April, 2019 GSZ NEWSLETTER GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ZAMBIA …€¦ · Lamprophyre Dyke, Chikankata...

April, 2019 GSZ NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTERPetrography and Geochemistry of the Munali Hills Lamprophyre Dyke, Chikankata District, Southern Province, ZambiaOsbert N. Sikazwe University of Zambia, School of Mines Lusaka 10101, Zambia ([email protected]),

R. Pompe Dept. of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA,

Ahmed H. Ahmed University of Zambia, School of Mines Lus

University of Zambia, School of Mines Lusaka 10101, Zambia,

California, Dept. of Earth Sciences Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA and

and Environmental Studies Rusangu University, Monze, Zambia

A set of at least two mafic dykes, exposed in a

quarry (longitude: 28.16941oE and latitude:

15.92571oS), in the past described as gabbro,

dolerite or amphibolite, intrudes, with very sharp

contacts, into the Mpande Gneiss (1106

probably the Munali Hills Granite (1090 Ma)

constituting the Basement Complex terrane. These

Mesoproterozoic rocks are part of the Zambezi

Supracrustal Sequence that underlies the Zambezi

Thrust and Fold Belt. The dykes have different

trends and angle of dips and the dyke under this

study shows a general trend of NW-SE with a dip of

about 50o towards NE. Along the northern contact

with the host rock, the dyke exhibits nearly a meter

thick zone of strong foliation probably representing

primary shearing effect along the walls during its

emplacement. The foliated part is highly weathered.

About two meters inside of the contact there occurs

a spotted texture with discrete white minerals in a

nearly black background. On the surface the dyke is

almost unidentifiable due to its deep weathering,

and the fresh dyke rock is well exposed only due to

quarrying for aggregate. The sampled dyke, which is

dark green to nearly black, fine to medium grained

and melanocratic, is for the first time being

described as a lamprophyre dyke based on the

recently acquired mineralogical and

lithogeochemical data. Cont’d on pg 15


NEWSLETTER

OF ZAMBIAGEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Petrography and Geochemistry of the Munali Hills Lamprophyre Dyke, Chikankata District, Southern Province, Zambia

University of Zambia, School of Mines Lusaka 10101, Zambia ([email protected]),

Dept. of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA,

University of Zambia, School of Mines Lusaka 10101, Zambia, Kabang'u Sakuwaha

University of Zambia, School of Mines Lusaka 10101, Zambia, Scott R. Paterson University of Southern

California, Dept. of Earth Sciences Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA and Shepande Kalapula

tal Studies Rusangu University, Monze, Zambia

A set of at least two mafic dykes, exposed in a

E and latitude:

S), in the past described as gabbro,

dolerite or amphibolite, intrudes, with very sharp

into the Mpande Gneiss (1106±11 Ma) and

probably the Munali Hills Granite (1090 Ma)

constituting the Basement Complex terrane. These

Mesoproterozoic rocks are part of the Zambezi

Supracrustal Sequence that underlies the Zambezi

dykes have different

trends and angle of dips and the dyke under this

SE with a dip of

about 50o towards NE. Along the northern contact

with the host rock, the dyke exhibits nearly a meter

robably representing

primary shearing effect along the walls during its

emplacement. The foliated part is highly weathered.

About two meters inside of the contact there occurs

a spotted texture with discrete white minerals in a

the surface the dyke is

almost unidentifiable due to its deep weathering,

and the fresh dyke rock is well exposed only due to

quarrying for aggregate. The sampled dyke, which is

dark green to nearly black, fine to medium grained

e first time being

described as a lamprophyre dyke based on the

recently acquired mineralogical and

’d on pg 15

Vol. 1

1

NEWSLETTER OF ZAMBIA

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Petrography and Geochemistry of the Munali Hills Lamprophyre Dyke, Chikankata District, Southern Province, Zambia

University of Zambia, School of Mines Lusaka 10101, Zambia ([email protected]), Lance

Dept. of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA,

Kabang'u Sakuwaha

University of Southern

Shepande Kalapula Dept. of Geography

April, 2019 GSZ NEWSLETTER Vol. 1

2

Technical Article: Petrography and Geochemistry of the Munali Hills Lamprophyre Dyke, Chikankata District, Southern Province, Zambia

1

Chairman’s Letter

3

Meet the GSZ Executive Committee

4

Core Logging Workshop Poster

6

Insights: from Prof Nkhuwa

7

GSZ Members List

10

Insights: from Wiscort Banda

11

Column: by Kabang’u Sakuwaha – Why Read? 13

Events 17

CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS

Special thanks go out to the following people who have made contributions in various ways to get the

Society going as well as this issue of the newsletter:

The executive committee members for all their efforts,

Dr Osbert Sikazwe for the technical article,

Kabang’u Sakuwaha for the column article,

Prof Daniel Nkhuwa for the interview,

Wiscort Banda for the interview,

Vincent Kawamya for assistance with the Society documentation,

Mutinta Syafunko and Judah Zulu for their help with member applications, and

Our core logging poster models – Bertha Phiri, Abraham Mbewe, Phillip Makukula and Andrew Sakala

Please send through your articles for the next issue to

[email protected]


3

A journey of a thousand miles

begins with a single step”.

I feel very honoured to be writing

this letter to the Geological Society

of Zambia fraternity using the

revived newsletter. It is the

culmination of work that began in

July 2017 when the current

administration was given control of

the Society. In that time a lot of

work has been done in the

background by a few volunteers

and this newsletter represents the

fruits of the labour. To these

people, I say a very big thank you

for donating your precious time to

make this a reality. As in the past, I

am hoping that this newsletter

provides a platform for

geoscientists (and professionals

from other disciplines!) to share

information that it is pertinent to all

geologists and the wider

community in Zambia.

The Geological Society was formed

in 1959 meaning that it is 60 years

old this year! There has been a lot

achieved over the six decades of

existence although it is fair to say

that the Society membership and

activities have been in decline over

the last decade or so. The first order

of business has therefore been to

mobilise membership and bring it

back to a level where it represents

the majority of both practising and

non-practising geologists in the

country. To encourage as many

geologists as possible to join, we

have foregone membership fees

and it is pleasing to note that our

membership now stands at over 80

geologists and students combined

representing academia, industry

and the government. It is hoped

that we can get membership to

somewhere around 250 members

at which point we could perhaps

organise a national conference

where we can chart the direction

for the Society in the 21st century.

Another position we have taken is

that we should try and operate

within our own resources. This has

meant asking for voluntary

contributions from within our

membership, largely in terms of

time, for specific tasks to be

achieved. We think that this is

justified now because the mining

industry in Zambia is going through

uncertain times once again and is

perhaps less inclined to part with

their hard earned money. I am

pleased to report that the response

from the membership for voluntary

contributions has been quite solid

and we have managed to clear a

number of hurdles as a result. One

very obvious result of the work

done by volunteers is the

production of this newsletter!

One of the activities we would like

to revive is the practice whereby

monthly geological meetings are

arranged and held in Lusaka, Kitwe

and Solwezi. Such meetings present

excellent opportunities for

geologists to not only share

technical knowledge but also to

network. We are therefore looking

for volunteers to coordinate these

meetings and if you are interested,

please contact the Secretary.

An important aspect of the Society

has traditionally been to support

and encourage students at colleges

and universities. The current

executive would like to continue

this support and include newly

qualified graduates who are yet to

find employment. We plan to

approach arrange a series of

workshops designed to give

students hands on experience

which will prepare them for

professional work. The first such

workshop is planned for Kitwe in

July. We are also looking for

mentors to guide our younger

members and prepare them for

future leadership so please get in

touch if you are willing to be

mentor.

Finally I would like to conclude my

inaugural letter by quoting a

famous Chinese saying “A journey

of a thousand miles begins with a

single step”. We are indeed taking a

small step to revive the Society but

our chances of success are very high

given that the number of qualified

and trainee geologists is arguably

the highest it has ever been in the

country.

CHAIRMAN'S LETTER

James Mwale

GSZ Chairman


MEET THE GSZ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN – JAMES MWALE

James is currently

the 15 years that he’s been with FQM, he’s been involved in all phases of exploration from

generative to feasibility studies. Prior to this, he worked for a number of companies in both

greenfields and brownfields exploration. He holds an honours degree in Mining Geology from

the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, UK. James has also been involved in the discovery

of a number of deposits in his career, including the Fishtie deposit i

East Dome deposit at Kansanshi, Solwezi.

His passion is to help build a cadre of skilled geologists by linking industry and academia to

tackle the main scientific questions which are yet to be answered about Zambian geology.

Email: [email protected]

Bubile is an Exploration Geologist at First Quantum Minerals under generative exploration. She

has been working for five years after obtaining her Bachelor

University of Zambia. Following three years of working at Sentinel Mine, Trident Project

(FQM), a copper open pit mine as a Mine Geologist, she joined the FQM Zambia Exploration

team. Her time at Sentinel Mine provided he

aspects involved in developing a project into a large

a complex geometallurgical ore suite. This experience has enhanced her appreciation of the

exploration end

Bubile is invested in assisting geology students and recent graduates in their pursuit of

professional growth and development.


SECRETARY – BUBILE NKHATA

Alex is a Senior Mineral Resource Geologist for Mopani Copper Mines Plc and is based at Nkana

Mine. He has 16 years practical mining geology

Copperbelt of Zambia; which also include experience in production and resource modeling. He has

been with Mopani Copper mines for 15 years and pioneered the conversion of Resource

Estimation process for Nkan

computer-based methods. He was also instrumental in the generation of the solid and block

models for Mindola Shaft which led to the new shaft sinking project.

Alex holds a Certificate of Compe

of the Witwatersrand and the Bachelor of Mineral Sciences (Geology) from The University of

Zambia. He has a passion and interest in mineral resource evaluation.


PUBLICITY SECRETARY – ALEX SIMUTOTWE


MEET THE GSZ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

James is currently the Exploration Manager for First Quantum Minerals (FQM) in Zambia. In





of a number of deposits in his career, including the Fishtie deposit i

East Dome deposit at Kansanshi, Solwezi.



[email protected]


has been working for five years after obtaining her Bachelor of Mineral Sciences degree at the



team. Her time at Sentinel Mine provided her with in-depth knowledge of various technical

aspects involved in developing a project into a large-scale mining operation on a deposit with


exploration end-goal.


professional growth and development.

[email protected]


Mine. He has 16 years practical mining geology experience in emeralds, copper and cobalt on the



Estimation process for Nkana North from the traditional manual methods to geostatistical

based methods. He was also instrumental in the generation of the solid and block


Alex holds a Certificate of Competence in Mineral Resource Evaluation (MRM14) from University



[email protected]

ALEX SIMUTOTWE

Vol. 1

4

the Exploration Manager for First Quantum Minerals (FQM) in Zambia. In





of a number of deposits in his career, including the Fishtie deposit in Mkushi and the South




of Mineral Sciences degree at the



depth knowledge of various technical

scale mining operation on a deposit with




experience in emeralds, copper and cobalt on the



a North from the traditional manual methods to geostatistical

based methods. He was also instrumental in the generation of the solid and block


tence in Mineral Resource Evaluation (MRM14) from University




Evans started his career after completing his honours degree in Geochemistry at Manchester

University. He’s currently the Programme and Country manager for Rio Tinto Exploration

Zambia Limited.

and North western provinces of Zambia and previously worked for other multi

companies in various stages of greenfields

He has worked mainly in Zambia but also briefly i

project. He was involved in numerous programmes, including the drilling of the first

mineralised holes leading to the discovery of the world

involved in the exploration for potash in

Evans enjoys facilitating the coming together of people from various disciplines to put ideas

together that lead to discoveries.

be discovered in Z


GSZ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PROFILES CONT’D

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER – EVANS KANCHE

Kabang’u is a Staff Development Fellow at the University of Zambia. She received her

bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Zambia, and her Master of Philosophy in

Sustainable Mineral Resources Development from the University of Cape Town. She

pursuing a Master of Science degree in Petrology and Geotectonics at Hokkaido University,

Japan.

Before joining the University of Zambia, Kabang’u spent six years working as an exploration

geologist. Two years were spent working as a gradua

limited on a uranium exploration project in Southern Zambia, and four were spent at Rio Tinto

Exploration Zambia where she worked as a project geologist on various copper exploration

projects in the Copperbelt and Nort

Kabang’u is available for mentorship of early career geoscientists with a focus on young

women, research, as well as private consultations.


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER – KABANG’U SAKUWAHA




Zambia Limited. He’s led a multi-disciplinary team on exploration projects on the Copperbelt

western provinces of Zambia and previously worked for other multi

companies in various stages of greenfields exploration.

He has worked mainly in Zambia but also briefly in the DRC where he worked on the Ivanhoe


mineralised holes leading to the discovery of the world-class Kamoa deposit.

involved in the exploration for potash in the Danakil basin in Ethiopia with BHP Billiton.


together that lead to discoveries. He strongly believes there are yet more copper deposits to

be discovered in Zambia.

[email protected]

GSZ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PROFILES CONT’D

EVANS KANCHE



Sustainable Mineral Resources Development from the University of Cape Town. She



geologist. Two years were spent working as a graduate geologist for Denison Mines Zambia



projects in the Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces.


women, research, as well as private consultations.

[email protected]

KABANG’U SAKUWAHA

Vol. 1

5



disciplinary team on exploration projects on the Copperbelt

western provinces of Zambia and previously worked for other multi-national

n the DRC where he worked on the Ivanhoe


class Kamoa deposit. He was also

the Danakil basin in Ethiopia with BHP Billiton.


He strongly believes there are yet more copper deposits to



Sustainable Mineral Resources Development from the University of Cape Town. She is currently



te geologist for Denison Mines Zambia





6

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ZAMBIA

This one day workshop is ideal for students, early

career graduates and for industry geologists who

are actively involved in drill programs or project

assessments. The workshop is also recommended

for individuals who participate in mineral

exploration programs as well as government and

academic professionals who interact with the

mineral exploration industry.

SCOPE

Core recoveries Rock Quality Data Graphic Logging Structural Measurements Core Sampling Core Photographing Petrophysics

FORMAT

Participants work interactively in teams to conduct the workflow diamond drill core handling for a mineral exploration program.

SIGN UP https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZNZ3QQK

Use the link above to express your interest to participate in the

workshop. The number of registered participants will help

determine the scope of the workshop.

ONE-DAY CORE LOGGING

WORKSHOP

KALULUSHI, COPPERBELT

JUNE* 2019


1. What practical experiences did

you have early in your career

that greatly aided you in gaining

better geological

understanding?

As an energetic young graduate,

saturated with a lot of theory, I

went into industry, at ZCCM’s

Luanshya Division, with an open

mind to marry theory with

practice. I was fortunate to have

found patient older geologists,

Messrs Robert Kamanga and

Enestle Zimba, among others,

who walked me through the

ropes of underground mapping

and transfer of mapping data

onto plans and sections in the

drawing office in order to direct

and guide underground

developments; geologic logging

and sampling; plotting of assay

results on plans and sections to

delineate orebodies; estimation

of reserves; among others. This

set me off, quite early in my

career, to realise my importance

and the pivotal role I occupied in

the operations of a mine – for

instance, that (i) for any mishap

INSIGHTS

Daniel CW Nkhuwa

Associate Professor (Engineering

Geology and Hydrogeology)

School of Mines, UNZA


that would ever occur anywhere

underground, I was the first

person to be answerable to it; (ii)

I need to make sure that

developments stayed within the

optimally determined distances

with orebodies; delineation of

orebodies was always far ahead

of production; etc. This made me

realise the gravity of my

responsibility to safety of

virtually all miners underground

with regard to ground

conditions; continuity of other

downstream operations of a

mine; and a mine’s profitability. I

resolved to do my best to make

sure that I succeeded in all

repertoires of my work, of

course, with God’s Help. And

indeed, God was on my side. I

worked diligently across all the

four shafts – 14, 18, 28 and

Baluba – of the Luanshya Mines

over the seven years of my

working there.

2. In what ways is this evident in

your work or the way in which

you work?

The realisation that I was

responsible for all miners’ lives

underground made me to grow

resp

disciplined in the execution of

my work to ensure that no life

would be lost unduly, unless

under very unavoidable

circumstances. This work culture

has formed part of me ever

since. Even where I went for my

postgraduate studies

the Netherlands, while I was still

with ZCCM Limited, and PhD in

Germany

and older folks admired the

discipline and conduct in my

work culture. I am very sure that

those that have had a close

relationship with me could attest

to this.

had with this kind of approach

has been to take it for granted

that we all have the same

attitude, which has left me

disappointed on a number of

times. But such is life. This is a

culture that is lacking in many of

our young peop

perspective in life is a good life,

sometimes even with very little

input and responsibility.

3. What were your main sources of

acquiring geological knowledge?

Those days, we did not have the

privilege of free access to the

many sources of literature

online. Our major sources of

Daniel CW Nkhuwa (PhD)

Associate Professor (Engineering

Geology and Hydrogeology)

School of Mines, UNZA

Vol. 1

7

The realisation that I was

responsible for all miners’ lives

underground made me to grow

responsible, punctual and

disciplined in the execution of

my work to ensure that no life

would be lost unduly, unless

under very unavoidable

circumstances. This work culture

has formed part of me ever

since. Even where I went for my

postgraduate studies – MSc in

the Netherlands, while I was still

with ZCCM Limited, and PhD in

Germany – many of my peers

and older folks admired the

discipline and conduct in my

work culture. I am very sure that

those that have had a close

relationship with me could attest

to this. The only challenge I have

had with this kind of approach

has been to take it for granted

that we all have the same

attitude, which has left me

disappointed on a number of

times. But such is life. This is a

culture that is lacking in many of

our young people because their

perspective in life is a good life,

sometimes even with very little

input and responsibility.

What were your main sources of

acquiring geological knowledge?

Those days, we did not have the

privilege of free access to the

many sources of literature

online. Our major sources of


8

geologic knowledge were

journals that would be circulated

by the Chief Geologist,

colleagues that had subscribed

to journals, but most of all, there

was a library in Kalulushi (not

sure if it is still functional), from

where we could place orders for

articles of interest from a

catalogue of the material the

library had. The ordered articles

would be photocopied and sent

to us for knowledge enrichment.

We might have had very difficult

ways to acquire information, but

because we hungered for

knowledge, channels were

opened to us to acquire

literature to broaden our

knowledge and to keep abreast

with issues in the different fields

of our profession.

4. In retrospect, what would have

enhanced your capabilities early

on in your career?

Hard work and eagerness to

learn. This is especially useful if

one formulates a goal for their

profession and life. I knew I

needed a certain number of

years in the industry before I

could move on to my next stage

on the ladder to my goal.

Although a career in teaching

was not one thing I had directly

aspired for, this destiny was

crafted in me quite early in my

youth, when I was still in Form 3

or now grade 10. It was at this

stage that I started to salute

myself as professor. So, the goal

seemed to have been set as early

as then, and I just need to ‘walk’

towards it.

5. What advice would you give to

young geologists/geoscientists

and recent graduates as they

begin their careers in Zambia?

Just to assure them that to be a

geologist is the best thing ever –

which I know they would have

come to realise as they finish

their undergraduate programme.

This is so because everything

around us, including ourselves, is

geological. S/he is someone who

understands the interactions of

the four earth systems –

atmosphere, lithosphere,

hydrosphere, and biosphere – as

well as the internal and surface

processes which have shaped the

Earth to what we see today. So,

for young geologists /

geoscientists who are just

beginning their career, they must

appreciate that they lack

nothing. They have everything at

their disposal to succeed in their

lives for as long as they are

ambitious, exploratory and

hardworking. All these attributes

must be viewed in the context of

what each individual has set

themselves to attain / become in

life – their GOAL.

One major challenge facing new

graduates is the constriction in

positions of employment. New

graduates sometimes spend a

year, two years or even more

sitting in their parents’ houses

waiting for replies for jobs they

applied for with this company or

the other. I wish to encourage

them, with their vast knowledge

of available natural resources, to

begin thinking about becoming

entrepreneurs. I usually give an

example of those women, who

have probably very limited

knowledge of what constitutes

the best rocks, from which to

win aggregate or building stone,

or building materials, but who

have continued to earn a

reasonably decent livelihood

through sales of crushed stone.

A fresh graduate will always

argue that they do not have any

capital to start a business with.

In many cases, I have disagreed

with this excuse and argued that

the greatest asset that one

needs is to have / develop a very

strong conviction for whatever

they want to do. With this in

hand, a few things will start to

slowly fall into place. Again, the

most important aspect of such

start-ups is to be focused, and to

have the conviction, but also

patience to succeed. Starting

anything is not an easy task

because things are bound not to

work out as initially envisaged.

Impediments are bound to

crowd one’s path in their pursuit

of what they have set

themselves to achieve. However,


9

all these impediments must be

viewed and used as learning

curves and stepping stones to

their destination. What is

important is that, at every curve

that one is faced with a

challenge, they must pause to

ask the question, why/ how

things happened, where they

went wrong, and how they could

be rectified, going forward.

With a set goal, one is able to

look for the correct tools to use;

and the right attitude to adopt

and craft a way to get them to

their destination. There are no

shortcuts to a good life other

than through hard work and self-

determination to achieve.

6. Could you give an example of a

time during your career or

through academic pursuit, when

you applied your acquired

geological knowledge to

innovate or make an

improvement in your work or

research?

There have been very many such

examples in my life, but the one I

love to quote is one I

experienced very early in my

career as a geologist at the

Luanshya Mines. As indicated

above, Luanshya Mines then,

operated four shafts. Upon

joining the Mine, I was given a

section at Baluba Shaft. Because

I set myself off with a very

enthusiastic mind to succeed, I

worked in such a manner that I

am very proud to say, I managed

to succeed. Solution of the

Muliashi Complex story was

through systematic mapping of

strike and dip to guide the

orientation of the orebody and

appropriate as well as optimal

placement of the requisite

developments’.

Emphasis in any field of applied

geology is accurate mapping of

the strike and dip of different

geological structures to enable

informed and accurate decision-

making on what governs, and

how resources are distributed.

Indeed, I took to my work with

this zeal and determination to

prevail over the situation, using

the fantastic structural geologic

knowledge from our very

reputable School of Mines, to

resolve and as I had promised, to

simplify the Muliashi Complex

simple. The rest, as they say,

quickly became history.

7. How do you see yourself using

the experience you have gained

over the years, in helping

develop young

geologists/geoscientists in the

country?

Helping to develop young

geologists/geoscientists in

Zambia is not something that I

foresee doing, but what I have

been doing since 1989. As a

‘kafundisha’ {teacher}, most of

the cadre of geologists on the

market, at the moment, have at

least benefited from ‘my baking

skills’. Even as I eventually hang

my boots out of the

Department’s lecture rooms, I

shall only be a phone call away

for anyone, who might wish to

consult.

Geology is a wonderful

profession like no other. We

serve the interests of many

fields, but most of which we still

need to sell ourselves too. The

failure to market our services,

this far, has been predominantly

impeded by the absence of a

platform, from which geologic

knowledge could be shared, new

and budding geologists could be

given a platform to build

themselves up, our geologic

capabilities could be exposed,

and a ray of possible geologic

services could be advertised. It is

my hope that the gestation

period for the Geologic Society

of Zambia is about over and that

much sooner than later, it will be

delivered. Long live all the

country’s geologists; long live our

profession; and as it being

delivered, long live our Geologic

Society of Zambia; and indeed,

long live and blessings to our

beloved Zambia.


10

Adrian Mupondwa

Lubambe Copper Mine

Akufuna Imebo

First Quantum Minerals

Alex Sikalangwe

Alex Simutowe

Mopani Copper Mines

Bubile Nkhata


Chanda Chabala

Lubambe Copper Mine

Chrispin Chisanga

Zamsort Ltd

Cryton Phiri

University of Zambia

Deborah Nanyinza

Denizzy Mwanza

Metals and Mining Group

Eric Kangwa


Ernest Chibale

Teranga Gold Corporation

Evans Kanche

Rio Tinto Exploration

Gideon Bwishi


Grandman Chasaya

Natural Precious Resources Ltd

Humphrey Mbasela

Minerals and Metals Group

Jackline Lumamba


James Mwale


John Mwamba

Laureates Mining Ventures Ltd

John Siame

Kabang’u Sakuwaha


Kennedy Liyungu

Kennedy Mpolwa

Limeco Resources Ltd

Laban Lusambo

Leman Mpokosa


Lightone Kaira

Lumwana Mining Company

Mangala Sakala

ZCCM-IH Technical Services

Mapanza Sikananu

Baobab College

Marvin Mumba


Mary Mwape


Masuzyo Nyirenda

Gemcanton Investment Holdings Ltd

Mawala Kausu


Maxwell Kalukangu

Canyon Resources

Mike Mbilima

Konkola Copper Mines

Munshya Zimba


Mutale Chikwekwe

Mopani Copper Mines

Mutinta Syafunko

Industrial Development Corporation

Mwenya Lungu

Lumwana Mining Company

Nsangu Sakala

Musamu Resources

Osbert Sikazwe


Richard Kasongo

PrideGems Mines Ltd

Robert Kaemba


Sekelo Mutelekesha


Victor Lusambo

GoviEx Uranium Zambia

STUDENT MEMBERS

Abigail Musonda

Abraham Mbewe

Albert Chansa

Andrew Sakala

Bertha Phiri

Cashwell Bulawayo

Chisanga Lingashi

Clement Chikwa

Collins Musalo

Cosam Simukoko

David Khonje

Denson Chishimba

Fanwell Mudada

Frank Gondwe

George Nkonde

Gerald Bwembya

Gershom Siame

Godfridah Chama

Goodwin Sakala

Iris Mvula

Isaac Nyirenda

Jerome Kasonde

Jessy Soko

Joseph Chama

Joseph Mangena

Joshat Kilembe

Juliet Chisowa

Kachiza Kangungu

Kaumba Kaleji

Kelvin Chanda

Luckson Mwansa

Lucky Kasenga

Mataa Mulema

Mubanga Takusanikwa

Namukolo Nasilele

Natasha Siame

Nicolous Simukoko

Njahi Mwangala

Nkundezhi Chababa

Phillip Makukula

Phillip Nkhata

Sashi Nkandu

Shadreck Kimfwa

Silas Chinoya

Wesley Kangwa

GSZ MEMBERS


1. What practical experiences

did you have early in your

career that greatly aided you in

gaining better geological

understanding?

I was quite fortunate to have

started my career with fieldwork.

I joined Caledonia Mining as an

exploration geologist shortly

after graduation and my first

assignment was field mapping

besides supervising a soil

sampling program. Prior to that I

completed a field mapping

project with Cyprus Amax

around the Solwezi Dome, aimed

at establishing whether the

ridge-forming quartzites around

the dome were part of Basement

or were Katangan. I also earlier

got myself a field-based

internship with RTZ towards the

end of my Third Year at

University and this early field

exposure played a key role in

boosting my passion for geology.

2. In what ways is this evident

in your work or the way in

which you work?

INSIGHTS

Wiscort Banda

Senior Geologist

Frontier Mine


My skills in field geology have

helped me quite greatly in

geological and resource

modeling. Recently, we

unknotted the understanding of

the structurally complex Frontier

Mine orebody and built robust

geological and resource models

which have greatly aided the

Mine’s Geotechnical and Grade-

Control teams. The

establishment of marker

horizons and the understanding

of fold mechanisms were

essential facets in unravelling the

complex geological structure.

3. What were your main

sources of acquiring geological

knowledge?

I benefited from both theoretical

and practical cradles in the

acquisition of geological

knowledge. It's worth

emphasising that the fieldwork

and hands-on exposure to rocks

(in outcrop, drill core, drill chips,

etc.) have been invaluable in the

knowledge acquisition process.

In fact, this is ongoing for me and

perhaps the reason why I belong

to multiple professional

geosciences

4.

have enhanced your capabilities

early on in

I think more field excursions

during undergrad would have

been helpful. Having said that, I

must admit that we had quite a

fair share of trips in comparative

terms. I would call upon Industry

and individuals to put some

resources together to

brothers and sisters in university

today are exposed to fieldworks

via as many excursions as

practical.

5.

to

geologists/geoscientists and

recent graduates as they begin

their careers in Zambia?

My advice to the f

geoscientists is that they must

aspire to have as much field

experience as possible,

preferably as early as

opportunity presents itself in

their careers. It is very difficult

for one to acquire the much

needed field knowledge if one

starts with an off

In this the computer age, it is

inviting to get addicted to

Wiscort Banda

Senior Geologist

Frontier Mine

Vol. 1

11

In fact, this is ongoing for me and

perhaps the reason why I belong

to multiple professional

geosciences groupings.

In retrospect, what would

have enhanced your capabilities

early on in your career?

I think more field excursions

during undergrad would have

been helpful. Having said that, I

must admit that we had quite a

fair share of trips in comparative

terms. I would call upon Industry

and individuals to put some

resources together to ensure our

brothers and sisters in university

today are exposed to fieldworks

via as many excursions as

practical.

What advice would you give

young

geologists/geoscientists and

recent graduates as they begin

their careers in Zambia?

My advice to the fresh

geoscientists is that they must

aspire to have as much field

experience as possible,

preferably as early as

opportunity presents itself in

their careers. It is very difficult

for one to acquire the much

needed field knowledge if one

starts with an office-based role.

In this the computer age, it is

inviting to get addicted to


software but without the

requisite field knowledge and

skills, it will be difficult to spot

which interpretations or

computations are possibly in

error. A good geoscientist is one

who can quickly see through

geoscientific data and spot

strengths or weakness in the raw

data itself or in the

interpretation thereof.

6. Could you give an example

of a time during your career or

through academic pursuits

when you applied your acquired

geological knowledge to

innovate or make an

improvement in your work or

research?

I have used my geoscientific

knowledge, both practical and

theoretical, in unravelling

complexly folded geological

environments at Frontier Mine,

Kipushi East and Mwati in DRC.

Using structural geology

knowledge, I have modelled the

geology of Frontier and Kipushi

to satisfaction of many end

users, which in the case of

Frontier include geotechnical,

geohydrology, grade-control,

investment and academic teams.

The improved geological and

orebody understanding

facilitated a de-risked resource

model by guiding geostatistical

parameters for estimation of the

resource. In another case, the

"poddy" sediment-hosted


uranium deposits of the Rystkuil

Channel in South Africa were

also successfully modeled using

the solid theoretical

understanding of the deposit’s

depositional environment.

7. How do see yourself using

the experience you have gained

over the years in helping

develop young

geologists/geoscientists in the

country?

I hope to have time to

participate in fieldtrips,

excursions, or even talks. At the

very least, I will be willing to

contribute some resources

towards students’ field trips

where possible, preferably

through a coordinated platform

such as the Geological Society of

Zambia or alike.

Vol. 1

12


Kabang’u Sakuwaha

2012 was a good year to graduate. I

remember almost the whole cohort

got employed before our official

graduation. After 5 years of

university, we were excited to

become working class citizens! Yet

despite the excitement, I bet only

very few of us were fully aware of

our responsibilities or what the job

expectations were. For some of us

reality ruined the excitement quite

quickly. On my first day as a

graduate exploration geologist, I

found out that I was going be

supervising two drill rigs as the

other geologists were travelling.

Oops! I was not even yet

experienced to drive off-road.

Taking a land cruiser by myself for

the first time and silently praying, I

set out into the deep. First with

shaky hands and legs but I gradually

developed confidence.

While I made a lot of mistakes over

the years, I also received

overwhelming support and

coaching from my seniors.

Additionally, I committed myself to

continuous development through

reading, attending company

workshops and challenging myself

to do more than just my job.

Reading particularly set me on a

path I’m proud of. I have always

been a reader since I was a child

and I have learned over the years

that time spent reading is never

WHY READ?


wasted. I usually find myself feeling

grateful for something I read or

regretting for ignoring something I

should have read. As it has long

been recognized, geology requires

continuous improvement and

participation in constructive

dialogue with others. Being en

exploration geologist in particular

calls upon us not to simply express

our ideas, but to also discuss what

others have said or done. Yet

despite this recognition, many

young geoscientists go into the

industry unprepared to meet this

intellectual requirement. This short

article aims to promote a reading

culture among geoscientists and to

give some ideas to prospective

graduates about how to become

good participants in the

conversations of our profession and

the wider public sphere.

Learn what they say, so you

can say

A key characteristic

dialogue is the quality of the

contributors, and their willingness

to accommodate opposing views.

How can one make a positive

contribution when they are

clueless?

struggle to voice our thoughts or

even to think of something to

contrib

a victim of this and for the first few

years of my career, I spent more

time listening to others without

contributing.

worse for me when I enrolled for a

multi-

course and I got stuck

research proposal for months. I had

an idea about what I wanted to

research on but I didn’t know how

to put this idea into an acceptable

Vol. 1

13

Learn what they say, so you

can say

A key characteristic of constructive

dialogue is the quality of the

contributors, and their willingness

to accommodate opposing views.

How can one make a positive

contribution when they are

clueless? A number of us often

struggle to voice our thoughts or

even to think of something to

contribute to dialogue.I’ am equally

a victim of this and for the first few

years of my career, I spent more

time listening to others without

contributing. This became even

worse for me when I enrolled for a

-disciplinary postgraduate

course and I got stuck on the

research proposal for months. I had

an idea about what I wanted to

research on but I didn’t know how

to put this idea into an acceptable


14

research proposal. The only way I

got out of this jam is by critically

reading related research by others.

This way, I was not only thinking

about my subject in isolation, but

by reading what others did and

found, I eventually improved my

ideas and I was finally able to

identify openings in which to enter

the discussion.

More experienced professionals

pick up the right moves

unconsciously through their own

experiences but this remains a

challenge for younger graduates.

Admittedly, University education

does not guarantee that graduates

will engage in hard, rigorous

thought.In my own example above,

my friends from the social science

background did not struggle to

come up with research proposals

because their undergraduate

training includes writing research

proposals which, our geosciences

training does not include (or

require). The idea to share my

thoughts on the subject stems from

my own struggles and I hope

someone will find this useful.

Read right to argue right

In this era of social media addiction,

it’s easy to fall in the trap of

expressing ill-considered, subjective

opinions. Reading right helps you to

move to more reasoned, less self-

indulgent perspectives and provides

concrete prompts that can

stimulate and shape thoughts such

as: “What do others say about this

topic? What would a naysayer say

about my argument? Do I need to

qualify my point? Who cares?”In my

view, intellectual dialogue is similar

to academic writing. One underlying

feature of constructive dialogue is

that it’s engaged in some way with

other people’s views. Too often,

however, we think of dialogue as a

process of saying “smart” or

“clever” things in a vacuum. This is

not bad as far as it goes, but it

leaves out the important fact that in

the real world, we make arguments

because someone has said or done

something (or perhaps not done

anything at all) and we need to

respond.

Argument should not be in

destructive sense but as a form of

conversation, for example: “I

suggest we drill here because our

geochemical anomaly coincides

with a structure.”Now there is a

reason for your argument. To make

an impact as geoscientists, we need

to make statements that give our

contributions purpose.

Contributions that are well

supported and consistent. While it’s

not possible to always avoid making

statements that nobody can

disagree with, sometimes we have

to respond to the “so what?” and

“who cares?” questions. As with

many kinds of conversations, there

will be disagreements and this is

necessary to provoke new ideas; to

challenge standard ways of

thinking; or even to stir up

controversy. Furthermore,

constructive responses don’t always

have to be disagreements but also

agreements. The point is that our

responses should be used as a

foundation for further discussions.

While six years ago, obtaining a

geology degree almost guaranteed

you a job, today the economic

situation is different. Companies no

longer hire on a yearly basis and the

number of unemployed graduates is

rising. One might ask "how do I

make myself more attractive in this

competitive environment?" Prepare

yourself for opportunities by

reading right.


15

The dyke is composed mostly of fine to medium

crystals of biotite (phlogopite), and larger crystals

of alkali feldspar, plagioclase, pyroxene (augite)

and blue-green strongly pleochroic amphibole

(hornblende) with quartz, opaques, calcite and

glass. Larger crystals of biotite may have

recrystallized and deformed (kinking of cleavage)

during a later tectonothermal event. The texture

is generally porphyritic (large laths of orthoclase

in groundmass) with phenocrysts of altered laths

of alkali feldspar and plagioclase in a groundmass

of biotite (Bt) and amphibole. A CIPW norm

calculation suggests the following normative

minerals: orthoclase (44 vol%), plagioclase (30

vol%), orthophyroxene (hypersthene) (14 vol%),

hematite (10 vol%), sphene (1 vol%), and olivine

(1 vol%).

FSP

FSP

GROUNDMASS

Bt CAL

CAL

FSP


16

Part of the geochemical results and

calculated ratios of some important

trace elements for the sampled mafic

dyke include: SiO2 (47.6%), TiO2 (1.17%),

Na2O (1.56%), K2O (6.16%), Th (3.26

ppm), Ta (3.26ppm), Yb (1.44 ppm), Zr

(81.0 ppm), Y (19.5 ppm), Co (49.0 ppm),

Nb (9.10 ppm), Th/Yb (2.26), Ta/Yb

(0.12), Zr/TiO2 (0.007), Nb/Y (0.47), and

Zr/Y (4.15). These litho-geochemical

results and ratios suggest that the mafic

dyke is a lamprophyre dyke crystallized

from a sub-alkaline to alkaline

(ultrapotassicshoshonitic) mafic magma

produced from within-plate partial

melting and from very deep in the crust

or probably even the upper mantle.

If the dyke is proven to be a lamprophyre, and knowing that magmas forming such rocks are tapped from a

metasomatised mantle, then the intrusion can probably be related to the crustal rifting and thinning that

occurred around 900 and 800 Ma associated with tectonics on the southern part of the Congo-Tanzania-

Bangweulu Craton and northern part of the Kalahari craton. Lamprophyres are close relatives of kimberlites

and lamproites, both of which may bear diamonds. Is it possible that the mafic (lamprophyre?) dyke at

Munali Hills may contain diamonds? This is thought provoking issue, which requires further investigations.


17

.

EVENTS

PAST EVENTS

November, 2017 “The Munali Ni sulfide deposit, southern Zambia. A classic craton

margin Ni sulphide deposit... or is it?” – A Talk by David A. Holwell

Dave Holwell, an Associate

Professor in Applied and

Environmental Geology at the

University of Leicester, gave a talk

to geologists at the Sherbourne

Hotel in Kitwe on the 12th of

November, 2017. The talk was

based on the work that he and his

post-graduate students had

conducted on the Munali Nickel

Deposit. The talk was followed in

the afternoon by the first meeting

as newly revived Geological

Society of Zambia.

Geologist attendees during the Holwell talk at Sherbourne Hotel, Kitwe.

UPCOMING EVENTS

June*, 2019 One-day Core Logging Workshop, MAWE Core shed, Kalulushi

A core logging work shop is slated for June/July this year. The date will be set based on registration and

scheduling around university calendars for students. See poster on page XX.

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April, 2019 GSZ NEWSLETTER GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ZAMBIA …€¦ · Lamprophyre Dyke, Chikankata...

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