THE GEOLOGY AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WEST WITS LINE

This paper was originally published as a chapter in The Geology of Some Ore Deposits of Southern Africa Volume 1 published in 1964 by The Geological Society of South Africa. It was published as a separate book to the main publication due to the geological and economic significance, especially in the 1960s, of a sector the Witwatersrand Basin.

It describes the geology of the Witwatersrand Basin between Randfontein and the Mooi River. This line became known as the West Wits Line. There is a brief discussion of previous work that was done by others. It discusses the surface and sub-surface geology of the Transvaal and sub-Transvaal systems.

There is considerable geological detail given in respect of the Black Reef and the Witwatersrand and Ventersdorp systems especially those areas of the systems that showed economic potential. The economic potential is discussed in detail and includes such topics as gold content, distribution, composition, mineralogy and possible sources of origin of the systems. In addition, there is a summary of the dolomite water problem in the area.

There is discussion of the economic aspects of these systems in respect of production, taxation, dividends etc. There is also a discussion on the importance of this area as a gold producer both to South Africa and the rest of the world at the time. There is an addendum which was prepared by Dr. J.A. Papenfus which deals with the geology of the Western Areas Mine and was published with the permission of Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co.

The book is signed on the top right-hand corner of the front cover over a printed “With the Author’s Compliments”

• Soft Cover: A single buff coloured card cover wrapped around the body of the book and secured by
three large staples. The title is printed in black on the front cover. Evidence of darkening due to the sun
on the edges of both the front and back covers Very Good to Fine
• Very slight wear along edges of covers and minimal bumping to corners and heel of the spine. There
is light bumping and chipping to the top of the spine. Considering the age and the production values
of this publication it is in remarkably good condition
• Text block is tight and intact. The contents are clean and bright.
There is 62 pages of text and 9 pages of photographs
There are 12 maps and charts all of which are intact and in Fine condition.
• Published by The Geological Society of South Africa
• No Dust Jacket as published
• Binding Condition: Tight.
• Overall Condition: Very Good to Fine.
• Size: 242mm x 174mm x 6mm
• Signed

A scarce book about an economically and geologically important area of South Africa.