Geology and gold mineralization in the Pan-African rocks of the Adola area, southern Ethiopia

Primary and placer gold deposits are mined from the Pan-African Adola volca no-sedimentary sequence, in southern Ethiopia. Two major mineralized belts can be recognized: the Megado ('Gold Belt') and the Kenticha Belts. The Ken ticha Belt is also known for its rare metal mineralization. Extensive explo ration of the area resulted in two most important primary gold deposits of Lega Dembi and Sakaro. The primary gold deposits are classified into four c lasses based on their geological setting: - auriferous veins, lodes, stockworks and silicified zones disseminated in schistose rocks - gold associated with quartzite - gold mineralization confined to conglomerates and meta-arkoses - auriferous quartz veins in high grade gneiss rocks This classification provides a useful guide for future exploration programm e.