Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)
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Item Petrographic, whole-rock geochemical and δ34S isotope characterisation of the Middelvlei Reef in the Witwatersrand Basin(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-03) Mooa, Phuthanang Faith; Nwaila, Glen; Bybee, GrantGold is still one of the greatest sought-after metals in the world. The Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa has historically been a key gold metallogenic province. However, the extensive exploitation of the Mesoarchean Witwatersrand Basin has led to the exhaustion of many of its primary, regionally persistent orebodies known as “reefs”. Consequently, the exploration of secondary composite orebodies within the Witwatersrand Basin has become a necessity. Composite reefs, characterised by multiple auriferous conglomerate beds, present significant opportunities for continued gold recovery in the Witwatersrand Basin. However, their origin and gold content have often been overlooked due to their restricted or localised mineralisation extent and lower gold tenor compared to thin conglomerate beds and goldrich carbon seams. The Middelvlei Reef serves as an exemplary composite reef, that is found at the bottom of the Central Rand Group in the Witwatersrand Basin. The Middelvlei Reef, along with its counterparts such as the Elsburg Reefs, exhibits distinctive features where gold is frequently interlinked with multi-stacked auriferous and pyrite-rich conglomerates. The quartz-pebble conglomerates of the Middelvlei Reef are noted for their exceptional pyrite richness, relatively moderate gold grades (i.e., <5 g/t), and thin, alternating multicycle conglomerates, rendering them a complex subject for gold-bearing formation studies. This research focuses on the morphology and chemical composition of pyrite grains within the Middelvlei Reef to explain the depositional environment through comprehensive trace element chemistry and sulphur isotope (δ34S) analysis. The study identifies various pyrite morphologies based on textural distinctions, classifying them into detrital and authigenic types. Detrital pyrite can be classified as massive, inclusion-bearing (random, planarlaminated, concentrically laminated, and micro-spherical), and coarsely crystalline detrital pyrite. Authigenic pyrite is classified into euhedral/subhedral, overgrowth, infill, aggregates, and pseudo-morphic pyrite. Conventional and advanced analytical techniques such as reflected light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA), electron-probe microanalyses (EPMA), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and virtual secondary ions mass spectrometry (vSIMS) were employed to investigate the in-situ trace element and δ34S composition of pyrite grains. Proxies such as Au, Au/As ratios, Co/Ni ratios, Ni, and Mo/Ni ratios were used to infer the process of gold enrichment in the Middelvlei Reef. Detrital pyrite grains are characterised by low Co/Ni (1.51 ppm) and high Au contents (3.05 ppm). Contrarily, high Co/Ni (29.96 ppm) and low Au (0.15 ppm) concentrations imply authigenic pyrite grains. The elevated Mo/Ni ratios (0.005 ppm) in these pyrite grains indicate a source from felsic to mafic rocks within the granitoid-greenstone belts of the Kaapvaal Craton. Sulphur isotopic analyses from vSIMS reveal a broad range of δ34S values (-15.39 to +38.25 ‰.) in the pyrite grains of the Middelvlei Reef, suggesting multiple sources that include localised sulphurous pools and photochemical reactions. The broad range of high positive (+38.25 ‰) and negative (-15.39 ‰) δ!"S values are attributed to the high amounts of inclusions observed within the respective grains. Clusters of positive δ34S values (-6.32 to +25.27 ‰) observed in detrital pyrite grains imply erosion of sedimentary deposits, whereas low δ34S values (-2.18 to +3.87 ‰) in authigenic pyrite grains point towards metamorphic and hydrothermal fluid sources. These findings suggest that the composite Middelvlei Reef was formed in a combination of high to low-energy braided riverine environments that allowed the accumulation of large sulphide group minerals, which were reworked into auriferous conglomerate channels. Pyrite morphology, chemistry, and isotopic composition indicate that the detrital pyrite grains were generated by a combination of sedimentary and diagenetic processes, while the authigenic pyrite grains recorded fluid mobilisation evidence and multiple re-deposition processes. Detrital pyrite, which is a fingerprint of the composite Middelvlei Reef, was created by erosion and reworking of diagenetic pyrite. This complex process resulted in the accumulation of fine-grained gold within various pyrite grains, alongside other metals like As, Ag, Cu, Ni, Co, and Mo. This study provides insights into the complex depositional and post-depositional processes that have governed gold accumulation in the Middelvlei Reef, in that way laying the groundwork for future exploration and exploitation of similar composite reefs within the Witwatersrand Basin.Item Seismic analysis of the Onshore Mozambique Basin Reservoirs, Inhassoro Area(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-01) Mbatha, Bonginkosi Wiseman; Mashaba, Vincent; Wells, Chris; Manzi, MusaThe Mozambique Basin has proven to be rich in hydrocarbon resources, with gas production since 2004. Exploration in this basin has, in the past, focused mainly onshore and centred around the Pande, Temane, and Inhassoro gas and oil fields. The use of amplitude characterization has assisted explorers in identifying gas accumulations, especially the stratigraphically trapped gas in Pande and Temane. The hydrocarbon-rich reservoirs in this basin are those mainly of the Lower Grudja Formation. These are Maastrichtian to Campanian aged reservoirs in the Late Cretaceous period. Seismic attributes can be used to understand these formations and their fluid content. Amplitude-based attributes have been studied successfully in the central part of the basin where the Lower Grudja Formation is relatively thick and, in some parts, saturated with hydrocarbon pore fluids. The study makes use of recently acquired high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) surface seismic data and well data information to characterize Mozambique Basin Lower Grudja reservoirs. Before the acquisition of the 3D seismic data, interpreters mainly relied on qualitative interpretation of 2D seismic surveys following anomalous amplitude events across seismic sections. The 2D seismic data had many limitations, including wide (2-4 km) line spacing, relying on projections from gridding algorithms. Attributes from seismic amplitudes extracted from stacked data can lead to misinterpretation, often referred to as false positives, and the drilling of dry holes. The study looks at the fundamental causes of these anomalous amplitude events. This implies that direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHI) require further analysis before being confirmed as representing hydrocarbon fluid-filled porous reservoirs. This is achieved through analysis of stacked seismic data (full and variable angle data), post-stack migrated data, pre-stack seismic gather data, and well information. Three main questions are investigated to quantitatively describe Mozambique Basin reservoirs: Rock Physics Modelling - is there a unique response due to changes in fluid composition in the subsurface that can be characterized using seismic data? Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) analysis – are these changes uniquely related to changes in fluid composition, or are they coupled with other reservoir and bounding rock properties? Seismic inversion – can we quantitatively predict the distribution of hydrocarbons across the Inhassoro block using both seismic attributes and quantitative interpretation methods? Pande seismic analysis and inversion of lower Grudja facies demonstrate that existing seismic gathers could be conditioned and made AVO compliant. This enables the determination of the AVO behaviour of Lower Grudja reservoirs, in this case, Pande G6 and G10. These reservoirs, owing to their high porosity gas sands capped by a relatively stiff rock, exhibit a class IV AVO response. True AVO class of Lower Grudja reservoirs is revealed when extracted from conditioned seismic gathers. This is complemented by intercept and gradient crossplots. AVO synthetics from wells with reliable well log data help model the expected AVO behaviour of Lower Grudja reservoirs. Quantitative analysis was also conducted in Temane and Inhassoro and included AVO modelling based on fluid and saturation scenarios. Crossplotting of elastic properties with petrophysical parameters concluded that bulk density is a proxy for relative porosity and relative fluid saturation, and shear modulus is a proxy for relative shale volume.Item Two new basal anomodont specimens from the Lower Abrahamskraal Formation (Beaufort Group: Karoo Supergroup) - implications for anomodont phylogeny and palaeoecology(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-03) Matlhaga, Fonda Ricardo; Rubidge, Bruce; Benoit, JulienAnomodontia is among the most prosperous therapsid clades in terms of abundance and diversity. Their largest subclade, the Dicynodontia, were present from the Middle Permian to the Late Triassic, reaching their maximum diversity during the Late Permian, before the end-Permian extinction event 252 million years ago. Basal anomodonts are known from South Africa, Russia, China, and Brazil. They are comparatively rare, and, as such, the earliest stages of anomodont evolutionary radiation remain obscure. Here, the cranial morphology of two new anomodont specimens from the Eodicynodon Assemblage Zone, lower Beaufort Group of South Africa are described: BP/1/8500 and BP/1/8740. The large size of BP/1/8500 makes it unique among early dicynodonts, and it combines features of both basal anomodonts and dicynodonts. Specimen BP/1/8500 is recovered as the second most basal dicynodont, stemwards to Nyaphulia oelofseni. In contrast, specimen BP/1/8740 is very small, and the large orbit and lack of canines are reminiscent of Patranomodon, Galechirus, and Galepus. A detailed description of this specimen indicates that it is a second specimen of Patranomodon and, most likely, a juvenile. This is supported by the phylogenetic analysis, which recovers it as a sister taxon to the holotype of Patranomodon. In addition, an analysis of body size suggests that anomodont body size has increased gradually over time while diversity decreased. Small-bodied anomodonts dominated before the end-Capitanian crisis, then large bodied anomodonts appeared during the Lopingian and went extinct at the end of the Permian. Anomodont size increased consistently during the Triassic, but the taxonomic diversity was extremely low. This supports that, as for many other tetrapod groups, large body size was a refugium niche for anomodonts as they approached extinction.Item Reconstruction of the Early-Middle Miocene Palaeoenvironment in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-06) Maphutha, Mmatolo Julliet; Bamford, MarionThe origin of our flora and fauna is of general interest, and the Miocene (between 23.0 - 5.3 million years ago) was a crucial period for the development of our modern flora. Generally, there is a poor Miocene record in Africa but new Miocene sites have been discovered in Gorongosa National Park, central Mozambique; a park with an incredible diversity of fauna and flora. With newly discovered fossil shark teeth, molluscs, marine vertebrates and invertebrates, this is the first study to use palynological analysis to reconstruct the environment surrounding the Miocene fossils. The study aimed to use pollen, phytoliths, microcharcoal and other microremains to 1)reconstruct the palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate from Early-Middle Miocene sediment deposits at the Gorongosa Palaeontological Locality number 12 (GPL-12); and 2)test the fidelity of the microremains recorded in the modern soils of the known vegetation types in the park. The pollen and phytolith samples for both fossil sediments and modern soils were processed using the standard method, which involves acid treatment and analysed in the lab. Overall, fungal material dominated most of the slides, and fossil non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) aided the most in palaeoenvironment reconstruction compared to fossil pollen and phytoliths. Fourteen phytolith morphotypes were found across the modern soil samples of which nine distinctively belonged to C4 grasses, the others were non-specific, and the rest were from woody dicotyledons. Overall, the results support other publications done in the area that the sea was more inland during the Miocene and GPL-12 was more wet and of an estuarine environment.Item Geochemical and geochronological analysis of post-impact hydrothermal alteration in the Morokweng impact structure, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-03) Malelu, Liseloane Lucia; Gibson, Roger L.; Bolhar, RobertThis study investigates evidence of post-impact hydrothermal activity in the 369 m long M4 drillcore, located 18 km NNW of the centre of the 80 km-wide, 146 Ma, Morokweng Impact Structure (MIS), South Africa. The core intersects fractured, faulted, brecciated and cataclased Archaean granitoid gneisses and minor dolerites that are intruded by mm- to m-wide pseudotachylite and suevite dykes, for which a peak ring setting has been proposed. Petrographic evidence indicates that impact-related shock features and breccias are overprinted by a dominantly zeolite-smectite paragenesis that contains some evidence of high-temperature (>350 °C) minerals such as actinolite, clinopyroxene, andradite and titanite, as well as minor amounts of calcite and anhydrite. Biotite shows varying degrees of alteration to chlorite. Pyrite occurs as part of the post impact assemblage locally, but the dominant Fe-bearing phases are magnetite, haematite and iron hydroxides such as goethite. The impact-related structures and the post-impact hydrothermal veins are cut by younger, mostly subhorizontal, mm- to cm-wide, calcite veins in the upper parts of the core that contain minor amounts of zeolite. The calcite vein textures vary from blocky coarse grained to fibrous/stretched to elongate-blocky and blocky/fine-grained and cross-cutting relationships indicate multiple veining events. Smectite-illite K-Ar ages range from 105.80 ± 4.43 Ma (214.40 m) to 68.88 ± 48.87 Ma (121.8 m), 59.45 ± 7.74 Ma (216 m) and 57.41 ± 7.14 (119 m). The correlation of age with grain size suggests that these ages might reflect resetting of the original impact hydrothermal assemblages formed at 146 Ma, although new mineral growth during discrete post-impact hydrothermal events cannot be completely ruled out. Four calcite veins analyzed via LA-ICP-MS yielded U-Pb ages of 66.46 ± 0.74, 16 ± 47, 28.1 ± 1.1, and 13.95 ± 4.32 Ma. The broad agreement between the oldest U-Pb calcite age and three of the smectite-illite ages suggests a significant hydrothermal event close to the Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary. Stable isotope analysis indicates that the older calcite veins record heavier ẟ18O and varying ẟ13C values ranging from 21.45 to 27.39 ‰ and -21.80 to -9.24 ‰, respectively, whereas the younger veins record lighter ẟ18O and varying ẟ13C values of 19.00 to 22.04 ‰ and -19.79 to -3.99 ‰, respectively. Negative ẟ 13CPDB values are consistent with a meteoric groundwater influence enriched in dissolved organic carbon; however, the combined ẟ 13CPDB–ẟ 18OSMOW values suggest connate waters that interacted with a marine carbonate source. The ẟ 13CPDB–ẟ 18OSMOW values and age values vary between samples. The temperature of crystallization of the vein carbonate is estimated between 8.5 to 140.7 and > 200℃, using the stable isotope thermometer. Rare earth element (REE) patterns in the calcite veins are also sample-specific and show little to no correlation with the REE patterns of the host rocks, suggesting derivation from an external source and little to no interaction between the fluids and the wallrocks. One sample exhibits a pattern enriched in light rare earth elements relative to middle and heavy rare earth elements, with a negative Ce, slightly positive Gd, and positive Y anomalies, suggestive of precipitation under oxidizing conditions. However, two samples show flat REE patterns with strong positive Eu and Y anomalies, indicative of oxygen-poor hydrothermal fluids, while the fourth sample shows a flat REE pattern with a positive Y anomaly. These patterns indicate different fluid sources and may imply temporal variation in fluid composition related to different veining events. In conclusion, the calcite veins in the upper parts of the M4 drillcore appear to represent polyphase fluid infiltration events unrelated to the Morokweng impact event, and most likely are associated with discrete events relating to the poorly understood Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic tectonic and exhumation/burial history of the region.Item Redescription and new material of the Triassic cynodont Cistecynodon parvus and reassessment of its phylogeny(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-01) Lund, Erin Shawn; Benoit, Julien; Smith, RogerCynodonts are an important clade of non-mammaliaform therapsid that first occur in the late Permian and include the subclade Mammaliaformes, the latter ultimately giving rise to modern mammals. The systematics of non-mammaliaform cynodonts has been extensively studied and is relatively well resolved, however, there are still many problematic taxa that are difficult to identify and place confidently into the cynodont phylogenetic tree. Cistecynodon parvus is one such taxon, known only from a single specimen, the holotype skull, which was found in the Middle Triassic Burgersdorp Formation of South Africa, in strata assigned to the Trirachodon – Kannemeyeria Subzone of the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone. Over the past century Cistecynodon has been variously referred to the Probainognathia, Cynognathia, and non-eucynodont cynodonts, without any emerging consensus. Recently, a new specimen possibly referrable to this genus has been discovered on the farm Lemoenfontein, within the same subzone. Here the holotype of Cistecynodon parvus and the new specimen are described using CT scans of the skulls to produce 3D models. This new data is used to score a phylogenetic matrix which supports that Cistecynodon parvus is a basal, non-eucynodont. This basal position reflects on the anatomy of its secondary palate, which is not closed despite the specimen being a subadult. The inner ear, trigeminal canal, parietal foramen and carotid foramina are uniquely derived, likely as adaptations to an obligate fossorial lifestyle, confirming the validity of the taxon and its subterranean ecology. The new specimen from Lemoenfontein is found to be closely related, but clearly distinct from Cistecynodon, and thus likely represents a new species of early Middle Triassic cynodont.Item Investigation of the Ore Mineralisation Styles and Alteration Zones of Messina Copper Deposits(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-01) Hlahla, Dimakatso Lauretta; Bolhar, Robert; Iaccheri, LindaNot availableItem Characterisation of the Platinum Group Minerals in the Ombuku North intrusion peripheral to the Kunene Complex: Insights into its PGE potential(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-03) Mothobekhi, Lorraine Masoko; Milani, Lorenzo; Hayes, BenThe Kunene AMCG (Anorthosite-Mangerite-Charnockite-Granite) Complex, located in the southern part of Angola and northern part of Namibia, is known as one of the most extensive Proterozoic anorthosite complexes worldwide, with an extent of the area ≥ 18 000 km2, and positioned along the southwest margins of the Congo craton. The mafic-ultramafic intrusions within the vicinity of the Kunene Complex are mineralised with nickel, copper, and platinum group elements (PGEs). The area has not been extensively explored, and only minor exploration work has been conducted to search for magmatic sulphide deposits, particularly nickel deposits. The PGE potential of the mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the area and their potential mineral system has not previously been extensively studied. The available geochemical assay data of the Ombuku North intrusion in northern Namibia was sourced from African Nickel Limited (ANL) and was used in this study to assess its PGE potential and to better understand its potential mineral system. Petrographic work demonstrated Ombuku North intrusion was commonly associated with magmatic sulphides (pentlandite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite), formed from a Mono Sulphide Solution, and magnetite. Samples were selected for further detailed platinum group mineral (PGM) investigations on the basis of their PGE contents. Ombuku North is characterised by slightly anomalous PGE values and the available thin sections from Ombuku North with corresponding bulk rock PGE values of >80 parts per billion (ppb) were selected for the identification and characterisation of the PGMs, and for detailed petrographic analyses. In this study, PGM mineral analyses were done using a Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA) which is a fully automated instrument, whereas previous mineral analyses for PGMs in Ombuku North and some of the other mafic-ultramafic intrusions in this region were collected using Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive Xray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) method, which is only partially automated. TIMA could identify the PGM in the selected samples from Ombuku North. The identified PGMs included sperrylite, michenerite, stibiopalladinite, and vincentite, all associated with serpentinised rocks. The platinum arsenides (sperrylite) are mainly hosted in magnetite and in pyrrhotite. The palladium bismuthotellurides (michenerite and vincentite) and a platinum antimonide (stibiopalladinite) are hosted in pentlandite. The origin of these PGMs can be associated with both magmatic and hydrothermal processes. Magmatic processes are primarily responsible for the initial formation and crystallisation of silicate minerals within the mafic-ultramafic intrusions, including primary magmatic sulphide assemblage. Late hydrothermal processes are related to the alteration of these rocks, where fluids circulated through the rock leading to the formation of secondary minerals such as serpentine, talc, and the redistribution of PGE. Although PGE data are also provided also for other intrusions, this study mainly focused on Ombuku North intrusion due to the limited availability of assay data. We infer that amongst all the mineralised mafic-ultramafic intrusions related to the Kunene Complex, the most prospective for PGE anomalies are the altered ultramafic lithologies at Ombuku North.Item Intergrated Geophysical Methods to Delineate R21 Sinkholes Near Olifantsfontein, Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-09) Mabele, Nondumiso; Manzi, MusaThe Gauteng province in South Africa is known for having a significant portion, at least 25%, of its land is underlain by dolomite rocks. An integrated approach of non-invasive geophysical methods was utilised to map the geometry (shape, size and extent) of the R21 highway sinkhole that formed near Olifantsfontein. These methods include seismic (reflection and refraction), multi-channel analyses of surface waves (MASW), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground penetrating radar (GPR). The objectives of the investigation were three-fold: (1) to understand the geology and formation of sinkholes in Gauteng; (2) to use geophysical techniques to map and characterize sinkholes in the study area, including determining their geometry, lateral and vertical extents; and (3) to determine the effectiveness of each method in mapping sinkholes. Despite the high level of noise along the highway, the geophysical surveys were conducted successfully and provided a good basis for the integrated interpretations. This study showcases the importance of utilising multiple geophysical methods to obtain a comprehensive understanding of sinkholes and their subsurface characteristics. It also demonstrates the practical application of these methods in real-world scenarios for improved hazard assessment and risk mitigation. The GPR results suggest that a sinkhole extends by ~2.5 m further into the R21 highway surface with a depth of ~8-10 m (top to bottom). The refraction seismic method suggests that the sinkhole is ~20 m wide, while the ERT results suggest that the sinkhole starts at 10 m and extends to 15 m depth. The results from reflection seismics indicate that the R21 sinkhole is structurally controlled and it is characterised by fracturing and faulting that manifest as diffractions on the seismic sections. Understanding the extent and characteristics of sinkholes is crucial for infrastructure planning and hazard mitigation, especially in areas prone to subsidence and sinkhole formation like in Gauteng. These findings can inform decision-making processes related to road maintenance, construction, and land use planning in sinkhole-prone regions. The success of the integrated geophysical approach in this study highlights its potential for similar investigations in other areas with karst geology and sinkhole risks.Item The nature and characteristics of sulphide mineralisation at the Kamoa - Kakula copper deposit of the Katanga basin, Central African Copperbelt, Lualaba, Democratic Republic of Congo(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-08) Kaemba, Robert Ntokwa; Yudovskaya, Marina A.The Kamoa-Kakula deposit is a world-class stratiform copper deposit located in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) approximately 25 km from Kolwezi town and close to the border of DRC and Zambia. The ore deposit is in the southern area of the western foreland domain of the Congolese Copperbelt (Central African Copperbelt). The structural setting of the deposit is characterised by the West scarp fault, binding Kamoa to the west whilst it is bounded by faults of the Kansoko Sud trend to the east. The mineral resource footprint of the deposit envelopes the Makulu dome and wraps around the southern edge of the Kamoa dome. The main sedimentary lithologies hosting copper mineralisation are diamictite and interbedded siltstones of the Grand Conglomérat Formation at the base of the Nguba Group overlying sandstones of the Mwashya Subgroup (Roan Group). Previous studies within DRC and Zambia showed that the glaciogenic diamictite (Grand Conglomérat Formation) is a laterally extensive regional marker. The geological interpretation and literature data reveals a distinct stratigraphic correlation of several copper deposits across the Central African Copperbelt confirming multiple occurrences at various stratigraphic levels. Furthermore, this analysis identifies the Fishtie deposit (Lusale basin, Zambia), which occurs on the eastern margin of the Katanga basin, as the closest geological analogue to Kamoa – Kakula. At Kamoa-Kakula, hydrothermal sulphide mineralisation occurs mainly towards the base of the Grand Conglomérat with the dominant sulphide mineral assemblage composed of pyrite – chalcopyrite – bornite - chalcocite, and minor covellite . Optical microscopy demonstrates the multi-stage crystallisation of few generations of pyrite including the earliest diagenetic framboidal pyrite. The widespread development of the symplectic texture linked to bornite and chalcocite intricate intergrowths and regular rimming of clasts by sulphide overgrowth, as well as the occurrences of framboidal chalcopyrite and bornite argue for the sulphide paragenesis being linked to sulphide replacement. This is consistent with the apparent mineral zonation progressing downwards from pyrite → chalcopyrite → bornite ± covellite → chalcocite. The S isotope variations suggest that a significant portion of S at Kamoa originated from early bacterial sulphate reduction, which resulted in precipitation of fine-grained framboidal and sooty pyrite with the negative δ34S values as low as -19.9 ‰. The similar, while narrower, range of δ 34S values for chalcopyrite is due to inheritance and homogenization of the S isotopic signature of diagenetic sulphides during ore stage replacement, whereas the highly negative δ 34S values for chalcocite (down to -35.1 ‰) indicate the subsequent extreme isotope fractionation under low-temperature conditions. The study includes a comprehensive overview of the regional stratigraphic and geological correlation, in conjunction with detailed mineralogical and isotopic observations, contributing to further understanding of Cu mineralisation at Kamoa-Kakula as well as on a scale of the entire Central African Copperbelt.