Quartz Veins Characteristics and Au Mineralization Within the Batouri Au District, East Cameroon

Abstract

The Batouri south Au district of East Cameroon is hosted by biotite-amphibole meta-granites that belong to the Pan-African group of Pre-to Syn D1 and D2 Neoproterozoic granitoids. Hydrothermal activity and Au mineralization in this area is greatly enhanced by the presence of fractures, foliations, faults (sinistral) and vein splays hosted within a foliated meta-granite basement. Thirteen samples of 1.00 kg each of quartz vein were crushed and panned for Au-grain recovery. Fire Assay geochemistry was used to analyze eighteen samples for Au. Field results identified foliated and non-foliated GQV/BQV quartz vein varieties. The mineralization style in the area is mainly by fracture filled. Disseminated Au is common in the weathered wall rock envelop associated with mineralized veinlets. Au-grade from fire assay geochemistry varies from ~0.056 g/t to 2.844 g/t similar to 3-4 g/t Au-grade from field analysis associated with the GQV veinlets and weathered wall rock. The highest Au-grade was obtained from the foliated variety of GQV (QV2). Recovered Au-grains varied in shape and sizes (102-392 μm).