Mining of Mineral Deposits

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Metallogenic model of the Amensif Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag±Au-Bi carbonate replacement deposit (Western High Atlas, Morocco): New litho-structural and mineralogical data

Said Ilmen1, Abdelkhalek Alansari2, Abdel-Ali Kharis1, Zaineb Hajjar3, Bouchra Baidada4, Amine Bajddi5, Lhou Maacha5

1Polydisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate, Ibnou Zohr University, Ouarzazate, Morocco

2Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

3Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco

4Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco

5Managem Group, Casablanca, Morocco, Qena, Egypt


Min. miner. depos. 2024, 18(1):99-109


https://doi.org/10.33271/mining18.01.099

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose.In this paper, we discuss the genetic model and emphasize many pending issues on the carbonate replacement textures of the Amensif Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag±Au-Bi deposit (the Western High Atlas, Morocco), the source of metal and the possible contribution of the Azegour granite to this ore genesis.

      Methods. This study is based on geological mapping, drill core and petrography analysis in combination with ICP-AES, XRD, and SEM data.

      Findings. The detailed mineralogy consists mainly of sulfides and sulfosalts. The main ore minerals include arsenopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena and bismuthinite. Mineral inclusions related to isomorphic sulfosalts are found in galena and/or chalcopyrite. They include matildite, galenobismutite, pavonite, cosalite, schirmerite, krupkaite, ramdohrite, wittichenite, emplectite, luzonite, gustavite, hedleyite, krennerite, wittite, freibergite, tetrahedrite, tennantite and native bismuth. The supergene minerals are anglesite, covellite, malachite, azurite and goethite. In addition, specific replacements are observed between dolomites and sulfides, indicating an interaction between hydrothermal fluid and host rocks. Four ore stages have been identified based on the relationship between mineral phases and ore-forming conditions. The results of this study indicate that Ag and Au precipitation is controlled by the Bi-Te-Pb-S system, while enrichment in Bi, Te and Se sulfosalts and Bi-telluride indicates a magmatic source of the ore-forming fluid.

      Originality. The study delves into the genetic model of the Amensif Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag±Au-Bi deposit in the Western High Atlas, Moroc-co, with a focus on carbonate replacement textures, while also exploring its classification as either a carbonate replacement deposit or a skarn deposit.

      Practical implications.Mineral textures are indicators of the replacement process in the Amensif Zn-Pb-Cu-Bi-Ag±Au carbonate replacement deposit (the Western High Atlas, Morocco). The results obtained from this research paper can be used as a powerful tool in mineral exploration of the Western High Atlas.

      Keywords: Amensif, High Atlas, Morocco, sulfides, genetic model, carbonate replacement deposit


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