Salah Bouhlel

The Oued Amizour VHMS Zn-Deposit, Northeastern Algeria: Does It Have a Kuroko-Type Signature?

The Oued Amizour granitoids (Fig. 1) were studied in order to assess the role of magma processes in the formation of the largest Zn-deposit in the region. The igneous rocks that host the giant Zn deposit, consist of two distinct lithologies: volcanic masses and subvolcanic-plutonic rocks, both of which suffered severe hydrothermal alterations. The boundary between the two lithologies is marked by a massive, ≈10 m thick anhydrite layer. Field observations and petrological study carried out at approximately 800 m length bore-hole that cross-cut the whole igneous masses show the following formations from the top to the bottom: pyroclastic rocks, andesites, porphyritic pyroclastic rocks, vesicular andesites, microgranites, tuff and lava flows, volcanic breccias and highly altered andesites that are intruded by aplites, metasomatized granodiorites and, finally, massive granodiorites. Open image in new window Fig. 1 a Geological sketch map of Bejaia-Oued Amizour region. b Simplified geological map of the Oued Amizour region showing the Ait Bouzid sector (After O.R.G.M 1998, unpub. doc.)