Mineralized pegmatites in Africa

Abstract Potential rare‐element pegmatites are widespread on the African continent, especially south of the equator, along the Kibaran orogenic belt extending from Uganda, through Rwanda and Kivu, Maniema and Shaba provinces of Zaire. They are also prominent within the Mozambique belt in East Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar and within the Damara sequence in Namibia and moreover, within the Namaqualand metamorphic complex along the Orange River belt. Another characteristic, lithium‐bearing pegmatite province is found in the basement rocks of Zimbabwe. Although beryl has been the most important mineral mined in the past, lithium, rare‐earths, tin, niobium‐tantalum, and uranium minerals are also recovered. Furthermore, some pegmatites in Africa constitute the main source of attractive gemstones, in addition to ceramic feldspar and mica.