Genesis and distribution of gold deposits in Nyakishenyi Village, Buhweju District, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

This study investigates the genesis and spatial distribution of gold deposits in Nyakishenyi Village, Buhweju District, South Western Uganda, with the main aim of understanding the structural and geochemical controls of orogenic gold systems. The study area is found within the Proterozoic Kibaran Belt and this region represents a geologically significant yet underexplored segment of Uganda’s Precambrian terranes. Quartz veins within schists, quartzites, and granitoid contacts host the primary gold deposits, with NW–SE and NE–SW trending shear zones and faults acting as key fluid pathways. Primary gold mineralization is concentrated at lithological boundaries and fault –fault intersections, reinforced by elevated pathfinder elements ( e.g As, Sb, Cu, W)confirming an orogenic origin. Secondary placer deposits in colluvial zones and stream channels represent erosional derivatives of the primary lodes. GIS modeling exposed strong links between fault density, structural intersections, geochemical anomalies, and artisanal mining spots. Quartz veins reverted peak gold gradesof1.65 ounces per ton. averaging 0.5–1.2 ounces per ton. in shear zones, while placer deposits generated 0.3–0.8 g/t, indicating secondary enrichment. High-grade zones averaged2.5faults/km², with mineralization hotspots concentrated at fault intersections and lithological contacts between schists, quartzites, and granitoids. Elevated pathfinder elements (As, Sb, Cu, W) frequently align with high gold values (>1.5oz/t), while major oxides (Fe₂O₃, Al₂O₃, Na₂O) specify hydrothermal alteration, confirming the orogenic nature of the gold system. Nyakishenyi hosts both structurally controlled orogenic gold deposits and secondary placer accumulations. Integrating structural and geochemical data provides a strong predictive framework for future exploration in the Kibaran Belt and similar Precambrian terrains.