From USA Report in 1976!
A report by Barzin, Managing Director of Geomines, states that the pegmatites are both 5.5 km long and average 400 metres wide (Barzin, 1952). The pegmatite sills have been proven to a depth of 125 metres by drilling. A calculation using these dimensions shows that re sources are enormous. Barzin reports, however, that up to 50 metres are kaolinized and altered. On the other hand, exploratory drilling ended in pegmatite, indicating the presence of additional resources. Over the years, low cost mining of cassiterite and tantalite has been achieved from the upper decomposed layer. The pegmatites of Manono and Kitotolo probably represent the largest spodumene resource in the world. However, they have never constituted reserves because of their remote location in south-central Africa. The tin and columbium production is exported via the Angolan port of Lobito, located some 2,000 km away. Nevertheless, this deposit must be included in an appraisal of the future of lithium. In fact, the government of Zaire must think so, because plans for the production of lithium carbonate have been officially announced.
Expand
