ppm , two standard deviation
values of 46.891 and the calculated threshold value is
64.25 and the result from the rock geochemical analysis
for Cu ranges from 27 to 240 ppm with mean value of
90.11ppm , two standard deviation values of 137.405
Figure 1.11: Ore Microscope where Au=gold, Gn= and the calculated threshold value is 227.52, the result
Galena, pyr=pyrite, Ccp=chalcopyrite, opq=opaque
menerals from the rock geochemical analysis for Zn value ranges
from 6 to 170 ppm with mean 57.55 ppm, two standard
Geochemical Survey deviation values of 97.228 and the calculated threshold
Geochemical background and threshold are two essential value is 154.78.
concepts in mineral exploration and geochemistry. The result from the rock geochemical analysis for Ni
Background is defined as ‘the normal abundance of content range from 3 to 80 ppm with mean 18.33 ppm,
an element in barren earth material or normal crustal two standard deviation values of 47.506 and the calculated
abundance of material naturally The standard crustal threshold value is 65.837. and for Co value ranges
abundance value for Au 0.0035 ppm, Co 29 ppm , Cu from 2 to 11 ppm with mean 7.55 ppm , two standard
68 ppm, Pb 13 ppm, Ag 0.075 ppm and Zn 76 ppm deviation values of 5.086 and the calculated threshold
(Fortescue, 1992, parker 1967). Geochemical value which value is 12.642 respectively. Gold, Copper, zinc and lead
is not same as the background is threshold anomaly that show that geochemical data analyses result the area with
can be positive or negative. The threshold value calculated sufficient mineral resources because of the mineralized
from the mean and median plus two standard deviations core samples have higher threshold value for gold, lead
(Rose et al. 1979). copper and zinc value.
Geochemical data are treated and processed using simple The high concentration of iron is result of ferriginazition
type of alteration in the study area. The threshold value
Page 24

statistics such as mean, range, coefficient of variation,

standard deviation and threshold value and compared calculated from the mean and median plus two standard
with general background concentrations. Geochemical deviations (Rose et al. 1979).

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

Table 2: Rock geochemical analysis

Rock Id Au Ag Cu Co Ni Pb Zn Fe
CFN-01 0.09 1.1 90 10 13 79 170 63225
CFN-02 0.02 3.4 240 7 13 32 32 9933
CFN-03 0.02 0.9 29 8 3 5 57 64092
CFN-04 0.02 0.7 27 7 9 4 24 18971
CFN-05 0.05 3.4 170 11 80 7 35 8741
CFN-06 0.33 1 34 7 3 9 64 57497
CFN-07 0.02 0.02 45 2 5 4 6 479
CFN-08 0.18 1.6 69 10 35 14 107 87311
CFN-09 0.05 1.5 107 6 4 2 23 13274
Max 0.33 3.4 240 11 80 79 170 87311
min 0.02 0.02 27 2 3 2 6 479
Mean 0.08667 1.5133 90.111 7.555 18.33 17.33 57.55 35947
2STD 0.198 2.193 137.4 5.086 47.5 46.89 97.22 60059
Threshold 0.284 3.707 227.5 12.64 65.83 64.22 154.7 96006

Table 3: showing stream sediment Geochemistry

Sample No. Au_ppm Co_ppm Cu_ppm Fe_% Ag_ppm Ni_ppm Pb_ppm Zn_ppm
FNST1 0.04 32.5 26 8.64 <0.1 36 6 95
FNST2 0.04 31.3 74 6.48 <0.1 53 11 91
FNST3 0.06 28.8 69 6.15 <0.1 48 11 85
FNST4 0.04 29.8 61 5.85 <0.1 57 11 74
FNST5 0.08 25.1 57 5.05 <0.1 51 6 64
FNST6 0.05 28.5 59 6.35 0.2 60 10 77
FNST7 0.08 26.5 52 6.15 0.2 46 11 80
FNST8 <0.01 4.6 8 1.12 <0.1 8 6 15
FNST9 0.08 21.4 37 5.13 0.2 41 9 102
FNST10 0.06 27.7 73 6.85 0.1 24 19 114
FNST11 0.01 5.7 11 1.37 <0.1 8 7 20
FNST12 <0.01 3.6 8 1.16 <0.1 8 4 9
FNST13 0.05 3.9 8 1.47 <0.1 10 7 9
FNST14 0.01 4.6 10 1.43 <0.1 11 5 12
FNST15 0.06 10.8 13 2.5 <0.1 10 4 30
FNST16 0.114 37.2 69 6.63 0.1 110 12 94
FNST17 0.97 26.2 45 5.28 0.2 58 11 63
FNST18 0.68 26.2 70 5.71 0.2 36 26 97
FNST19 0.12 43.7 59 4.64 <0.1 22 9 82
FNST20 0.12 19.7 69 5.61 0.2 24 11 88
FNST21 0.03 7.6 13 2.12 0.4 12 6 22
FNST22 0.05 21.9 68 6.21 0.1 25 25 144
Max 0.97 43.7 74 8.64 0.4 110 26 144
Min 0.01 3.6 8 1.12 0.1 8 4 9
Stdv 0.31128 12.932 26.6015 1.94678 0.2494 11.81 7.4054 42.3543
Mean 0.1372 21.2409 43.59 4.631 0.19 34.454 10.318 66.68
Threshold 0.75976 47.1049 96.793 8.52456 0.439 46.264 25.1288 151.389

Stream Sediment Geochemistry navigated result value for gold is 0.97 ppm which is
Drainage sediment geochemistry in the study area is used obtained from the analysed samples taken from river
for evaluating the mineral resources over a large area bank around which intensive artisanal miners pan.
based on the premise that the sediment chemistry and Geochemical analysis result displays the value for Au
mineralogy reflect the bedrock and surface geology of content ranges from 0.01 to 0.97 ppm with a mean value
the drainage catchments area upstream from the sample of 0.1372 ppm and two standard deviation value of
site (Cannon et al., 2004). Be in assumption about the 2(0.31128), the threshold value calculated from mean plus
value for the standard crustal abundance value for two standard deviation for gold is 0.7597 and standard
Au, 0.0035ppm, Co , 29 ppm Cu, 68ppm Pb, 13ppm crustal abundance for gold which is 0.003 ppm therefore
Ag,0.075ppm and Zn, 76 ppm(Fortescue, 1992, parker the area shows negative potential for gold mineralization.
Page 25

1967). The result from the geochemical analysis for Ag content

From the geochemical analysis result the maximum range from 0.1 to 0.47 ppm with mean 0.19 ppm, two

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

standard deviation values of 0.2494 and the calculated

threshold value is 0.439 and for Co value ranges from 3.6
to 43.7 ppm with mean 21.24 ppm , two standard deviation
values of 2(12.932) and the calculated threshold value is
47.1049 respectively. From the geochemical analysis for
Pb range from 4 to 26 ppm with mean values of 10.318
ppm , two standard deviation values of 2(7.4054) and the
calculated threshold value is 25.1288 and the result from
the geochemical analysis for Cu ranges from 8 to 74 ppm
with mean value of 43.59 ppm , two standard deviation
values of 2(26.6015) and the calculated threshold value
is 96.78 , the result from the geochemical analysis for Figure 1.12: Histogram for gold concentration from the
Zn value ranges from 9 to 1744 ppm with mean 66.68 stream sediment
Table 4: Soil Geochemistry
SampleID Au_ppm Ag_ppm Co_ppm Cu_ppm Fe_% Zn_ppm Ni_ppm Pb_ppm
FNS1 0.12 0.3 11.7 52 2.96 95 29 9
FNS2 0.28 0.2 32.1 69 6.52 91 88 9
FNS3 0.21 0.2 16 52 3.86 85 37 11
FNS4 0.05 0.3 15.1 53 3.23 74 57 7
FNS5 0.06 0.2 18.1 36 4.01 64 58 9
FNS6 0.11 X 12.3 20 4.22 77 19 18
FNS7 0.16 0.2 26 95 7.92 80 47 10
FNS8 0.6 0.3 22.3 31 5.65 15 21 9
FNS9 0.7 0.1 19.8 68 4.94 102 35 11
FNS10 0.9 X 15.6 36 4.89 114 27 6
FNS11 0.4 0.1 19.4 52 5.26 20 28 18
FNS12 0.11 <0.1 19.6 61 4.66 9 73 8
FNS13 0.55 0.2 16.4 58 4.98 9 25 36
FNS14 0.78 0.1 30.7 89 5.97 12 94 13
FNS15 0.06 <0.1 22.3 115 6.27 30 33 6
FNS16 0.04 0.2 19.9 93 4.83 94 45 17
FNS17 0.02 0.3 16.4 84 4.66 63 18 13
FNS18 0.87 0.3 22.8 85 4.97 97 67 48
FNS19 0.05 <0.1 15.3 108 4.37 82 61 5
Max 0.9 0.3 32.1 115 7.92 114 94 48
Min 0.02 0.1 11.7 20 2.96 9 18 5
FNST22 0.05 21.9 68 6.21 0.1 25 25 144
Max 0.97 43.7 74 8.64 0.4 110 26 144
Min 0.01 3.6 8 1.12 0.1 8 4 9
2(Stdv) 0.6068 0.1484 10.775 52.21 2.28 69.826 45.064 21.08
Mean 0.3194 0.214 19.56 66.15 4.96 63.8 45.36 13.84
Threshold 0.9262 0.3624 30.33 118.36 7.24 133.62 90.424 34.9

ppm, two standard deviation values of 2(42.3543) and the ppm, for Pb threshold is 34 ppm whereas the maximum
calculated threshold value is 75.69. is 48 ppm, for Cu threshold is 118.3 ppm and maximum
From the stream sediment data it is concluded that the value is 115 ppm respectively, for Zn threshold value is
gold, zinc and lead shows enriched geochemical data 133.6 ppm and maximum value 114ppm respectively, for
analyses result the area with sufficient mineral resources Ag threshold value is 0.3624 ppm and the threshold value
because of the mineralized core samples have higher for is 30.33 ppm respectively. Therefore it is concluded
threshold value for gold, lead and zinc value. Whereas Co that in the study area from the soil data Au, Pb, Zn and Co
and Cu are depleted because the threshold value below the shows enrichment where as Cu, Ag and Mn are depleted.
standard crustal abundance. Geochemical map shows high gold concentration in the
It can be seen from the histogram that the distribution streams near to metavolcanic rocks and slate phyllite rocks
of Au and base metal minerals in the study area does not which are frequently intruded by quartz veins in central
conform to normal distribution. Therefore, it is reasonable and southeastern part of the study area. The quaternary
to use the uniform abnormal threshold in the study area. deposits also contain enormous gold concentration
Page 26

locating around the river banks. The gold concentration

Soil Geochemistry result is low in the streams near to the granodioritic rock and in
The threshold for Au is 0.926 ppm and maximum is 0.9 the limestone.

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

Cu & Zn concentration is high in the streams flowing engaged from the mafic metavolcanic rocks with low
through slate phyllitic and granodioritic rock as shown in concentration in the streams of felsic metavolcanic and
the geochemical map. But both concentrations of Cu & granodioritic rocks.
Zn in streams flowing through felsic metavolcanic rocks Mn concentration is moderate to high in streams flowing
ranges from low concentration in northern part of the through both felsic and mafic metavolcanic rocks. There
study to high concentration in the central part of the is low concentration of Mn for quaternary deposits (river
study area. area).
Co concentration is very high in the streams flowing Geochemical map data illustrates element concentration
through slate phyllite rocks and river banks. But in the ranges designated as high background and low
stream near to felsic metavolcanic rocks Co ranges from background areas based on the average back ground
low concentration to high concentration as shown in the value and anomalies values. The demarcated geochemical
geochemical map. map showing concentration and distribution of gold and
Ni concentration is high in the stream sediment samples base metal for the samples is presented in map as follows:

Figure 1.14: Geochemical map A. Au B. Mn C. Zn D.Cu E. Co F. Pb

The potential source rocks in the study area for base metal area. Though the concentration of the base metals and
and gold mineralization is enriched by gold bearing quartz gold is not as such considerable, this may show that
veins and associated sulfides. The association of gold with either the mineralization is too low or the high mobility
sulfides and alteration pattern is comparable with other of copper and zinc and high mechanical resistance of
similar deposits. Ore mineralizations recognized from lead and gold for transportation may lead to the low
Page 27

ore petrography, geochemical survey results of stream concentration of the metals in the stream sediments. Soil
sediment, and rock samples reveal several indications geochemical results on the hand show relatively moderate
for the base metal and gold mineralization in the study concentration as compared to stream sediment sample

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt
 Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 1(1) 15-28, 2022

results that reveals low to moderate mineralization had Alene, M., 1996. Some aspects of the geology and
been take place in the study area. structure of the basement rocks in the Maikenetal-
The assay results from sampling campaign and geological Negash area , northern Ethiopia
mapping indicate that there is high mineralization zone in Alene, M., Jeniken, G.R.T., Leng, M. J.,Darbyshire,
the area. The most significant mineralization is Cu and Zn F.D.P., 2006. The Tambien Group, Ethiopia: An
mineralization as shown by geochemical analyses result early Cryogenian (ca. 800 - 735 Ma) Neoproterozoic
with low Au content in the felsic granitic rock. The copper sequence in the Arabian – Nubian shield. Precambrian
mineralisation is associated with disseminated pyrite, Research 147, 79 – 99.
chalcopyrite and sphalerite both in metasedimentary Alene, M., Ruffini and Sacchi R., 2000. Geochemistry
(sandstone to mudstone) and greenschist host rocks. and geotectonic setting of Neoproterozoic rocks
The alteration and mineralisation of the sampled rocks from northern Ethiopia (Arabian –Nubian shield).
indicate that the area has been subjected to hydrothermal Gondwana Research, v.3, No.3 pp. 333-347
alteration. Confidence in the assay results is strengthened A.Asrat. A, P. Barbey, J. N. Luden, L. D. Ayalew(2003)
by the outcrops (intensity of sulphide-bearing quartz Petrology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Pan-
vein) and polished section scale mineralization where African Negash Pluton, Northern Ethiopia: Mafic--
significant sulphide mineralization were observed. In -Felsic Magma Interactions During the Construction
addition, widespread alteration zone within the area is of Shallow-level Calc-alkaline Plutons. Journal of
also support the promising mineralization occurrence. Petrology.
Bheemalingeswara .K, Gebresilassie. S and Amare. K
CONCLUSIONS (2012) Shear Zone-Hosted Base Metal Mineralization
Geologically the area covered with low grade metamorphic near Abraha Weatsebaha-Adidesta and Hawzein,
rocks of Arabian Nubian shield type. The dominant Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia Momona Ethiopia
lithology units are categorized into Meta volcanic and journal Published in 2012.
Meta sedimentary rocks (slate and phyllite) but there Blandford W.T., on the geology of a portion of Abyssinia,
are also eminent limestone and sandstone which are journal geological society. London, 1869. 9. Blandford
intruded by granitic body. The meta volcanic and meta W.T., observation on the geology and Zoology of
sedimentary rocks are frequenty cut by quartz veins with Abyssinia, 1870
different orientation measurements which the source Cannon, W.F., Woodruff, L.G and Pimley, S.(2004)Some
for hydrothermally originated mineral deposits. on the stastistical relationships between stream sediment
result, nickel and cobalt are highly anomalous elements and soil geochemistry in the northwestern Wisconsin
indicating the source for the mineralization controlled by journal of geochemical exploration 81 page 29-46
different structures such as fractures and joints. Evans, A., 1995. Introduction to mineral exploration.
Artisanal miners especially for gold in the study area Blackwell science, 396 pages.
is regularly practiced by the communities especially Gebresilase S, (2012) Geology and Characteristics of
in summer or rainy season the number of population Metalimestone-Hosted Iron Deposit near Negash,
increases. There are around 10,000 peoples who live by Tigray and Northern Ethiopia international journal of
both farming and mining in the study area which may Earth sciences and Engineering. .
called as farming miners or mining farmers. Hamrla. M(1978) The massive sulphides and magnetite
The ore petrography of study indicates presence of pyrite, deposits of northern Ethiopia Geološki zavod,
pyrhotite, chalcopyrite, galena and gold crystals under Ljubljana, Parmova.
microscope. From the geochemical analysis result of rock, Solomon Tadesse First Published 2009 Mineral Resources
stream sediment and soil samples by conventional statics Potential of Ethiopia.
the threshold for gold, copper and zinc is enriched or Tadesse .S, J. Milesi, and Y. Deschamps(2003) Geology
positive anomaly indicating zone of high mineralization. and mineral potential of Ethiopia: a note on geology
Whereas cobalt and lead shows depled mineralization. and mineral map of Ethiopia, journal of African Earth
Sciences.
REFERENCE Tadesse. S., 2001.Epithermal gold occurrences in the
Abdelsalam, M. G and Stern, R. J. 1996. Sutures and shear lakes district of the main Ethiopian rift and Tendaho
zones in the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Journal of African area of the Afar rift, discovery of a metallogenic
Earth Sciences, 23: 289-300. province. SINET Ethiopia journal.
Abraham. S, Bheemalingeswara K. and Gebreselassie. Tadesse, S., 2004. Genesis of the shear zone related gold
S (2015) Geology of volcanogenic massive sulfide vein mineralization of the Lega Dembi gold deposit,
deposit near Meli, northwestern Tigray, northern Adola gold field, Southern Ethiopia. Gondwana
Ethiopia Momona Ethiopian Journal of Science Research v.7, No.2, pp. 481-488.
Page 28

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt

View publication stats