Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-8bhkd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-10-30T07:26:29.986Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Origin, tectonic environment and age of the Bibole banded iron formations, northwestern Congo Craton, Cameroon: geochemical and geochronological constraints

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 September 2021

Arlette Pulcherie Djoukouo Soh
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, PO Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China
Sylvestre Ganno*
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, PO Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon
Lianchang Zhang
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China
Landry Soh Tamehe
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, PO Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon School of Geosciences and Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha410083, China
Changle Wang
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China
Zidong Peng
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China
Xiaoxue Tong
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China
Jean Paul Nzenti
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100029, China
*
Author for correspondence: Sylvestre Ganno, Email: sganno2000@gmail.com

Abstract

The newly discovered Bibole banded iron formations are located within the Nyong Group at the northwest of the Congo Craton in Cameroon. The Bibole banded iron formations comprise oxide (quartz-magnetite) and mixed oxide-silicate (chlorite-magnetite) facies banded iron formations, which are interbedded with felsic gneiss, phyllite and quartz-chlorite schist. Geochemical studies of the quartz-magnetite banded iron formations and chlorite-magnetite banded iron formations reveal that they are composed of >95 wt % Fe2O3 plus SiO2 and have low concentrations of Al2O3, TiO2 and high field strength elements. This indicates that the Bibole banded iron formations were not significantly contaminated by detrital materials. Post-Archaean Australian Shale–normalized rare earth element and yttrium patterns are characterized by positive La and Y anomalies, a relative depletion of light rare earth elements compared to heavy rare earth elements and positive Eu anomalies (average of 1.86 and 1.15 for the quartz-magnetite banded iron formations and chlorite-magnetite banded iron formations, respectively), suggesting the influence of low-temperature hydrothermal fluids and seawater. The quartz-magnetite banded iron formations display true negative Ce anomalies, while the chlorite-magnetite banded iron formations lack Ce anomalies. Combined with their distinct Eu anomalies consistent with Algoma- and Superior-type banded iron formations, we suggest that the Bibole banded iron formations were deposited under oxic to suboxic conditions in an extensional basin. SIMS U–Pb data indicate that the Bibole banded iron formations were deposited at 2466 Ma and experienced metamorphism and metasomatism at 2078 Ma during the Eburnean/Trans-Amazonian orogeny. Overall, these findings suggest that the studied banded iron formations probably marked the onset of the rise of atmospheric oxygen, also known as the Great Oxidation Event in the Congo Craton.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Aguilar, C, Alkmim, FF, Lana, C and Farina, F (2017) Palaeoproterozoic assembly of the São Francisco craton, SE Brazil: new insights from U–Pb titanite and monazite dating. Precambrian Research 289, 95115.10.1016/j.precamres.2016.12.001CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Alexander, BW, Bau, M, Andersson, P and Dulski, P (2008) Continentally-derived solutes in shallow Archean seawater: rare earth element and Nd isotope evidence in iron formation from the 2.9 Ga Pongola Supergroup, South Africa. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 72, 378–94.10.1016/j.gca.2007.10.028CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Alibo, DS and Nozaki, Y (1999) Rare earth elements in seawater: particle association, shale-normalization, and Ce oxidation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 63, 363–72.10.1016/S0016-7037(98)00279-8CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Altus Strategies Plc (2018) Exploration Update on High Grade Bikoula Iron Ore Project, Southern Cameroon, 12 September 2018. Didcot: Altus Strategies Plc, 7 pp.Google Scholar
Anderson, KFE, Wall, F, Rollinson, GK and Moon, CJ (2014) Quantitative mineralogical and chemical assessment of the Nkout iron ore deposit, Southern Cameroon. Ore Geology Reviews 62, 2539.10.1016/j.oregeorev.2014.02.015CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Angerer, T, Kerrich, R and Hagemann, SG (2013) Geochemistry of a komatiitic, boninitic, and tholeiitic basalt association in the Mesoarchean Koolyanobbing greenstone belt, Southern Cross Domain, Yilgarn craton: implications for mantle sources and geodynamic setting of banded iron formation. Precambrian Research 224, 110–28.10.1016/j.precamres.2012.09.012CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Aoki, S, Kabashima, C, Kato, Y, Hirata, T and Komiya, T (2018) Influence of contamination on banded iron formations in the Isua supracrustal belt, West Greenland: reevaluation of the Eoarchean seawater compositions. Geoscience Frontiers 9, 1049–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Arora, M, Govil, PK, Charan, SN, Uday Raj, B, Balaram, V, Manikyamba, C, Chatterjee, AK and Naqvi, SM (1995) Geochemistry and origin of Archean banded iron-formation from the Bababudan Schist Belt, India. Economic Geology 90, 2040–57.10.2113/gsecongeo.90.7.2040CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Barrote, VR, Rosière, CA, Rolim, VK, Santos, JOS and McNaughton, NJ (2017) The Proterozoic Guanhães banded iron formations, southeastern border of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil: evidence of detrital contamination. Geologia USP – Série Científca 17, 303–24.10.11606/issn.2316-9095.v17-352CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Basta, FF, Maurice, AE, Fontbote, L and Favarger, P (2011) Petrology and geochemistry of the banded iron formation (BIF) of Wadi Karim and Um Anab, Eastern Desert, Egypt: implications for the origin of Neoproterozoic BIF. Precambrian Research 187, 277–92.10.1016/j.precamres.2011.03.011CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bau, M (1993) Effects of syn- and post-depositional processes on the rare earth element distribution in Precambrian iron-formations. European Journal of Mineralogy 5, 257–67.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bau, M (1996) Controls on the fractionation of isovalent trace elements in magmatic and aqueous systems: evidence from Y/Ho, Zr/Hf, and lanthanide tetrad effect. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 123, 323–33.10.1007/s004100050159CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bau, M and Alexander, BW (2009) Distribution of high field strength elements (Y, Zr, REE, Hf, Ta, Th, U) in adjacent magnetite and chert bands and in reference standards FeR-3 and FeR-4 from the Temagami iron-formation, Canada, and the redox level of the Neoarchean ocean. Precambrian Research 174, 337–46.10.1016/j.precamres.2009.08.007CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bau, M and Dulski, P (1996) Distribution of yttrium and rare-earth elements in the Penge and Kuruman Iron Formation, Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa. Precambrian Research 79, 3755.10.1016/0301-9268(95)00087-9CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bau, M and Dulski, P (1999) Comparing yttrium and rare earths in hydrothermal fluids from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: implications for Y and REE behaviour during near-vent mixing and for the Y/Ho ratio of Proterozoic seawater. Chemical Geology 155, 7790.10.1016/S0009-2541(98)00142-9CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bau, M, Koschinsky, A, Dulski, P and Hein, JR (1996) Comparison of the partitioning behaviours of yttrium, rare earth elements, and titanium between hydrogenetic marine ferromanganese crusts and seawater. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 60, 1709–25.10.1016/0016-7037(96)00063-4CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bau, M and Möller, P (1993) Rare earth element systematics of the chemically precipitated component in early Precambrian iron formations and the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere–hydrosphere–lithosphere system. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 57, 2239–49.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bekker, A, Holland, HD, Wang, PL, Rumble, D III, Stein, HJ, Hannah, JL, Coetzee, LL and Beukes, NJ (2004) Dating the rise of atmospheric oxygen. Nature 427, 117–20.10.1038/nature02260CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bekker, A, Slack, JF, Planavsky, N, Krapez, B, Hofmann, A, Konhauser, KO and Rouxel, OJ (2010) Iron formation: the sedimentary product of a complex interplay among mantle, tectonic, oceanic and biospheric processes. Economic Geology 105, 467508.10.2113/gsecongeo.105.3.467CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Belousova, EA, Griffin, WL, O’Reilly, SY and Fisher, NI (2002) Igneous zircon: trace element composition as an indicator of source rock type. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 143, 602–22.10.1007/s00410-002-0364-7CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bolhar, R, Kamber, BS, Moorbath, S, Fedo, CM and Whitehouse, MJ (2004) Characterization of Early Archean chemical sediments by trace element signatures. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 222, 4360.10.1016/j.epsl.2004.02.016CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bouyo Houketchang, M, Penaye, J, Mourib, H and Toteu, SF (2019) Eclogite facies metabasites from the Paleoproterozoic Nyong Group, SW Cameroon: mineralogical evidence and implications for a high-pressure metamorphism related to a subduction zone at the NW margin of the Archean Congo craton. Journal of African Earth Sciences 149, 215–34.10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2018.08.010CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Brando Soares, M, Corrêa Neto, AV, Zeh, A, Cabral, AR, Pereira, LF, Prado, MGBD, Almeida, AMD, Manduca, LG, Silva, PHMD, Mabub, ROA and Schlichta, TM (2017) Geology of the Pitangui greenstone belt, Minas Gerais, Brazil: stratigraphy, geochronology and BIF geochemistry. Precambrian Research 291, 1741.10.1016/j.precamres.2017.01.008CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chombong, NN and 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, 4757.10.18814/epiiugs/2013/v36i1/007CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chombong, NN, Suh, CE, Lehmann, B, Vishiti, A, Ilouga, DC, Shemang, EM, Tantoh, BS and Kedia, AC (2017) Host rock geochemistry, texture and chemical composition of magnetite in iron ore in the Neoarchaean Nyong unit in southern Cameroon. Applied Earth Sciences 126, 129–45.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Collerson, KD and Kamber, BS (1999) Evolution of the continents and the atmosphere inferred from Th–U–Nb systematics of the depleted mantle. Science 283, 1519–22.10.1126/science.283.5407.1519CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Condie, KC (1993) Chemical composition and evolution of the upper continental crust: contrasting results from surface samples and shales. Chemical Geology 104, 137.10.1016/0009-2541(93)90140-ECrossRefGoogle Scholar
Corfu, F, Hanchar, JM, Hoskin, PWO and Kinny, P (2003) Atlas of zircon textures. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 53, 469500.10.2113/0530469CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Danielson, A, Möller, P and Dulski, P (1992) The europium anomalies in banded iron formations and the thermal history of the oceanic crust. Chemical Geology 97, 89100.10.1016/0009-2541(92)90137-TCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Derry, LA and Jacobsen, SB (1990) The chemical evolution of Precambrian seawater: evidence from REEs in banded iron formations. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 54, 2965–77.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Douville, E, Bienvenu, P, Charlou, JL, Donval, JP, Fouquet, Y, Appriou, P and Gamo, T (1999) Yttrium and rare earth elements in fluids from various deep-sea hydrothermal systems. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 63, 627–43.10.1016/S0016-7037(99)00024-1CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dymek, RF and Klein, C (1988) Chemistry, petrology and origin by banded iron-formation lithologies from the 3800 Ma Isua supracrustal belt, West Greenland. Precambrian Research 39, 247302.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Frei, R and Polat, A (2007) Source heterogeneity for the major components of ˜3.7 Ga Banded Iron Formations (Isua Greenstone Belt, Western Greenland): tracing the nature of interacting water masses in BIF formation. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 253, 266–81.10.1016/j.epsl.2006.10.033CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fuanya, C, Bolarinwa, AT, Kankeu, B, Yongue, R., Tangko, TE and Nkepguep, FY (2019) Geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of basic rocks in the Ako’ozam-Njabilobe area, Southwestern Cameroon: implications for Au genesis. SN Applied Sciences 1, 904. doi: 10.1007/s42452-019-0959-5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ganno, S, Moudioh, C, Nzina, NA, Kouankap Nono, GD and Nzenti, JP (2016) Geochemical fingerprint and iron ore potential of the siliceous itabirite from Palaeoproterozoic Nyong Series, Zambi area, Southwestern Cameroon. Resource Geology 66, 7180.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ganno, S, Ngnotué, T, Kouankap Nono, GD, Nzenti, JP and Notsa Fokeng, M (2015) Petrology and geochemistry of the banded iron-formations from Ntem Complex greenstones belt, Elom area, Southern Cameroon: implications for the origin and depositional environment. Chemie der Erde 75, 375–87.Google Scholar
Ganno, S, Njiosseu Tanko, EL, Ngnotué, T, Kouankap Nono, GD, Djoukouo Soh, AP, Moudioh, C and Nzenti, JP (2017) A mixed seawater and hydrothermal origin of superior-type banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted Kouambo iron deposit, Palaeoproterozoic Nyong Series, Southwestern Cameroon: constraints from petrography and geochemistry. Ore Geology Reviews 80, 860–75.Google Scholar
Gourcerol, B, Thurston, PC, Kontak, DJ, Côté-Mantha, O and Biczock, J (2016) Depositional setting of Algoma-type banded iron formation. Precambrian Research 281, 4779.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gross, GA (1980) A classification of iron formations based on depositional environments. The Canadian Mineralogist 18, 215–22.Google Scholar
Hagemann, SG, Angerer, T, Duuring, P, Rosière, CA, Figueiredo e Silva, RC, Lobato, L, Hensler, AS and Walde, DHG (2016) BIF-hosted iron mineral system: a review. Ore Geology Reviews 76, 317–59.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Haugaard, R, Ootes, L and Konhauser, K (2017) Neoarchaean banded iron formation within a ˜2620 Ma turbidite-dominated deep-water basin, Slave craton, NW Canada. Precambrian Research 292, 130–51.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hoskin, PWO (2005) Trace-element composition of hydrothermal zircon and the alteration of Hadean zircon from the Jack Hills, Australia. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 69, 637–48.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hu, J, Wang, H and Zhang, LG (2020) A rare earth element and Nd isotopic investigation into the provenance and deposition of the Dahongliutan banded iron formation and associated carbonates, NW China: implications on Neoproterozoic seawater compositions. Precambrian Research 342, 105685. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2020.105685.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Huston, DL and Logan, GA (2004) Barite, BIFs and bugs: evidence for the evolution of the Earth’s early hydrosphere. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 220, 4155.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ilouga, DCI, Ndong Bidzang, F, Ziem a Bidias, LA, Olinga, JB, Tata, E and Minyem, D (2017) Geochemical characterization of a stratigraphic log bearing iron ore in the Sanaga prospect, Upper Nyong Unit of Ntem Complex, Cameroon. Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics 5, 218–28.Google Scholar
Ilouga, CDI, Suh, CE and Ghogomu, RT (2013) Textures and rare earth elements composition of banded iron formations (BIF) at Njweng prospect, Mbalam Iron Ore District, Southern Cameroon. International Journal of Geosciences 4, 146–65.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
James, HL (1954) Sedimentary facies of iron-formations. Economic Geology 49, 235–93CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jiang, WC, Li, H, Evans, NJ and Wu, JH (2019) Zircon records multiple magmatic-hydrothermal processes at the giant Shizhuyuan W–Sn–Mo–Bi polymetallic deposit, South China. Ore Geology Reviews 115, 103–60.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kato, Y, Kano, T and Kunugiza, K (2002) Negative Ce anomaly in the Indian banded iron formations: evidence for the emergence of oxygenated deep-sea at 2.9–2.7 Ga. Resource Geology 52, 101–10.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kato, Y, Ohta, I, Tsunematsu, T, Watanabe, Y, Isozaki, Y, Maruyama, S and Imai, N (1998) Rare earth element variations in mid-Archean banded iron formations: implications for the chemistry of ocean and continent and plate tectonics. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 62, 3475–97.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Klein, C (2005) Some Precambrian banded iron-formations (BIFs) from around the world: their age, geologic setting, mineralogy, metamorphism, geochemistry, and origin. American Mineralogist 90, 1473–99.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Klein, C and Beukes, NJ (1989) Geochemistry and sedimentary of a facies transition from limestone to iron formation deposition in the Early Proterozoic Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa. Economic Geology 84, 1733–74.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Konhauser, KO, Planavsky, NJ, Hardisty, DS, Robbinsa, LJ, Warchola, TJ, Haugaard, R, Lalonde, SV, Partin, CA, Oonkg, PBH, Tsikos, H, Lyons, TW, Bekker, A and Johnson, CM (2017) Iron formations: a global record of Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic environmental history. Earth Science Reviews 172, 140–77.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lan, CY, Long, XP, Zhao, TP and Zhai, MG (2019) In-site mineral geochemistry and whole-rock Fe isotopes of the quartz magnetite-pyroxene rocks in the Wuyang area, North China Craton: constraints on the genesis of the pyroxene-rich BIF. Precambrian Research 333, 105445. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2019.105445.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lasserre, M and Soba, D (1976) Age Libérien des granodiorites et des gneiss à pyroxène du Cameroun Méridional. Bulletin du Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières 2, 1732.Google Scholar
Lerouge, C, Cocherie, A, Toteu, SF, Milesi, JP, Penaye, J, Tchameni, R, Nsifa, NE and Fanning, CM (2006) SHRIMP U/Pb zircon age evidence for Paleoproterozoic sedimentation and 2.05 Ga syntectonic plutonism in the Nyong Group, South-western Cameroon: consequences for the Eburnean-Transamazonian belt of NE Brazil and central Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences 44, 413–27.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Li, H, Danisík, M, Zhou, ZK, Jiang, WC and Wu, JH (2020) Integrated U–Pb, Lu–Hf and (U–Th)/He analysis of zircon from the Banxi Sb deposit and its implications for the low-temperature mineralization in South China. Geoscience Frontiers 11, 1323–35. doi: 10.1016/j.gsf.2020.01.004.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Li, XH, Liu, Y, Li, QL, Guo, CH and Chamberlain, KR (2009) Precise determination of Phanerozoic zircon Pb/Pb age by multicollector SIMS without external standardization. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 10, Q04010. doi: 10.1029/2009GC002400.Google Scholar
Li, H, Zhou, ZK, Evans, NJ, Kong, H, Wu, QH and Xi, XS (2019) Fluid-zircon interaction during low-temperature hydrothermal processes: implications for the genesis of the Banxi antimony deposit, South China. Ore Geology Reviews 114, 103137. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.103137.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Loose, D and Schenk, V (2018) 2.09 Ga old eclogites in the Eburnian-Transamazonian orogen of southern Cameroon: significance for Palaeoproterozoic plate tectonics. Precambrian Research 304, 111.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ludwig, K (2001) Users Manual for Isoplot/Ex rev. 2.49: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Berkeley Geochronology Center, Special Publication no. 1a.Google Scholar
Manikyamba, C, Balaram, V and Naqvi, SM (1993) Geochemical signatures of polygenetic origin of a banded-iron formation (BIF) of the Archean Sandur greenstone belt (schist belt) Karnataka nucleus, India. Precambrian Research 61, 137–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Maurizot, P, Abessolo, A, Feybesse, JL, John, and Lecomte, P (1986) Étude de Prospection Minière du Sud-Ouest Cameroun, synthèse des travaux de 1978 à 1985. Rapport du Bureau de recherche géologique et minières 85, 274 pp.Google Scholar
McDonough, WF and Sun, SS (1995) The composition of the Earth. Chemical Geology 120, 223–53.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
McLennan, SM (1989) Rare earth elements in sedimentary rocks: influence of provenance and sedimentary processes. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 21, 169200.Google Scholar
Milesi, JP, Toteu, SF, Deschamps, Y, Feybesse, JL, Lerouge, C, Cocherie, A, Penaye, J, Tchameni, R, Moloto-A-Kenguemba, G, Kampunzu, HAB, Nicol, N, Duguey, E, Leistel, JM, Saint-Martin, M, Ralay, F, Heinry, C, Bouchot, V, Doumnang Mbaigane, JC, Kanda Kula, V, Chene, F, Monthel, J, Boutin, P and Cailteux, J (2006) An overview of the geology and major ore deposits of Central Africa: explanatory note for the 1:4,000,000 map “Geology and major ore deposits of Central Africa”. Journal of African Earth Sciences 44, 571–95.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mloszewska, AM, Pecoits, E, Cates, NL, Mojzsis, SJ, O’Neil, J, Robbins, LJ and Konhauser, KO (2012) The composition of Earth’s oldest iron formations: the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt (Quebec, Canada). Earth and Planetary Science Letters 317–318, 331–42.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Morris, RC (1993) Genetic modelling for banded iron formation of the Hamersley Group, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia. Precambrian Research 60, 243–86.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Moudioh, C, Soh Tamehe, L, Ganno, S, Nzepang Tankwa, M, Brando Soares, M, Ghosh, R, Kankeu, B and Nzenti, JP (2020) Tectonic setting of the Bipindi greenstone belt, northwest Congo craton, Cameroon: implications on BIF deposition. Journal of African Earth Sciences 171, 103971. doi: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2020.103971.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ndema Mbongue, JL, Ngnotué, T, Ngo Nlend, CD, Nzenti, JP and Suh, CE (2014) Origin and evolution of the formation of the Cameroon Nyong Series in the Western Border of the Congo Craton. Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics 2, 6275.Google Scholar
Ndime, EN, Ganno, S and Nzenti, JP (2019) Geochemistry and Pb–Pb geochronology of the Neoarchean Nkout West metamorphosed banded iron formation, southern Cameroon. International Journal of Earth Sciences 108, 1551–70.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ndime, EN, Ganno, S, Soh Tamehe, L and Nzenti, JP (2018) Petrography, lithostratigraphy and major element geochemistry of Mesoarchean metamorphosed banded iron formation-hosted Nkout iron ore deposit, north western Congo craton, Central West Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences 148, 8098.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nédélec, A, Nsifa, EN and Martin, H (1990) Major and trace element geochemistry of the Archaean Ntem plutonic complex (South Cameroon): petrogenesis and crustal evolution provenance of detritus for the Nyong Group. Precambrian Research 47, 3550.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nga Essomba, TPE, Ganno, S, Tanko Njiosseu, EL, Ndema Mbongue, JL, Kamguia Woguia, B, Soh Tamehe, L, Takodjou Wambo, JD and Nzenti, JP (2020) Geochemical constraints on the origin and tectonic setting of the serpentinized peridotites from the Paleoproterozoic Nyong series, Eseka area, SW Cameroon. Acta Geochimica 39, 404–22.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ngnotué, T, Ganno, S, Nzenti, JP, Schulz, B, Tchaptchet, TD and 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. International Journal of Geosciences 3, 525–48.Google Scholar
Nkoumbou, C, Gentry, FC, Numbem, JT, Ekwe Lobe, YVB and Nwagoum Keyamfe, CS (2017) Petrology and geochemistry of REE-rich Mafé banded iron formations (Bafia group, Cameroon). Comptes Rendus Geoscience 349, 165–74.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nzenti, JP, Barbey, P, Macaudière, J and Soba, D (1988) Origin and evolution of the late Precambrian high-grade Yaounde gneisses (Cameroon). Precambrian Research 38, 91109.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nzepang Tankwa, M, Ganno, S, Okunlola, AO, Njiosseu Tanko, EL, Soh Tamehe, L, Kamguia Woguia, B, Mbita, ASM and Nzenti, JP (2020) Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Paleoproterozoic Kelle Bidjoka iron formations, Nyong group greenstone belts, south western Cameroon: constraints from petrology, geochemistry and LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology. International Geology Review, published online 20 July 2020. doi: 10.1080/00206814.2020.1793423.Google Scholar
Owona, S, Ratschbacher, L, Afzal, MG, Nsangou Ngapna, M, Mvondo Ondoa, J and Ekodeck, GE (2021) New U–Pb zircon ages of Nyong Complex meta-plutonites: implications for the Eburnean/Trans-Amazonian Orogeny in southwestern Cameroon (Central Africa). Geological Journal 56, 1741–55. doi: 10.1002/gj.4022.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pecoits, E, Gingras, MK, Barley, ME, Kappler, A, Posth, NR and Konhauser, KO (2009) Petrography and geochemistry of the Dales Gorge banded iron formation: paragenetic sequence, source and implications for palaeo-ocean chemistry. Precambrian Research 172, 163–87.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Penaye, J, Toteu, SF, Tchameni, R, Van Schmus, WR, Tchakounte, J, Ganwa, A, Minyem, D and Nsifa, EN (2004) The 2.1 Ga West Central African Belt in Cameroon: extension and evolution. Journal of African Earth Sciences 39, 159–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peng, Z, Wang, CL, Tong, X, Zhang, LC and Zhang, B (2018) Element geochemistry and neodymium isotope systematics of the Neoarchean banded iron formations in the Qingyuan greenstone belt, North China Craton. Ore Geology Reviews 102, 562–84.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Piacentini, T, Vasconcelos, PM and Farley, KA (2013) 40Ar/39Ar constraints on the age and thermal history of the Urucum Neoproterozoic banded iron-formation, Brazil. Precambrian Research 228, 4862.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Planavsky, N, Bekker, A, Rouxel, OJ, Kamber, B, Hofmann, A, Knudsen, A and Lyons, WT (2010) Rare earth element and yttrium compositions of Archaean and Paleoproterozoic Fe formations revisited: new perspectives on the significance and mechanisms of deposition. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 74, 6387–405.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rosière, CA, Heimann, A, Oyhantçabal, P and Santos, JOS (2018) The iron formations of the South American Platform. In Geology of Southwest Gondwana (eds Siegesmund, S, Basei, MAS, Oyhantçabal, P and Oriolo, S), pp. 493526. Cham: Springer International Publishing.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rosière, CA and Rios, FJ (2004) The origin of hematite in high-grade iron ores based on infrared microscopy and fluid inclusion studies: the example of the Conceicao mine, Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil. Economic Geology 99, 611–24.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Shang, CK, Liégeois, JP, Satir, M, Frisch, W and Nsifa, EN (2010) Late Archaean high-K granite geochronology of the northern metacratonic margin of the Archaean Congo Craton, Southern Cameroon: evidence for Pb-loss due to non-metamorphic causes. Gondwana Research 475, 119.Google Scholar
Silveira Braga, FC, Rosière, CA, Queiroga, GN, Rolim, VK, Santos, JOS and McNaughton, NJ (2015) The Statherian itabirite-bearing sequence from the Morro Escuro Ridge, Santa Maria de Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Journal of South American Earth Sciences 58, 3353.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Simonson, BM (2003) Origin and evolution of large Precambrian iron formations. In Extreme Depositional Environments: Mega End Members in Geologic Time (eds Chan, MA and Archer, AW), pp. 231–44. Geological Society of America, Special Paper no. 370.Google Scholar
Smith, AJB (2018) The iron formations of southern Africa. In Geology of Southwest Gondwana (eds Siegesmund, S, Basei, MAS, Oyhantçabal, P and Oriolo, S), pp. 469–91. Cham: Springer International Publishing.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Soh Tamehe, L, Nzepang Tankwa, M, Wei, CT, Ganno, S, Ngnotué, T, Kouankap Nono, GD, Simon, SJ, Zhang, JJ and Nzenti, JP (2018) Geology and geochemical constrains on the origin and depositional setting of Kpwa-Atog Boga banded iron formations (BIFs), northwestern Congo craton, southern Cameroon. Ore Geology Reviews 95, 620–38.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Soh Tamehe, L, Wei, CT, Ganno, S, Rosière, CA, Nzenti, JP, Gatse, EC and Guanwen, L (2021) Depositional age and tectonic environment of the Gouap banded iron formations from the Nyong Group, SW Cameroon: insights from isotopic, geochemical and geochronological studies of drillcore samples. Geoscience Frontiers 12, 549–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Soh Tamehe, L, Wei, CT, Ganno, S, Simon, SJ, Kouankap Nono, GD, Nzenti, JP, Lemdjou, YB and Lin, NH (2019) Geology of the Gouap iron deposit, Congo craton, southern Cameroon: implications for iron ore exploration. Ore Geology Reviews 107, 1097–128.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stacey, JS and Kramers, JD (1975) Approximation of terrestrial lead isotope evolution by two-stage model. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 26, 207–21.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Suh, CE, Cabral, A, Shemang, EM, Mbinkar, L and Mboudou, GGM (2008) Two contrasting iron-ore deposits in the Precambrian mineral belt of Cameroon, West Africa. Exploration and Mining Geology 17, 197207.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sun, SS and McDonough, WF (1989) Chemical and isotopic systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. In Magmatism in the Ocean Basins (eds Norry, AD and Saunders, MJ), pp. 313–45. Geological Society of London, Special Publication no. 42.Google Scholar
Sun, XH, Zhu, XQ, Tang, HS, Zhang, Q and Luo, TY (2015) The Gongchangling BIFs from the Anshan-Benxi area, NE China: petrological-geochemical characteristics and genesis of high-grade iron ores. Ore Geology Reviews 60, 112–25.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sundance Resources Ltd (2015) Mbalam–Nabeba Iron Ore Project Increases Total High Grade and Itabirite Hematite Mineral Resources. ASX Announcement 20 May 2015. Perth: Sundance Resources Ltd, 22 pp.Google Scholar
Taylor, CD, Finn, CA, Anderson, ED, Bradley, DC, Joud, MY, Taleb Mohamed, A and Horton, JD (2016) The F’derik-Zouérate iron district: Mesoarchean and Paleoproterozoic iron formation of the Tiris Complex, Islamic Republic of Mauritania. In Mineral Deposits of North Africa (eds Bouabdellah, M and Slack, JF), pp. 529–73. Cham: Springer International Publishing.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tchameni, R, Mezger, K, Nsifa, NE and Pouclet, A (2001) Crustal origin of Early Proterozoic syenites in the Congo Craton (Ntem Complex), South Cameroon. Lithos 57, 2342.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Teutsong, T, Bontognali, TRR, Ndjigui, PD, Vrijmoed, JC, Teagle, D, Cooper, M and Derek, V (2017) Petrography and geochemistry of the Mesoarchean Bikoula banded iron formation in the Ntem complex (Congo craton), Southern Cameroon: implications for its origin. Ore Geology Reviews 80, 267–88.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thurston, PC, Kamber, BS and Whitehouse, M (2012) Archean cherts in banded iron formation: insight into Neoarchean ocean chemistry and depositional processes. Precambrian Research 214–215, 227–57.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Toteu, SF, Van Schmus, WR, Penaye, J and Michard, A (2001) New U–Pb and Sm–Nd data from north-central Cameroon and its bearing on the pre-Pan African history of Central Africa. Precambrian Research 108, 4573.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Toteu, SF, Van Schmus, WR, Penaye, J and Nyobe, JB (1994) U–Pb and Sm–Nd evidence for Eburnean and Pan-African high-grade metamorphism in cratonic rocks of southern Cameroon. Precambrian Research 67, 321–47.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Trendall, A (2002) The significance of iron-formation in the Precambrian stratigraphic record. In Precambrian Sedimentary Environments: A Modern Approach to Ancient Depositional Systems (eds Altermann, W and Corcoran, PL), pp. 3366. International Association of Sedimentologists, Special Publication no. 33. CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Viehmann, S, Bau, M, Hoffmann, JE and Münker, C (2015) Geochemistry of the Krivoy Rog Banded Iron Formation, Ukraine, and the impact of peak episodes of increased global magmatic activity on the trace element composition of Precambrian seawater. Precambrian Research 270, 165–80.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, CL, Huang, H, Tong, XX, Zheng, MT, Peng, ZD, Nan, JB, Zhang, LC and Zhai, MG (2016) Changing provenance of late Neoarchean metasedimentary rocks in the Anshan-Benxi area, North China Craton: implications for the tectonic setting of the world-class Dataigou banded iron formation. Gondwana Research 40, 107–23.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, CL, Konhauser, KO and Zhang, LC (2015) Depositional environment of the Paleoproterozoic Yuanjiacun banded iron formation in Shanxi Province, China. Economic Geology 110, 1515–39.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, CL, Zhang, LC, Lan, CY and Dai, YP (2014a) Petrology and geochemistry of the Wangjiazhuang banded iron formation and associated supracrustal rocks from the Wutai greenstone belt in the North China Craton: implications for their origin and tectonic setting. Precambrian Research 255, 603–26.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, CL, Zhang, LC, Lan, CY and Dai, YP (2014b) Rare earth element and yttrium compositions of the Paleoproterozoic Yuanjiacun BIF in the Luliang area and their implications for the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). Science China: Earth Sciences 57, 2469–85.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
West African Minerals Corporation (2017) Scoping Study Indicates Significant Economic Potential for the Sanaga Iron Ore Project, Cameroon, 12 May 2017. Report RNS Number: 9172E. 7 pp.Google Scholar
Zhai, MG and Santosh, M (2013) Metallogeny of the North China Craton: link with secular changes in the evolving earth. Gondwana Research 24, 275–97.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhang, LC, Zhai, MG, Zhang, XJ, Xiang, P, Dai, YP, Wang, CL and Pirajno, F (2012) Formation age and tectonic setting of the Shirengou Neoarchean banded iron deposit in eastern Hebei province: constraints from geochemistry and SIMS zircon U–Pb dating. Precambrian Research 222, 325–38.CrossRefGoogle Scholar