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<p>Copper and cobalt are indispensable minerals in the global energy transition, with demand expected to outpace current production capacities for their application in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced electronics. The Kengere East area in the Kolwezi region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located within the Central African Copperbelt, presents a geologically promising but structurally complex terrain for copper-cobalt exploration. This study employed an integrated geophysical approach, comprising electrical resistivity, induced polarization (IP), and metal factor (MF) analysis, to delineate potential mineralized zones. Eight IP profiles were surveyed using a dipole–dipole configuration with the WDJD-3A Digital Resistivity/IP Meter, achieving a cumulative coverage of approximately 10.4&#xa0;km and an investigation depth of up to 300&#xa0;m. Inverted resistivity, chargeability, and MF sections were interpreted to identify geoelectrical anomalies indicative of disseminated sulfide mineralization. Key anomalies were characterized by coinciding low resistivity (&lt; 200 Ω·m), high chargeability (&gt; 120&#xa0;mV/V), and elevated MF values (&gt; 200), suggesting the presence of copper-bearing sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite and bornite. Five high-priority drill targets were delineated along Profiles 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7A, with proposed borehole locations based on quantitative anomaly convergence. Structural features such as faults and lithological contacts were identified as significant controls on mineralization. In contrast, Profiles 3, 5, and 7B showed no compelling anomalies and are deprioritized for further investigation. This integrated geophysical approach enhances the resolution of subsurface imaging in structurally deformed, weathered terrains and provides a robust basis for cost-effective exploration drilling in the Kengere East region.</p>

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Advancing copper and cobalt exploration in the Kengere East, Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a synergistic approach combining geophysical surveys and metal factor analysis to delineate high-potential mineralization zones

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  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月1日

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  • Francis Omonefe,
  • Malilo Shomari Malick,
  • Kabundi Mukonkole Jean Claude,
  • Christopher Ebong Unyime,
  • Larry Mudimbi

摘要

Copper and cobalt are indispensable minerals in the global energy transition, with demand expected to outpace current production capacities for their application in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced electronics. The Kengere East area in the Kolwezi region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located within the Central African Copperbelt, presents a geologically promising but structurally complex terrain for copper-cobalt exploration. This study employed an integrated geophysical approach, comprising electrical resistivity, induced polarization (IP), and metal factor (MF) analysis, to delineate potential mineralized zones. Eight IP profiles were surveyed using a dipole–dipole configuration with the WDJD-3A Digital Resistivity/IP Meter, achieving a cumulative coverage of approximately 10.4 km and an investigation depth of up to 300 m. Inverted resistivity, chargeability, and MF sections were interpreted to identify geoelectrical anomalies indicative of disseminated sulfide mineralization. Key anomalies were characterized by coinciding low resistivity (< 200 Ω·m), high chargeability (> 120 mV/V), and elevated MF values (> 200), suggesting the presence of copper-bearing sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite and bornite. Five high-priority drill targets were delineated along Profiles 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7A, with proposed borehole locations based on quantitative anomaly convergence. Structural features such as faults and lithological contacts were identified as significant controls on mineralization. In contrast, Profiles 3, 5, and 7B showed no compelling anomalies and are deprioritized for further investigation. This integrated geophysical approach enhances the resolution of subsurface imaging in structurally deformed, weathered terrains and provides a robust basis for cost-effective exploration drilling in the Kengere East region.