Factors controlling the occurrence of Ta-Nb-Sn pegmatites in the Gatumba area (Rwanda) : implications for exploration

Rwanda contains many mineral commodities that are of major economic interest for the current high-tech industry worldwide. Especially the mining of tantalum-niobium, tungsten and tin were and are still important. Geological maps of the country are available. These are, however, at a regional scale (1:200.000 scale) and as such not straightforward to be used for focused exploration and mine planning. Therefore, a more detailed geological mapping focusing on exploration and exploitation has been carried out. Regional zonation patterns of the metal occurrences have been established, which could be used as exploration vectors. A lithological and structural control on the mineralization has been recognized and several minerals have been identified that could be used as pathfinders for ore exploration. To our opinion, the occurrence and scale of the Rwandan deposits favour a small-scale industrial exploitation by junior mining companies.Rwanda contains many mineral commodities that are of major economic interest for the current high-tech industry worldwide. Especially the mining of tantalum-niobium, tungsten and tin were and are still important. Geological maps of the country are available. These are, however, at a regional scale (1:200.000 scale) and as such not straightforward to be used for focused exploration and mine planning. Therefore, a more detailed geological mapping focusing on exploration and exploitation has been carried out. Regional zonation patterns of the metal occurrences have been established, which could be used as exploration vectors. A lithological and structural control on the mineralization has been recognized and several minerals have been identified that could be used as pathfinders for ore exploration. To our opinion, the occurrence and scale of the Rwandan deposits favour a small-scale industrial exploitation by junior mining companies.P