GEOLOGY AND GOLD MINERALIZATION OF THE ADOLA GOLD FIELD
(SIDAMO, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA)

ABSTRACT

Many primary and placer gold deposits are developed in the Adola gold field, the most important gold producing area in Ethiopia. Detailed geochemical investigations of the area have been done by comparing with other areas of the country. This article emphasis on the geological features of the area known so far, including the geotectonic setting, geological history, succession of the formation and petrology of the underlying rocks, magmatic phenomena of igneous rocks, and main regional and local structures; they are controlling factors characterizing distribution of primary and secondary gold accumulations. The structural control, morphology of the ore bodies, ore mineralogy and other geological features of the main gold deposits are also described. The primary gold accumulations of the gold field are classified into four classes based on their geological settings. This classification will be useful guide for the prospecting and exploration programs.

Note: Copies of the final report are available at the Central Technical Library of the ESTC.

(Final Report 1997)

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