Gold mineralization in Gnimi-Yaboghan, southwestern Burkina Faso, was investigated to enhance understanding of its geological context and exploration potential. Geological mapping at a 1:50,000 scale revealed amphibolite, schist, granitoid, and quartz veins. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses (XRF, ICP-MS) and fire assay techniques identified
quartz, feldspar, mica, and accessory minerals. The granitoids were classified as calc-alkaline, peraluminous, and S-type, indicating formation in a subduction zone. A ternary diagram suggested a hydrothermal submarine origin for the quartz veins. Lithophile elements (K, Rb, Ba, Sr) showed a genetic link between quartz veins and metasedimentary rocks, with metamorphic fluids likely responsible for gold deposition. Gold content was very low in granitoids (<0.002 ppm) but reached up to 9.9 ppm in quartz veins, confirming them as the primary gold-bearing structures. This study supports previous findings that most gold in Burkina Faso is hosted in quartz veins and highlights the significance of hydrothermal processes in mineralization.

Geochemical Prospecting, Gold Mineralisation, Hydrothermal Fluid, Structures, Burkina-Faso