Lead isotopes of the carbonate-hosted Kabwe, Tsumeb, and Kipushi Pb-Zn-CU sulphide deposits in relation to Pan African orogenesis in the Damaran-Lufi…

1999

Lead isotope ratios of galena from the carbonate-hosted massive sulphide deposits of Kabwe (Pb-Zn) and Tsumeb (Pb-Zn-Cu) in Zambia and Namibia, respectively, have been measured and found to be homogeneous and characteristic of upper crustal source rocks. Kabwe galena has average isotope ratios of 206/204Pb = 17.997 ± 0.007, 207/204Pb = 15.713 ± 0.010 and 208/204Pb = 38.410 ± 0.033. Tsumeb galena has slightly higher 206/204Pb (18.112 ± 0.035) and slightly lower 207/204Pb (15.674 ± 0.016) and 208/204Pb (38.276 ± 0.073) ratios than Kabwe galena. The isotopic differences are attributed to local differences in the age and composition of the respective source rocks for Kabwe and Tsumeb. The homog…