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Effects of weathering on the mineralogical composition of banded iron-formation (BIF): a case study of the Kuruman Formation (Transvaal Supergroup) in the Prieska area, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

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Abstract

The Kuruman Formation in the Transvaal Supergroup, Northern Cape Province of South Africa, contains several iron and manganese ore deposits, resulting in numerous studies, particularly within the northern Ghaap plateau compartment where most iron and manganese mines are located. However, fewer studies have been conducted in the Southern Prieska Compartment, especially on the effects of weathering on the banded iron-formation (BIF). Thus, the study is targeted at the Kuruman Formation in the Prieska area to investigate the effects of weathering on the mineralogy of the BIF using field observations, petrographic studies, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) methods. The studies revealed moderate to high weathering, which has impacted the mineralogy of the BIF. In the Prieska area, the mineral assemblage of hematite, magnetite, martite, goethite, limonite, stilpnomelane, riebeckite, minnesotaite, illite, siderite, ankerite, and calcite demonstrates severe weathering and oxidation impacts. Weathering and oxidation have little or no effect on chert/quartz. The susceptible BIF minerals to weathering (i.e., carbonates) only occur in very small concentrations (averaging 1.2 wt.%). The weathering minerals (hematite, goethite, and limonite) are the dominant iron oxide minerals, constituting about 46 wt.%. The evidence of replacing carbonate and silicate minerals with iron oxides and chert/quartz reflects the weathering effects.

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Funding

The project is funded by the Goven Mbeki Research and Development Center (GMRDC), University of Fort Hare, South Africa.

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  1. Department of Geology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa

    Mainly Abongile Mbongonya & Kuiwu Liu

  2. Department of Geology and Mining, University of Limpopo, Limpopo Province, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa

    Christopher Baiyegunhi

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MAM carried out the investigation, methodology, data analysis, data curation, and manuscript draft. KL supervised and contributed toward conceptualization, methodology, field and laboratory studies, and validation, reviews, and editing. CB contributed to methodology, data analysis, writing reviews, and editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Mbongonya, M.A., Liu, K. & Baiyegunhi, C. Effects of weathering on the mineralogical composition of banded iron-formation (BIF): a case study of the Kuruman Formation (Transvaal Supergroup) in the Prieska area, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Arab J Geosci 15, 1688 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10934-5

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