Thesis title: Petrology of hypabyssal kimberlite of the Lulo kimberlite field, Angola: implications for diamond potential

Research interests: Kimberlites, Hydrogeology

This study focuses on the petrology and mineralogy of hypabyssal kimberlite (HK) in the Lulo Kimberlite Field, Angola, a region renowned for its abundant alluvial diamond deposits, particularly CLIPPIR diamonds. The Lulo field spans 3,000 km² and contains 56 drilled kimberlite pipes, though the primary diamond source remains unidentified. The research aims to characterize the HK using petrographic and geochemical analyses, with a focus on olivine and phlogopite chemistry.

Supervisor/s: Dr Geoffrey Howarth, Dr Sara Burness

Degrees: 

1. BSc in Geological Sciences (2024)

Awards:

1. UCT plus Golden Award
2. Geology department's transformation committee (Undergraduate rep, 2024)
3. Faculty of Science Dean's Merit List (2024)