Geological and structural study of the cobalt and nickel arsenide deposit of Aghbar (Bou Azzer–El Graâra Inlier, Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco): Implications for mineral exploration
Więcej
Ukryj
1
Laboratory of Applied Geology and Geo-Environment (LAGAGE), Department of Geology, Ibn Zohr University. B.P 8106, Dakhla, 80 000 Agadir, Morocco
2
CAG2M, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate, Ibnou Zohr University, Avenue Moulay Ettahar Ben Abdulkarim, BP. 638, 45000 Ouarzazate, Morocco
3
Department of Geology, Ben M'sik Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
4
MANAGEM Group, Twin Center, Casablanca, Morocco
5
GBEI Laboratory, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, Ibnou Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
Autor do korespondencji
Marieme Jabbour
Laboratory of Applied Geology and Geo-Environment (LAGAGE), Department of Geology, Ibn Zohr University. B.P 8106, Dakhla, 80 000 Agadir, Morocco
Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol. 2025; 6:303-320
SŁOWA KLUCZOWE
DZIEDZINY
STRESZCZENIE
The Aghbar deposit, located in the central part of the Bou Azzer–El Graâra inlier (Anti-Atlas, Morocco), is a cobalt-arsenic-rich mineralization system hosted mainly in Cryogenian serpentinites and their contact with overlying Ediacaran volcanic and volcano-sedimentary formations. This study presents an integrated geological, structural, petrographic, and geochemical analysis aimed to characterize the mineralization and guiding future exploration efforts. Detailed geological mapping, supported by structural measurements, revealed three principal fault families: E–W to WNW–ESE faults associated with Pan-African phase B1; ENE–WSW reverse faults linked to phase B2; and NE–SW to NNE–SSW faults likely related to Hercynian deformation. These structures play a key role in localizing mineralized quartz-carbonate veins, particularly along serpentinite-volcanic contacts. Petrographic analysis confirmed the presence of multiple lithological units including fresh and carbonated serpentinites, Ediacaran rhyolites and dacites, and Adoudounian andesites and dolomites. The mineral assemblage is dominated by cobalt, nickel, and arsenic-bearing phases such as skutterudite, safflorite, and rammelsbergite, often associated with calcite and quartz gangue. Geochemical results from surface and underground samples showed strong positive correlations among cobalt, nickel, and arsenic, with occasional enrichment in copper. Principal component analysis supported these associations and highlighted key geochemical indicators for exploration. The study concludes that mineralization is structurally controlled and favored by lithological contrasts, particularly brecciated and carbonated zones at serpentinite-volcanic interfaces. These findings contribute to refining the metallogenic model of the Bou Azzer district and offer valuable criteria for targeting future cobalt exploration.