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The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation - Technical, Media and Corporate Articles based on Major Region - Mozambique
The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation is compiled by Patricia Sheahan who publishes on a monthly basis a list of new scientific articles related to diamonds as well as media coverage and corporate announcements called the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service that is distributed as a free pdf to a list of followers. Pat has kindly agreed to allow her work to be made available as an online digital resource at Kaiser Research Online so that a broader community interested in diamonds and related geology can benefit. The references are for personal use information purposes only; when available a link is provided to an online location where the full article can be accessed or purchased directly. Reproduction of this compilation in part or in whole without permission from the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service is strictly prohibited. Return to Diamond Region Index
Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation - Scientific Articles by Author for all years
Each article reference in the SDLRC is tagged with one or more key words assigned by Pat Sheahan to highlight the main topics of the article. In addition most references have been tagged with one or more region words. In an effort to make it easier for users to track down articles related to a specific region, KRO has extracted these region words and developed a list of major region words presented in the Major Region Index to which individual region words used in the article reference have been assigned. Each individual Region Report contains in chronological order all the references with a region word associated with the Major Region word. Depending on the total for each reference type - technical, media and corporate - the references will be either in their own technical, media or corporate Region Report, or combined in a single report. Where there is a significant number of technical references there will be a technical report dedicated to the technical articles while the media and corporate references are combined in a separate region report. References that were added in the most recent monthly update are highlighted in yellow within the Region Report. The Major Region words have been defined by a scale system of "general", "continent", "country", "state or province" and "regional". Major Region words at the smaller scales have been created only when there are enough references to make isolating them worthwhile. References not tagged with a Region are excluded, and articles with a region word not matched with a Major Region show up in the "Unknown" report.
Kimberlite - diamondiferous
Lamproite - diamondiferous
Lamprophyre - diamondiferous
Other - diamondiferous
Kimberlite - non diamondiferous
Lamproite - non diamondiferous
Lamprophyre - non diamondiferous
Other - non diamondiferous
Kimberlite - unknown
Lamproite - unknown
Lamprophyre - unknown
Other - unknown
Future Mine
Current Mine
Former Mine
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CITATION: Faure, S, 2010, World Kimberlites CONSOREM Database (Version 3), Consortium de Recherche en Exploration Minérale CONSOREM, Université du Québec à Montréal, Numerical Database on consorem.ca. NOTE: This publicly available database results of a compilation of other public databases, scientific and governmental publications and maps, and various data from exploration companies reports or Web sites, If you notice errors, have additional kimberlite localizations that should be included in this database, or have any comments and suggestions, please contact the author specifying the ID of the kimberlite: [email protected]
Viola, G., Henderson, I.H.C., Bingen, B., Thomas, R.J., Smethurst, M.A., De Azavedo, S.
Growth and collapse of a deeply eroded orogen: insights from structural, geophysical, and geochronological constraints on Pan-African evolution of NE Mozambique.
Grantham, G.H., Manhica, A.D.S.T., Armstrong, R.A., Kruger, F.J., Loubser, M.
New SHRIMP, Rb/Sr and Sm/Nd isotope and whole rock chemical dat a from central Mozambique and western Dronning Maud Land: implications for eastern Kalahari
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 59, 1, pp.74-100.
Abstract: Northern Mozambique (figure 1) has gained attention for its rubies since a major discovery near Montepuez in 2009 (see McClure and Koivula, 2009; Pardieu and Lomthong, 2009; Pardieu and Chauvire, 2012; Pardieu et al., 2009, 2013; Hsu et al., 2014). Until the arrival of Gemfields in 2012, nearly all the production from this deposit came from unlicensed miners, known as garimpeiros. Between 2012 and 2016, Gemfields became a force in the ruby trade, supplying the market through regular auctions in Singapore and Jaipur. In 2016, two new players acquired ruby mining licenses around Montepuez: Mustang Resources and Metals of Africa. During a summer 2016 GIA field expedition, we visited these new sites. We also spent time at the Gemfields operation, in order to follow the development of what is already the world’s largest ruby mine. We also visited an interesting new pink spinel and tourmaline deposit near Ocua.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 129, pp. 366-379.
Africa, Mozambique
Craton, Zimbabwe
Abstract: The eastern margin of the Zimbabwe Craton, along the Mozambique-Zimbabwe border, includes the oldest rocks of west-central Mozambique constituting a large terrain of granite-greenstone type dated between 3000 and 2500 Ma. These rocks consist mainly of gneisses and granitoid rocks of tonalitic-trondhjemitic-granodioritic composition belonging to the Mudzi Metamorphic Complex in the northern part and to the Mavonde Complex in the southern part. The latter is associated with a granite-greenstone terrain, which includes the eastern part of Mutare-Odzi-Manica greenstone belt. A volcano-sedimentary sequences cover, belonging to the apparently Mesoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic Umkondo and Gairezi groups respectively was deposited along the eastern margin of the craton and is exposed in the territory of Mozambique. The Umkondo minimum age is marked by intrusive dolerite in Zimbabwe dated at 1100 Ma while for the Ghairezi it is still not well established. The Gairezi Group was subjected to progressive metamorphism of Pan-African age. At the margin of the Zimbabwe Craton, in its northern part, metasedimentary units occur representing a passive margin of Neoproterozoic age. They make up the Rushinga Group, which includes felsic metavolcanic rocks dated at ca.800 Ma. Granulites and medium- to high-grade paragneisses, and migmatites of the Chimoio, Macossa and Mungari Groups of Neoproterozoic metamorphic age, overly the ortho-metamorphic pre-existing rock of ca. 1100 Ma, which belongs to the Báruè Magmatic Arc. They characterize the N-S trend Mozambique Belt, which appears to the east of the craton tectonically juxtaposed on the Archean rocks. The maximum age of deposition of these rocks, indicated by U-Pb dating of detrital zircons, is ca. 700 Ma and their minimum age is limited by a few monzonitic Cambrian intrusions dated at ca. 500 Ma. The Neoproterozoic bimodal Guro Suite, dated at ca. 850 Ma and composed of felsic and mafic members characterizes the east-dipping outer rim of the craton margin in the north. The felsic member comprises the Serra Banguatere aplitic granite gneiss-migmatite and the mafic member consists of the Magasso metagabbro and mafic gneiss-migmatite. The geochemical signature and bimodality are all characteristics of anorogenic, A-type granites. The tectono-thermal effects of the Pan-African orogenic event, of approximately 500 Ma, are visible along the margin of the Zimbabwe Craton. Deformation and metamorphism are progressive from the craton towards the belt, from greenschist facies to granulite facies. The main suture in the study area shall be placed along the frontal thrusts of the Mungari and Macossa/Chimoio nappes of Neoproterozoic to Cambrian age. To the west of the suture the rejuvenated margin of the craton occurs, indicated by K-Ar dating. To the east, the Mozambique Belt occurs with its paragneisses of the Neoproterozoic overlaying the Mesoproterozoic granitoids of the Báruè magmatic arc.
South African Journal of Geology, Vol. 121, pp. 271-286.
Africa, Mozambique
geodynamics
Abstract: Major, trace, radiogenic isotope and stable isotope data from lavas along the northeastern coast of Mozambique are described. The whole rock composition data demonstrate that the rocks are dominantly andesitic with compositions typical of calc-alkaline volcanic rocks from arc environments. SHRIMP U/Pb data from zircons indicate that the zircons are xenocrystic, having ages of between 500 Ma and 660 Ma, with the age of the lava constrained by Rb/Sr data at ~184 Ma. Strontium, Nd and Pb radiogenic isotope data support an interpretation of extensive mixing between a Karoo age basaltic magma (dolerite) from Antarctica and continental crust similar in composition to the Mozambique basement. Oxygen isotope data also imply a significant crustal contribution to the lavas. Possible tectonic settings for the lavas are at the margin of a plume or from a locally restricted compressional setting during Gondwana breakup processes.
Abstract: The Tanzania?North Mozambique continental margin is a transform segment associated with Davie Fracture Zone (DFZ). The DFZ is described as an elongated linear oceanic fracture zone, commonly linked with the breakup between Eastern and Western Gondwana. We conducted a synthesized study using gravity, magnetic and seismic data presenting the crustal architecture, geometry and the kinematic nature of continental breakup along a transform margin. The Crustal nature of DFZ, its role in forming kinematic linkage between two extensional margins during continental breakup processes is focus of our study. The two extensional margins, Somalia?Majunga and North Mozambique?Antarctica were linked via a 2600 km long dextral transform segment, partially overlapping with DFZ. Absence of classical rift indicators, weak signs of hyperextension, abrupt ocean?continent boundary (OCB) suggests transform margin architecture. We redefined this feature as the Davie Transform System (DTS). The nature of deformation varies form transtensional pull?apart in Tanzania to almost pure strike?slip in North Mozambique. The southern transform segment exhibits abrupt change in ocean continent transition with a narrow zone of continental extension. This variation is recognized through the newly interpreted OCB along this entire transform segment. Notably, within large pull?apart systems in the north, presence of fossilized incipient spreading center suggest that the extension had reached at quite advanced stages, characterized by significant thermal weakening as a consequence of strong magmatic activity. Through a series of reconstruction snapshots, we show the geodynamic evolution along the Tanzania?North Mozambique margin explaining the role of DTS in the southward movement of Madagascar.
Abstract: The Southern Irumide Belt (SIB) of Zambia consists of predominantly Mesoproterozoic terranes that record a pervasive tectono-metamorphic overprint from collision between the Congo and Kalahari cratons in the final stages of Gondwana amalgamation. This study applies multi-method thermochronology to samples throughout southern Zambia to constrain the post-collisional, Phanerozoic thermo-tectonic evolution of the region. U-Pb apatite and 40Ar/39Ar muscovite data are used to constrain the cooling history of the region following Congo-Kalahari collision, and reveal ages of c. 550-450?Ma. Variations in the recorded cooling ages are interpreted to relate to localised post-tectonic magmatism and the proximity of analysed samples to the Congo-Kalahari suture. Apatite fission track data are used to constrain the low-temperature thermo-tectonic evolution of the region and identify mean central ages of c. 320-300, 210-200 and 120-110?Ma. Thermal modelling of these samples identifies a number of thermal events occurring in the region throughout the Phanerozoic. Carboniferous to Permian-Triassic heating is suggested to relate to the development of Karoo rift basins found throughout central Africa and constrain the timing of sedimentation in the basin. Permian to Jurassic cooling is identified in a number of samples, reflecting exhumation as a result of the Mauritanian-Variscan and Gondwanide orogenies. Subsequent cooling of the majority of samples occurs from the Cretaceous and persists until present, reflecting exhumation in response to larger scale rifting associated with the break-up of Gondwana. Each model reveals a later phase of enhanced cooling beginning at c. 30?Ma that, if not an artefact of modelling, corresponds to the development of the East African Rift System. The obtained thermochronological data elucidate the previously unconstrained thermal evolution of the SIB, and provides a refined regional framework for constraining the tectonic history of central Africa throughout the Phanerozoic.
Gondwana Research, doi.org/10.1016 /j.gr.2013.03.013 21p. Pdf
Africa, Mozambique
tectonics
Abstract: The birth of modern life on Earth can be linked to the adequate supply of nutrients into the oceans. In this paper, we evaluate the relative supply of nutrients into the ocean. These nutrients entered the ocean through myriad passageways, but primarily through accelerated erosion due to uplift. In the ‘second ecosystem’, uplift is associated with plume-generation during the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. Although the evidence is somewhat cryptic, it appears that the second ecosystem included the demospongia back into the Cryogenian (~ 750 Ma). During the Ediacaran-Cambrian interval, convergent margin magmatism, arc volcanism and the closure of ocean basins provided a second pulse of nutrient delivery into the marine environment. A major radiation of life forms begins around 580 Ma and is represented by the diverse and somewhat enigmatic Ediacaran fauna followed by the Cambrian Explosion of modern phyla during the 540-520 Ma interval. Tectonically, the Ediacaran-Cambrian time interval is dominated by the formation of ultra-high pressure (UHP), high pressure (HP) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) orogenic belts during Gondwana orogenesis. Erosion of this extensive mountainous region delivered vast nutrients into the ocean and enhanced the explosiveness of the Cambrian radiation. The timing of final collisional orogeny and construction of the mountain belts in many of the Gondwana-forming orogens, particularly some of those in the central and eastern belts, post-date the first appearance of modern life forms. We therefore postulate that a more effective nutrient supply for the Cambrian radiation was facilitated by plume-driven uplift of TTG crust, subsequent rifting, and subduction-related nutrient systems prior to the assembly of Gondwana. In the outlined scenario, we propose that the birth of the ‘second ecosystem’ on our planet is plume-driven.
Abstract: We present geochemical and isotopic (Nd, Sr) data for a picrite lava suite from the Luenha River and adjacent areas in Mozambique. The Luenha picrites represent a previously unknown type of picrites related to the Karoo large igneous province (LIP) and are distinguished by their notably low TiO2 contents (0.3-1.0?wt%) and coupling of high Nb/Y with low Zr/Y and Sm/Yb. Relatively high CaO and low Zn/Fe point to a peridotitic mantle source. Contamination-sensitive incompatible element ratios show that one lava flow is likely to be uncontaminated by the crust and its composition suggests a mantle source with primitive mantle-like incompatible element ratios and mildly depleted isotopic ratios (initial 87Sr/86Sr?=?0.7041 and ?Nd?=?+1.4 at 180?Ma). The primary melts of the Luenha picrites had MgO contents in the range of 13-21?wt%. Our preferred estimate for a primary melt composition (MgO?=?18?wt%) resembles experimental melts of fertile mantle peridotite at 3-4?GPa and indicates liquidus temperature of 1445-1582?°C. Geochemical similarities suggest the Luenha picrites were generated from the same overall primitive mantle-like reservoir that produced the main volume of Karoo flood basalts in the Karoo, Kalahari, and Zambezi basins, whereas the previously identified enriched and depleted (upper) mantle sources of Karoo picrite suites (Mwenezi, Antarctica) were subordinate sources for flood basalts. We propose that the Luenha picrites record melting of a hot, chemically primitive mantle plume source that may have been rooted in the sub-African large low shear velocity province boundary and that such a source might have been the most significant magma source in the Karoo LIP.
Abstract: In less than a decade, Mozambique has become the world’s most productive source for gem-quality ruby. Since the discovery in 2009, GIA has followed these deposits from the front lines, collecting data in the field and in the laboratory. The development of the deposit in Montepuez has been extremely interesting, with different players involved and different types of material unearthed. This article provides a summary and overview of the current knowledge about Mozambican ruby, including the history of mining and the market impact, as well as a comprehensive gemological characterization and discussion of the most common treatments applied to the stones. Much of the information in this article is based on the authors’ observations in the field and market as well as several publications (Pardieu et al., 2009, 2013, 2015; Saeseaw et al., 2018).
Abstract: A group of geochemists suggests they have found the smoking gun in the Karoo magma province. Their new article reports the discovery of primitive picrite lavas that may provide the first direct sample of a hot mantle plume underneath southern Africa in the Jurassic period.
Abstract: We present geochemical and isotopic (Nd, Sr) data for a picrite lava suite from the Luenha River and adjacent areas in Mozambique. The Luenha picrites represent a previously unknown type of picrites related to the Karoo large igneous province (LIP) and are distinguished by their notably low TiO2 contents (0.3-1.0?wt%) and coupling of high Nb/Y with low Zr/Y and Sm/Yb. Relatively high CaO and low Zn/Fe point to a peridotitic mantle source. Contamination-sensitive incompatible element ratios show that one lava flow is likely to be uncontaminated by the crust and its composition suggests a mantle source with primitive mantle-like incompatible element ratios and mildly depleted isotopic ratios (initial 87Sr/86Sr?=?0.7041 and ?Nd?=?+1.4 at 180?Ma). The primary melts of the Luenha picrites had MgO contents in the range of 13-21?wt%. Our preferred estimate for a primary melt composition (MgO?=?18?wt%) resembles experimental melts of fertile mantle peridotite at 3-4?GPa and indicates liquidus temperature of 1445-1582?°C. Geochemical similarities suggest the Luenha picrites were generated from the same overall primitive mantle-like reservoir that produced the main volume of Karoo flood basalts in the Karoo, Kalahari, and Zambezi basins, whereas the previously identified enriched and depleted (upper) mantle sources of Karoo picrite suites (Mwenezi, Antarctica) were subordinate sources for flood basalts. We propose that the Luenha picrites record melting of a hot, chemically primitive mantle plume source that may have been rooted in the sub-African large low shear velocity province boundary and that such a source might have been the most significant magma source in the Karoo LIP.
Abstract: Over the last several decades, geographic origin determination for fine rubies has become increasingly important in the gem trade. In the gemological laboratory, rubies are generally broken down into two groups based on their trace element chemistry: marble-hosted (low-iron) rubies and high-iron rubies. High-iron rubies are usually a straightforward identification based on their inclusions and trace element profiles. Marble-hosted rubies can be more challenging, with some deposits showing overlap in some of their inclusion scenes. But many marblehosted rubies, especially Burmese stones from Mogok and Mong Hsu, can be accurately identified based on their internal features and trace element profiles. This contribution will outline the methods and criteria used at GIA for geographic origin determination for ruby.
Abstract: The Natal Valley, offshore Mozambique, is a key area for understanding the evolution of East Gondwana. Within the scope of the integrated multidisciplinary PAMELA project, we present new wide?angle seismic data and interpretations, which considerably alter Geoscience paradigms. These data reveal the presence of a 30?km?thick crust that we argue to be of continental nature. This falsifies all the most recent palaeo?reconstructions of the Gondwana. This 30?km?thick continental crust 1,000 m below sea level implies a complex history with probable intrusions of mantle?derived melts in the lower crust, connected to several occurrences of magmatism, which seems to evidence the crucial role of the lower continental crust in passive margin genesis.
Abstract: The rifted continental margins of Mozambique provide excellent examples of continental passive margins with a significant structural variability associated with magmatism and inheritance. Despite accumulated knowledge, the tectonic structure and nature of the crust beneath the South Mozambique Coastal Plain (SMCP) are still poorly known. This study interprets high-resolution seismic reflection data paired with data from industry-drilled wells and proposes a structural model of the Limpopo transform margin in a magma-rich context. Results indicate that the Limpopo transform margin is characterized by an ocean-continent transition that links the Beira-High and Natal valley margin segments and represents the western limit of the continental crust, separating continental volcano-sedimentary infilled grabens from the oceanic crust domain. These basins result from the emplacement of the Karoo Supergroup during a Permo-Triassic tectonic event, followed by an Early Jurassic tectonic and magmatic event. This latter led to the establishment of steady-state seafloor spreading at ca.156 Ma along the SMCP. A Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous event corresponds to formation of the Limpopo transform fault zone. Which accommodated the SSE-ward displacement of Antarctica with respect to Africa. We define a new type of margin: the magma-rich transform margin, characterized by the presence of voluminous magmatic extrusion and intrusion coincident with the formation and evolution of the transform margin. The Limpopo transform fault zone consists of several syn-transfer and -transform faults rather than a single transform fault. The intense magmatic activity was associated primarily with mantle dynamics, which controlled the large-scale differential subsidence along the transform margin.
Watremez, L., Leroy, S., d'Acremont, E., Roche, V., Evain, M., Lepretre, A., Verrier, F., Aslanian, D., Dias, N., Afilhado, A., Schnurle, P., Castilla, R., Despinois, F., Moulin, M.
Abstract: A variety of structures results from the interplay of evolving far-field forces, plate kinematics, and magmatic activity during continental break-up. The east Limpopo transform margin, offshore northern Mozambique, formed as Africa and Antarctica separated during the mid-Jurassic period break-up of the Gondwana supercontinent. The nature of the crust onshore has been discussed for decades in an effort to resolve issues with plate kinematic models. Two seismic refraction profiles with coincident multichannel seismic reflection profiles allow us to interpret the seismic velocity structures across the margin, both onshore and offshore. These seismic profiles allow us to (a) delineate the major regional crustal domains; (b) identify widespread indications of magmatic activity; and (c) map crustal structure and geometry of this magma-rich transform margin. Careful examination of the profiles allows us to make the following observations and interpretations: (a) on land, continental crust is overlain by a >10-km thick volcano-sedimentary wedge related to an early rifting stage, (b) offshore, thick oceanic crust formed due to intense magmatic activity, and between the two (c) a 50-60-km wide transform zone where the crustal structures are affected by intense magmatic activity and faulting. The prominent presence of intrusive and extrusive igneous units may be attributed to the combination of a deep-seated melting anomaly and a trans-tensional fault zone running through thinned lithosphere that allowed melt to reach the surface. A comparison of the crustal thinning along other transform margins shows a probable dependence with the thermal and/or tectonic history of the lithosphere.
Abstract: The Zambezi rises with considerable modesty in north-west Zambia from a small spring on the gentle upland of the Southern Equatorial Divide - the watershed that separates the river from north-west-flowing tributaries of the Congo. The evolution of the Zambezi River has repeatedly modified the distribution of riverine plant and animal species. The hydrology of the Zambezi is further influenced by water exploitation by different users, along its main channel and tributaries. The dams have had severe ecological impacts on the major floodplains, as a result of the reduction of the supply of water and sediment. The major Early Cretaceous Zambezi-Limpopo River system entered the Mozambique coastal plain via a line of crustal weakness that was exploited by a major west-north-west trending dyke swarm. Drainage evolution of the Palaeo-Chambeshi system has been invoked as the primary cause of the recent evolution of the molerats.