Search Results (4)

The Aghbar-Bou Azzer East mining district (ABED) is located between the Bou Azzer East and Aghbar deposits. It is an area of approximately 7 km long towards ENE–WSW and 2 km wide towards N–S. In this barren area, volcano-sedimentary rocks are attributed to the Ouarzazate group outcrop (Ediacarian age): they are composed of volcanic rocks (ignimbrite, andesite, rhyolite, dacite, etc.) covered by the Adoudou detritic formation in angular unconformity. Given the absence of serpentinite outcrops, exploration investigation in this area has been very limited. This paper aims to use ionic leach geochemistry (on samples of soil) to detect the presence of Co-bearing arsenides above hidden ore deposits in this unexplored area of the Bou Azzer inlier. In addition, a detailed structural analysis allowed the identification of four families of faults and fractures with or without filling. Three directional major fault systems of several kilometers in length and variable orientation in both the Cryogenian basement and the Ediacaran cover have been identified: (i) ENE–WSW, (ii) NE–SW, and (iii) NW–SE. Several geochemical anomalies for Co, As, Ni, Ag, and Cu are aligned along three main directions, including NE–SW, NW–SE, and ENE–WSW. They are particularly well-defined in the western zone but are only minor in the central and eastern zones. Some of these anomalies correlate with the primary structural features observed in the studied area. These trends are consistent with those known under mining exploitation in nearby ore deposits, supporting the potential for similar mineralization in the ABED. Based on structural analysis and ionic leach geochemistry, drilling programs were conducted in the study area, confirming the continuity of serpentinites at depth beneath the Ediacaran cover and the presence of Co–Fe-bearing arsenide ores. This validates the ionic geochemistry technique as a reliable method for exploring buried ore deposits. Full article

The Aït Abdellah copper deposit in the Bou Azzer-El Graara inlier of the Moroccan Anti-Atlas provides key insights into structurally and lithologically controlled mineralization in Precambrian terranes. The deposit is hosted in feldspathic sandstones of the Tiddiline Group, which unconformably overlie the Bou Azzer ophiolite, and is spatially associated with a NE–SW-trending shear zone. This zone is characterized by mylonitic fabrics, calcite veining, and an extensive network of fractures, reflecting a two-stage deformation history involving early ductile shearing followed by brittle faulting and brecciation. These structural features enhanced rock permeability, enabling fluid flow and metal precipitation. Copper mineralization includes primary sulfides such as chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite, chalcocite, digenite, and covellite, as well as supergene minerals like malachite, azurite, and chrysocolla. Sulfur isotope values (δ³⁴S = +5.9% to +22.8%) indicate a mixed sulfur source, likely derived from both ophiolitic rocks and volcano-sedimentary sequences. Carbon and oxygen isotope data suggest fluid interaction with marine carbonates and meteoric waters, potentially linked to post-Snowball Earth deglaciation processes. Fluid inclusion studies reveal homogenization temperatures ranging from 195 °C to 310 °C and salinities between 5.7 and 23.2 wt.% NaCl equivalent, supporting a model of fluid mixing between magmatic-hydrothermal and volcano-sedimentary sources. The paragenetic evolution of the deposit comprises three stages: (1) early hydrothermal precipitation of quartz, dolomite, sericite, pyrite, and early chalcopyrite and bornite; (2) a main mineralizing stage characterized by fracturing and deposition of bornite, chalcopyrite, and Ag-bearing sulfosalts; and (3) a late supergene phase with oxidation and secondary enrichment. The Aït Abdellah deposit is best classified as a shear zone-hosted copper system with a complex, multistage mineralization history. The integrated analysis of structural features, mineral assemblages, isotopic signatures, and fluid inclusion data reveals a dynamic interplay between deformation processes, hydrothermal alteration, and evolving fluid sources. Full article

Due to its unique geographic and tectonic location, the Bou Azzer inlier has drawn increased interest in mining studies. The inlier’s basement structure remains subject to investigation meanwhile faults and igneous rocks affect the local geology. In order to comprehend the Bou Azzer inlier’s structure, we use aeromagnetic data. The edge enhancement method described in this work is based on the gradiometry tensor analysis (GTA) of aeromagnetic data, which yields estimated magnetic tensors, rotational invariants, horizontal invariants, computed strike lines, and Eigensystems. This study’s primary objective is to use GTA to define structural boundaries in complicated geological and tectonic environments. The vertical and horizontal positions of the geological border’s limits have been determined via analysis of the acquired answers. The borders of the anomalous sources are marked in space by the lowest eigenvalue. According to the research, the inlier demonstrates potential for further mineralization with regard to its complicated structure, which is mostly dominated by WNW-ESE, ENE-WSW, NE-SW and E-W trending lineaments with varying depths between 3.45 and 9.06 km. Certainly, the derived structural scheme has enabled the identification of various formations that may be favorable for the circulation of mineralizing fluids, facilitating the concentration of economically valuable mineral deposits, similar to existing metal reserves in the examined area. Full article

Numerical analysis of geophysical data to uncover Precambrian belts and probably to enclose mineral deposits is becoming once more communal in mining activity. The method is founded on typifying zones branded to comprehend deposits and looking for analogous areas. The proposed work outlines a semi-automatic image processing system for the structural and mining investigation of the Bou Azzer inlier, which varies from preceding approaches as it is centered only on aeromagnetic data. The aeromagnetic signature of what seem to be geologically expressive features are pursued within the aeromagnetic items. Cobalt and associated mineralizations in the Bou Azzer inlier are recognized to arise nearby main crustal discontinuities revealing as significant shear zones, which turn act as drains for mineralizing fluids. Mineralization occurs in sectors of structural complexity beside the shear zones. Developing towards the semi-automatic uncovering of such regions, the furthermost prospective extents are those everywhere inferred structural complexity occurs next to the regions of magnetic discontinuity. The proposed method is mainly based on the approach developed by the center for exploration targeting. The study was led by means of aeromagnetic data from the Bou Azzer inlier, which is considered one of the most productive and prospective regions for minerals and base metal mineralization in Morocco. The combined results obtained from geological and geophysical data prove that prospective areas have a dominant trend of NNE-SSW, NW-SE, NNW-SSE, E-W, and NE-SW directions. The CET Grid and Porphyry Analyses show that the probable porphyry mineral deposit locations mainly concentrated in the center of inlier, the Foum Zguid dyke, and northern and eastern part, which correspond to the Bou Azzer ophiolitic complex and platform deposits of the Lower Neoproterozoic Tachdamt-Bleïda. Full article