SOUTHERN RHODESIA. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN No. 13. Reports by the Mining Geologist, February, 1927, to May, 1928. By F. E. KEEP, M.Sc., Assoc.Inst. M.M., A.M.Iust, P.T. (Mining Geologist).

This bulletin contains the reports of F. E. Keep, the mining geologist of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), from February 1927 to May 1928. It covers various aspects of the geology and mineral resources of the country, such as:

• The occurrence and distribution of gold-bearing reefs and alluvial deposits, with special reference to the Mazoe Valley and Shamva District.
• The geological features and ore deposits of the copper belt in Northern Rhodesia and Katanga, with a comparison to those in Southern Rhodesia.
• The asbestos industry and its prospects, with a description of the main asbestos mines and occurrences in Southern Rhodesia.
• The chrome ore deposits and their exploitation, with a discussion on the origin and classification of chrome ores.
• The coal resources and their utilization, with a review of the coalfields and coal mines in Southern Rhodesia.
• The iron ore deposits and their potential for smelting, with a description of the iron formations and iron mines in Southern Rhodesia.

The bulletin also includes detailed descriptions and maps of several mining districts and prospects, such as:

• The Mazoe Valley Goldfield, which comprises several groups of mines along the Mazoe River and its tributaries.
• The Shamva District Goldfield, which contains some of the richest gold mines in Southern Rhodesia.
• The Gwanda District Goldfield, which covers a large area south of Bulawayo and hosts numerous gold-bearing quartz veins.
• The Umvuma District Copper-Goldfield, which is situated near Fort Victoria and contains copper-gold ores associated with granitic intrusions.

The bulletin is a valuable source of information for anyone interested in the history and development of mining in Southern Rhodesia. It provides an insight into the geological setting, exploration methods, mining techniques and economic aspects of various mineral commodities. It also illustrates the challenges and opportunities faced by the mining industry in colonial times.