Trace element geochemistry and petrogenesis of the granitoids and high-K andesite hosting gold mineralisation in the Archean Musoma-Mara Greenstone Belt, Tanzania

Abstract

Modern and ancient active continental margins are well known for their potential for hosting important gold deposits. The Neoarchean Musoma-Mara Greenstone Belt of the Tanzania Craton is also known for hosting several important gold deposits. Previous geochemical studies of the belt demonstrated that the rocks formed along Neoarchean convergent margins. The host rocks of the three important deposits in this belt had not yet been geochemically investigated. Therefore, we studied the host rocks of the Gokona, Nyabigena and Nyabirama gold deposits in the Neoarchean Musoma-Mara Greenstone Belt of the Tanzania Craton to determine the tectonic setting of their formation and constrain their petrogenesis. The host rocks of the Gokona and Nyabigena deposits are classified as high-K andesite, whereas the host rocks of the Nyabirama deposit are classified primarily as trondhjemite and granite and minor granodiorite (TGG). The high-K andesite and TGG were formed in an active continental margin...