This Limpopo magnetite project is an exciting upcoming iron ore prospect consisting of primarily magnetite and hematite mineralisation.
Iron ore prospect in Limpopo, South Africa
This Limpopo magnetite project is an exciting upcoming iron ore prospect consisting of primarily magnetite and hematite mineralisation. MINROM was appointed to investigate the potential of the deposit and execute a phased exploration strategy for the client which included a mapping and sampling programme followed by diamond drilling and the formulation of 3D geological and block models.
Iron mineralisation hosted in ancient greenstone belt
The iron mineralisation is hosted in metamorphosed banded ironstone units called “itabirites” within ancient greenstone belt sequences on the edge of the Kaapvaal Craton. These ancient greenstone belts generally consist of greenschist to amphibolite facies meta-sedimentary assemblages hosted within approximately 3,00 Ga tonalitic-trondhjemitic gneisses and numerous plutons intruded at approximately 2,65 Ga. This project specifically focused on a fragment of ancient greenstone belts called the Rhenosterkoppies Greenstone Belt.
Mapping and sampling investigation
In early 2019, MINROM undertook a mapping and sampling investigation in which the deposit was mapped and the major structures and lithologies were identified. Hand samples of the mineralisation were also extracted for analysis by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) whole-rock chemistry and metallurgical analysis on the magnetic content. The results indicated good mineralisation within the project area, leading to the second exploration phase.
Figure 3: Drill core sample photographs showing banded ironstones
Diamond drilling exploration programme
In this second phase, MINROM was appointed to execute and manage a diamond drilling exploration programme with the sole purpose of delineating and defining the mineralisation within the project area. This has been successfully carried out to date, with completion of the drilling in late 2019, and over 1 000 m of core drilling performed. The primary mineralisation in the project area is in the form of iron oxides, namely magnetite and hematite.
3D geological model developed
The vast amount of data captured during the mapping, sampling, and drilling phases was compiled and developed into a 3D geological model of the mineralisation as well as a grade block model of the project area. From the 3D geological model and grade block model developed by MINROM, the mineralisation potential for the project has been estimated and its shows exciting potential. The results also suggest a significant upside making MINROM excited about taking the project forward!