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Summary of the reconnaissance investigation of the diamond resource potential and production capacity of Côte d’Ivoire

Fact Sheet 2012-3130
Prepared under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20123130

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Abstract

This study presents the results of a multiyear effort to monitor the diamond mining activities of Côte d’Ivoire’s two main diamond regions, Séguéla and Tortiya. The innovative approach developed for this study integrates archival reports and maps, high-resolution satellite imagery, and terrain modeling to assess the diamond resource potential and production capacity of the Séguéla and Tortiya deposits. A geologic resource assessment was conducted to calculate the remaining diamond reserves for Séguéla and Tortiya using archival geologic data, including gravel grade and thickness recorded by the Ivorian mining company Société pour le Développement Minier (SODEMI). These data were combined with terrain analysis and geomorphological maps in a geological process-driven model. After accounting for previous production, a total of 10,100,000 carats are estimated to be remaining in Séguéla and a total of 1,100,000 carats are estimated to be remaining in Tortiya, based on currently known deposits.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Summary of the reconnaissance investigation of the diamond resource potential and production capacity of Côte d’Ivoire
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2012-3130
DOI 10.3133/fs20123130
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Earth Surface Processes Team
Description 2 p.
First page 1
Last page 2
Other Geospatial C�te D�ivoire;Ivory Coast
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details