Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mineralogy and geochemistry of Neoproterozoic siliceous manganese formations from Ntui–Betamba (Cameroon Pan-African Fold Belt): implications for mineral exploration

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
International Journal of Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The siliceous manganese formations from Ntui–Betamba area have been studied with the aim to constrain their mineralogy, geochemistry, and genesis. Neoproterozoic manganese-bearing rocks at Ntui–Betamba include garnet–galaxite-bearing quartzite and galaxite-bearing quartzite that—besides a characteristic quartz, spessartine-garnet, and galaxite (MnAl2O4) assemblage—comprises also graphite and rutile. Galaxite crystals show chemical zoning from core to rim due to the change in composition from galaxite to cryptomelane. Bulk rock geochemistry reveals that the studied rocks are characterized by high SiO2 content (52.83 wt%). They are enriched in Fe2O3 and Al2O3 and display Mn/Fe ratio of 1.2. MnO concentrations are high in galaxite-bearing quartzite (16 wt%), and moderate (8.03 wt%) in garnet–galaxite-bearing quartzite. The transition trace metal (Co, Cu, and Ni) contents are lower, with Co and Cu markedly depleted relative to Ni, and variable contents of Zn. The REE pattern of garnet–galaxite-bearing quartzite shows Ce-positive anomaly similar to the hydrogenous sediment, but differs from the later with strong Eu-negative anomaly and the lack of weak positive anomaly in Yb, whereas the galaxite-bearing quartzite is characterized by the lack of Ce anomaly and the weak Eu-negative anomaly. Both rocks show HREE content close to that of hydrothermal sediment and exhibit flat HREE trend. The high contents of silica, iron, and aluminum, together with the Co/Zn ratios (~0.3) and the contrasting behavior of REE, suggest that the studied manganese-bearing rocks are of sedimentary origin probably derived from a mixed hydrothermal–hydrogenous source. The high content of Mn-bearing minerals in these rocks represents indicators of concealed or buried mineralization and could be used as exploration guide.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Baijot M, Hatert F, Fransolet AM (2011) Mineralogical and geochemical study of pseudocoticule from the Stavelot Massif, Ardennes (Belgium), and redefinition of coticule. Eur J Mineral 23:633–644

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bau M, Dulski P (1996) Distribution of yttrium and rare-earths elements in Penge and Kuruman iron-formations, Transvaal supergroup, South Africa. Precambrien Res 79:37–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonatti E (1975) Metallogenesis at oceanic spreading centers. Annu Rev Earth Planet Sci 3:401–433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonatti E, Kraemer T, Rydell H (1972) Classification and genesis of submarine iron- manganese deposits. In: Horn D (ed) Ferromanganese deposits on the ocean floor. Lamont Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, New York, pp 149–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonatti E, Zerbi M, Kay R, Rydell HS (1976) Metalliferous deposits from the Apennine ophiolites: mesozoic equivalent of modern deposits from oceanic spreading centre. Geol Soc Am Bull 87:83–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bühn B, Stanistreet IG, Okrusch M (1992) Late Proterozoic outer shelf manganese and iron deposits at Otjosondu (Namibia) related to the Damaran oceanic opening. Econ Geol 87:1393–1411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bühn B, Okrusch M, Woermann E, Lehnert K, Hoernes S (1995) Metamorphic evolution of Neoproterozoic manganese formations and their country rocks at Otjosondu, Namibi. J Petrol 36:463–469

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi JH, Hariya Y (1990) Trace element concentrations of manganese deposits in the Tokoro Belt, Hokkaido, Japan. J Fac Sci 22:553–564 Hokkaido University, Series 4

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi JH, Hariya Y (1992) Geochemistry and depositional environment of Mn oxide deposits in the Tokoro Belt, northeastern Hokkaido Japan. Econ Geol 87(1265–1274):447

    Google Scholar 

  • Chombong NN, Suh CE (2013) 2883 Ma commencement of BIF deposition at the northern edge of Congo craton, southern Cameroon: new zircon SHRIMP data constraint from metavolcanics. Episodes 36:47–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Crerar DA, Namson J, Chyi MS, Williams L, Feigenson IM (1982) Manganiferous cherts of the Franciscan assemblage: general geology, ancient and modern analogues, and implication for hydrothermal convection at ocean spreading centers. Econ Geol 77:519–540

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cronan DS (1980) Underwater minerals. Academic Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Dasgupta S, Roy S, Fukuoka M (1992) Depositional models for manganese oxide and carbonate deposit of the Precambrian Sausar Group, India. Econ Geol 97:1412–1418  

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Decree S, Deloule E, Ruffet G, Dewaele S, Mees F, Marignac C, Yans J, De Putter T (2010) Geodynamic and climate controls in the formation of Mio-Pliocene world class oxidized cobalt and manganese ore in the Katanga province, DR Congo. Miner Depos 45:621–629

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doyle E (1984) The coticule rocks of the lower Paleozoic Maulin formation in southeast Ireland. Unpublished PhD thesis, National University of Ireland, Dublin

  • El Agami NL, Ibrahim EH, Odah HH (2000) Sedimentary origin of the Mn–Fe ore of Um Bogma, Southwest Sinai: geochemical and paleomagnetic evidence. Econ Geol 95:607–620

    Google Scholar 

  • Elderfield H, Greaves MJ (1983) Determination of the rare earth elements in sea water. In: Wong CS, Boyle EA, Bruland KW, Burton JD, Goldberg ED (eds) Trace metals in sea water. Perseus Books, Cambridge, pp 427–445

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Evensen NM, Hamilton PJ, O’Nions RK (1978) Rare earth abundances in chondritic meteorites. Geochem Cosmochem Acta 4:1199–1212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fleet A, Robertson AHF (1980) Ocean-ridge metalliferous and pelagic sediments of the Semail Nappe, Oman. J Geol Soc Lond 137:403–422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiorse WC, Ehlich HI (1992) Microbial biomineralization of iron and manganese. Catena Suppl 21:75–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Graf JL, O’Connor EA, Van Leeuwen P (1994) Rare earth element evidence of origin and depositional environment of Late Proterozoic ironstone beds and manganese-oxide deposits, SW Brazil and SE Bolivia. J S Am Earth Sci 4:135–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Gromet PL, Dymek RF, Haskin LA, Korotev RL (1984) The “North American shale composite”: its compilation, major and trace element characteristics. Geochem Cosmochem Acta 48:2469–2482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gutzmer J, Beukes NJ (1998) The manganese formation on the Neoproterozoic Penganga Group, India—revision and enigma. Econ Geol 91:1091–1103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hassan MB, Mohamed ZK, Ahmed HA (2013) Mineralogy, geochemistry and origin of Mn in the high-Mn iron ores, Bahariya Oasis, Egypt. Ore Geol Rev 53:63–76

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haynes BW, Law SL, Barron DC (1986) An elemental description of pacific manganese nodules. Mar Min 5:239–276

    Google Scholar 

  • Hein JR, Schulz MS, Kang JK (1990) Insular and submarine ferromanganese mineralization of the Tongap-Lau region. Mar Min 9:305–354

    Google Scholar 

  • Hsu LC (1968) Selected phase relationships in system Al–Mn–Fe–Si–O–H: a model for garnet equilibra. J Petrol 9:40–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ilouga CDI, Suh CE, Ghogomu RT (2013) Textures and rare earth elements composition of banded iron formations (BIF) at Njweng prospect, Mbalam Iron Ore District, Southern Cameroon. Int J Geosci 4:146–165

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kennan PS, Morris JH (1999) Manganiferous ironstones on the early Ordovician Manx Group, Isle of Man: a protolith of coticule? In :Woodcock NH, Quirk DG, Fitches WR, Barnes RE (eds) Insight of the sutures, the paleozoic geology of the isle of man in its iapetus ocean context. Geological Society of London, Special Publications160:105–124

  • Kholodov VN, Nedumov RI (2009) Association of manganese ores and phosphorite-bearing facies in sedimentary sequence: communication 1. Paratereses and parageneses of phosphorous and manganese in Mesozoic-Cenozoic and Upper Paleozoic rocks. Lithol Miner Resour 44:1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein C, Beukes NJ (1993) Sedimentology and geochemistry of the glaciogenic late Proterozoic Rapitan iron-formation in Canada. Econ Geol 88:542–565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein C, Ladeira EA (2004) Geochemistry and mineralogy of Neoproterozoic banded iron-formations and some selected manganese formations from the Urucum district, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Econ Geol 99:1233–1244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kouros H, Jamshid S (2010) Metallogeny of manganese and ferromanganese ores in baft ophiolitic Mélange, Kerman, Iran. Aust J Basic Appl Sci 4:302–313

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambiv GD, Gleeson SA (2012) Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the nkamouna serpentinite: implications for the formation of the cobalt–manganese laterite deposit, Southeast Cameroon. Econ Geol 107:25–41

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lottermoser BG, Ashley PM (2000) Geochemistry, petrology and origin of Neoproterozoic ironstones in the eastern part of the Adelaide Geosyncline, South Australia. Precambrian Res 101:49–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marchig V, Gundlach H, Möller P, Schley F (1982) Some geochemical indicators for discrimination between diagenetic and hydrothermal metalliferous sediments. Mar Geol 50:241–256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maynard JB (2010) The chemistry of manganese ores through time: a signal of increasing diversity of earth-surface environments. Econ Geol 105:535–552

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLennan SM (1989) Archean sedimentary rocks and the Archean mantle. In: Workshop on the Archean Mantle, Ashwal LD (eds), Lunar and Planetary Institute, technical report 89-05, pp 57–59

  • Melcher F (1995) Genesis of chemical sediments in Birimian greenstone belts: evidence from gondites and related manganese-bearing rocks from northern Ghana. Miner Mag 59:229–251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mosier DL, Page NJ (1988) Descriptive and grade-tonnage models of volcanogenic manganese deposits in oceanic environment—a modification. US Geol Surv Bull 1811:1–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Mucke A, Dzigbodi-Adjimah K, Annor A (1999) Mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry and genesis of the Paleoproterozoic Birimian manganese-formation of Nsuta/Ghana. Miner Depos 34:211–297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nath BB, Pluger WL, Roelandts I (1997) Geochemical constraints on the hydrothermal origin of ferromanganese incrustations from the Rodriguez triple junction, Indian Ocean. In: Nicholson K, Hein JR, Bühn B, Dasgupta S (eds) Manganese mineralization: geochemistry and mineralogy of terrestrial and marine deposits. Geological Society of London, Special Publication 119:199–21

  • Ngnotue T, Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Tchoua FM (1998) Origine et évolution des gneiss néoprotérozoïques de Ntui-Betamba dans la Chaîne Panafricaine Nord-Équatoriale au Cameroun. In: Vicat JP, Bilong P (eds) Géosciences au Cameroun, collection. GEOCAM 1, pp 265–276  

  • Ngnotue T, Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Tchoua FM (2000) The Ntui Betamba high grade gneisses: a northward extention of the pan-African Yaoundé gneisses in Cameroon. J Afr Earth Sci 31:369–381

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ngnotue T, Ganno S, Nzenti JP, Schulz B, Tchaptchet TD, Suh CE (2012) Geochemistry and geochronology of Peraluminous high-K granitic leucosomes of Yaoundé series (Cameroon): evidence for a unique Pan-African magmatism and melting event in north equatorial fold belt. Int J Geosci 3:525–548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nicholson K (1992) Contrasting mineralogical-geochemical signatures of manganese oxides. Guides to metallogenesis. Econ Geol 87:1253–1264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Jegouzo P, Moreau C (1984) Un nouvel exemple de ceinture granulitique dans une chaîne protérozoïque de collision: les migmatites de Yaoundé au Cameroun. Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences de Paris 299:1197–1199

    Google Scholar 

  • Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Macaudière J, Soba D (1988) Origin and evolution of the late Precambrian high-grade Yaoundé gneisses (Cameroon). Precambrian Res 38:91–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Owona S, Schulz B, Ratschbacher L, Mvondo OJ, Ekodeck GE, Tchoua FM, Affaton P (2010) Pan-African metamorphic evolution in the southern Yaoundé group (Oubanguide complex, Cameroon) as revealed by EMP monazite dating and thermobarometry of garnet metapelites. J Afr Earth Sci 59(125–139):530

    Google Scholar 

  • Penaye J, Toteu SF, Van Schmus WR, Nzenti JP (1993) U–Pb and Sm–Nd preliminary geochronologic data on the Yaoundé series, Cameroon: re-interpretation of the granulitic rocks as the suture of a collision in the “centrafrican” belt. Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences de Paris 317:789–794

    Google Scholar 

  • Peters T (1988) Geochemistry of manganese-bearing cherts associated with Alpine-ophiolites and the Hawasina formations in Oman. Mar Geol 84:229–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polgari M, Vigh Szabo-Drubina M, Biro L (2009) Characterization and genetic aspects of the Urkut manganese deposit, the role of microbes in manganese accumulations in low temperature aquatic systems. In: Manganese in the twenty-first century, short course, 5–9 September 2009, Veszprém-Hungary, abstract volume, pp 46–67

  • Rankin PC, Glasby GP (1979) Regional distribution of rare earth and minor elements in manganese nodules and associated sediments in the southwest Pacific and other localities. In: Bischoff JL, Piper DZ (eds) Marine geology and oceanography of the Pacific Nodule province. Perseus Books, Cambridge, pp 681–693

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Renard A (1878) Sur la structure et la composition minéralogique du coticule. Mém Acad R Belg 41:2–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Roy S (1981) Manganese deposits. Academic Press, London 458p

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruhlin DE, Owen RM (1986) The rare earth element geochemistry of hydrothermal sediments from the East Pacific Rise: examination of a seawater scavenging mechanism. Geochem Cosmochem Acta 50:393–400

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spry PG, Wonder JD (1989) Manganese-rich garnet associated with the Broken Hill lead-zinc-silver deposit, New South Wales, Australia. Can Min 27:275–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Suh CE, Cabral A, Shemang EM, Mbinkar L, Mboudou GGM (2008) Two contrasting iron-ore deposits in the Precambrian mineral belt of Cameroon, West Africa. Explor Min Geol 17:197–207

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suh CE, Cabral AR, Ndime E (2009) Geology and ore fabrics of the Nkout high-grade haematite deposit, southern Cameroon. In: Williams PJ et al (eds) Smart science for exploration and mining. SGA Publication series, Amsterdam, pp 558–560

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomson J (2001) Relationships of coticule geochemistry to stratigraphy in the Perry Mountain and Megunticook formations, New England Appalachians. Can Miner 39:1021–1037

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tie-bing L, Maynard JB, Alten J (2006) Superheavy S isotopes from glacier-associated sediments of the Neoproterozoic of South China: oceanic anoxia or sulfate limitation? Geol Soc Am Mem 198:205–222

    Google Scholar 

  • Toht RJ (1980) Deposition of submarine crusts rich in manganese and iron. Geol Soc Am Bull 91:44–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toteu SF, Van Schmus WR, Penaye J, Nyobe JB (1994) U–Pb and Sm–Nd evidence for Eburnean and Pan-African high grade metamorphism in cratonic rocks of southern Cameroon. Precambrian Res 67:321–347

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Usui A, Someya M (1997) Distribution and composition of marine hydrogenetic and hydrothermal manganese deposits in the northwest Pacific. In: Nicholson K, Hein JR, Bühn B, Dasgupta S (eds), Manganese Mineralization, Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Terrestrial and Marine Deposits. Geological Society of London, Special Publication 119:177–198

  • Velila N, Jiménez-Millán J (2003) Origin and metamorphic evolution of rocks with braunite and pyrophanite from the Iberian Massif (SW Spain). Miner Petrol 78:73–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walde DHG, Hagemann SG (2007) The Neoproterozoic Urucum/Mutun Fe and Mn deposits in W-Brazil/SE Bolivia: assessment of ore deposits models. Z Deutsch Ges Geowiss 58:45–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Winchester JA, Floyd PA (1977) Geochemical discrimination of different magma series and their differentiation products using immobile elements. Chem Geol 20:325–343

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the CRPG Nancy (France) for providing polished thin sections and electron microprobe facilities. We are also grateful to Professors Maynard B.J. and Decrée S. whose thorough review helped to improve the quality of the final manuscript. The authors are indebted to Professor Wolf-Christian Dullo for his constructive and helpful editorial handling of the manuscript. This is the contribution to ICGP-Y 616 project.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Dschang, P.O. Box. 67, Dschang, Cameroon

    Ngnotue Timoleon

  2. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box. 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    Ngnotue Timoleon, Ganno Sylvestre, Gus Djibril Kouankap Nono & Nzenti Jean Paul

  3. Department of Geology, HTTC, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, Bamenda, Cameroon

    Gus Djibril Kouankap Nono

Authors
  1. Ngnotue Timoleon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ganno Sylvestre
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gus Djibril Kouankap Nono
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nzenti Jean Paul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Ngnotue Timoleon or Ganno Sylvestre.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Timoleon, N., Sylvestre, G., Kouankap Nono, G.D. et al. Mineralogy and geochemistry of Neoproterozoic siliceous manganese formations from Ntui–Betamba (Cameroon Pan-African Fold Belt): implications for mineral exploration. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 104, 1123–1138 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-015-1157-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-015-1157-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation