Binyam Woldemariam Woldemichael (Ethiopia)

Email: wbinyam @yahoo.com,
s039214 @matsu.shimane-u.ac.jp

Thesis title:  Geochemistry, petrology and the Fe–Ti apatite mineralization of the Bikilal-Ghimbi Gabbro, Ethiopia.

Supervisor:  Assoc. Prof. Jun-Ichi Kimura (2003-2005).

The Bikilal-Ghimbi gabbroic intrusion is located in the western part of Ethiopia, 440 Km west of the capital city, Addis Ababa. Western Ethiopia is underlain by Precambrian rocks comprised of high grade gneisses and low grade volcanogenic sediments with associated mafic - ultramafic belts, and syn- to post-tectonic gabbroic to granitic intrusives. The gabbroic intrusives overall vary from syn- to post-tectonic, but the Bikilal-Ghimbi gabbro is late- to post-tectonic. The Bikilal-Ghimbi gabbroic intrusive is elliptical in shape, consisting of layered zones of olivine gabbro in the center and hornblende gabbro at the peripheries. Disseminated apatite mineralization is present in the hornblende gabbro, and thin lenses of Fe-Ti apatite mineralization also occur in association with layers of hornblendite.

The general focus of my research is to establish the ore genesis, geochemistry and petrology of the gabbroic intrusive. To do this I will carry out major, trace and isotopic studies combined with detailed petrographic examinations. I will use XRF for major elements and trace elements, ICP-MS for ultra-trace elements and REE, and EPMA for mineralogy.

As no systematic work has been done to constrain the petrogenesis of this intrusion, the study will provide vital information about the geology of the area, which in turn contributes to a better understanding of the geology of Ethiopia.