GEOLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY OF KIMBERLITES BAMBAWO PIPE (SIERRA LEONE)

During geological exploration work within the Concession (EL31/2017) with an area of 76.07 sq. km, the general geological structure and petrographic features of the kimberlites of the BAMBAWO pipe were established for the first time in the marginal and central outcrops of the meridianally elongated caldera with a sub-ring diameter of 1x0.75 km.

Kimberlites are represented by subvolcanic porphyry varieties and autolithic tuff-breccias with some xenolith. In the magnetic field and elevation model, an isometric pipe body with a diameter of 80-100 m with increased magnetism and rock density is deciphered within the caldera. The presence of pyroclastic formations within the caldera indicates an insignificant level of erosion cut and rather high industrial prospects for the development of this object. The productivity of the pipe for diamonds is confirmed by the newness in the nearest rivers and streams collectors some diamond-bearing placers and the practice of extracting diamonds from them by different stakeholders.