Based on the tectonic evolution of the lithosphere, mineral assemblages, and crust-mantle structural conditions, the African continent (including the Arabian Peninsula and Madagascar) has been divided into 31 metallogenic belts, of which 27 are located on the African mainland proper. At the first-order tectonic level, these are classified into four major domains: the West African Metallogenic Domain, the East African Metallogenic Domain, the Arabian Peninsula Metallogenic Domain, and the Madagascar Metallogenic Domain. Within each domain, further subdivisions into second- and third-order metallogenic zones are made according to lithospheric types.
West African Metallogenic Domain (W)
The West African Metallogenic Domain is one of the continent’s most significant mineral concentration areas. It encompasses three lithospheric types—cratonic, orogenic, and rift-related—and hosts globally important deposits of diamonds, copper, gold, and platinum-group elements.
Cratonic Metallogenic Zones (WCI)
West African Archean Cratonic Metallogenic Zone (WCI-1): Predominantly sedimentary and placer in nature, this zone is rich in phosphates, potash, diamond placers, and gold placers. Typical deposits include the Ansongo-Agaula manganese mine and the Banmba gold deposit.
Congo Archean Cratonic Metallogenic Zone (WCI-2): This zone is divided into the Zaire River diamond–lead–zinc–gold metallogenic subzone and the East Zaire iron–manganese–gold–tungsten–tin metallogenic belt. It hosts world-class deposits such as the Tshikapa large-scale diamond placer and the Isiro giant iron ore deposit.
Kalahari Archean Cratonic Metallogenic Zone (WCI-3): This is a core global producer of diamonds and platinum-group elements. The Orapa giant diamond mine and the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe (chromium–platinum–nickel) are located here, alongside occurrences of uranium, potash, and coal.
Orogenic Metallogenic Zones (WO1)
Proterozoic Orogenic Metallogenic Zone (WOI-1): Comprising seven third-order metallogenic belts, this zone is a major producer of iron, gold, copper, and uranium in Africa. Notable examples include the Guelb Zednes large-scale iron ore deposit and the Prestea-Beta giant gold deposit in the West African Shield metallogenic belt, as well as the Lufilian Arc, which hosts the Kansanshi large-scale copper–uranium–gold–molybdenum polymetallic deposit—a world-renowned copper-cobalt district.
Paleozoic Orogenic Metallogenic Zone (WOI-2): This refers to the Cape phosphate–gold placer metallogenic belt, which is dominated by sedimentary phosphates and gold–platinum-group placer deposits.
Rift-Related Metallogenic Zones (WLI)
Cameroon–Niger Rift Metallogenic Belt (WLI-1): Produces hydrothermal lead–zinc ores, along with sedimentary coal and hydrocarbons.
Karroo Rift Metallogenic Zone (WLI-2): Enriched in kimberlite-hosted diamonds, sedimentary uranium, and coal, this zone includes the Fiksburg large-scale diamond deposit.
Post time: Jul-01-2026
