Abstract:
This study describes the general geology of the Tshikondeni Mine
area, and suggests a reconstruction of the depositional
palaeoenvironment of the different sedimentary units. The
palaeoenvironmental model is further related to the quality of
the main coal seams.
The sedimentary palaeoenvironment was established by identifying
and describing seven vertically stacked genetic units of
sedimentation, comprising twelve different lithofacies. These
are related to sedimentary processes, from which a
palaeoenvironmental model is derived.
The sedimentation at Tshikondeni commenced with glacial, glaciofluvial
and glaciolacustrine deposition. This was followed by
deltaic, fluvial and lacustrine settings with associated coal
seams. Coal distribution, petrography and quality parameters
(ash, volatile matter) appear to be closely related to inferred
palaeoenvironmental characteristics.
Structurally, the area is complex and numerous faults occur. The
faulting is due to extensional tectonism. Intrusive basaltic
dykes and sills are numerous and further complicate exploitation
of the economic coal seams.
