Student research: Njabulo publishes his MSc research

Njabulo Ndimande completed his MSc in 2023 and his research was recently published in Special Issue of the International Kimberlite Conference published in 2025. Click button to see the full articles.

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Unearthing a Shared Origin: Kimberlites and Lamproites of Liberia’s Man Craton

A recent study reveals that both kimberlites and lamproites from Liberia's Man Craton may arise from a single, deep-seated sub-lithospheric mantle source.

Key Insights:

• One Source, Two PathsDetailed geochemical analyses show that Camp Alpha kimberlites and Weasua lamproites — both Neoproterozoic in age (~800 Ma) — share trace element patterns and isotopic signatures reminiscent of primitive kimberlite melts. Yet, differences arise from how each magma interacted with the overlying sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) as it rose to the surface. The lamproite magma assimilated mica- and diopside-rich wall rocks, while the kimberlite magma did not.

• Co-Evolution in the Deep EarthDespite divergent paths, both magmas likely stemmed from the same asthenospheric mantle source — one that was later modified differently during ascent through the SCLM. This confirms a broader model: diverse ultramafic magmas can originate from a shared foundation when ascending through a chemically varied lithosphere.

Why It Matters:

This discovery adds a powerful new dimension to our understanding of deep mantle processes beneath cratons, especially in under-studied regions like West Africa. Demonstrating that kimberlites and lamproites can stem from a single source but reflect different mantle interactions offers fresh insights into mantle heterogeneity and diamond-bearing magma evolution.