Geology and structural setting of the undiscovered Amgififa volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit in the southwestern part of the Haya Terrane, Arabian-Nubian Shield, Sudan

Abstract

The knowledge about the Amgififa deposit in the Haya Terrane of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS)in Sudan is limited due to the geological and structural features of this deposit are hidden beneath Quaternary deposits. This study reveals the characteristics of this deposit through systematic mapping (from trenches, drill holes, and artisanal mining pits), structural analysis, whole-rock geochemistry, and SHRIMP U-Pb zircon age dating. The results suggest that the deposit originated during the Neoproterozoic, with compelling evidence of bimodal–mafic volcanogenic massive sulfides (VMS) that evolved in a localextensional setting. Structural developments were associated with the NW-SE collisions between the Haya and Gebeit terranes, which occurred during the amalgamation of the ANS. A comparison between our study area and the Ariab mining area revealed several similarities, suggesting a regional correlation. In this study, we present a four-stage deformation model to provide insights into the geological history of the Amgififa deposit, which is affected by the tectonic evolution of the ANS. This study not only enhances our understanding of the tectonic chronology of the ANS in the study area, but also offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of regional mineralization. Notably, our study can strengthen the overall understanding of the Amgififa deposit in the ANS context and be used as a foundation for improving future mineral-exploration techniques in the region.