Structural and Mining Geology of a Copper site with Epigenetic-type auriferous levels in the region of Imi Nisk in M’goun, Central High Atlas, Rural town of Abachkou, Azilal. Morocco

Abstract

Our initial intention was to use point geochemical data in relation to regional and/or local geology to identify and quantify the mineral potential of these Paleozoic formations, and the nature of the soil in relation to weathering by external climatic agents. The mineralogical study of the substrates proved to be essential to confirm the results of the spot sampling by channel sampling of the mineralized structures. From there, it was decided to focus on structural geology, regional tectonics, geochemistry, geomorphology, and the extension of veins from other deposits around this site. Because it is located at the Ordovician-Devonian contact, the copper mineralization at the future Imi Nisk mine site in the Central High Atlas has been interpreted in terms of sulfides-rich cluster deposits (Chalcopyrite, Azurite and Covellite) in Ankerite or siderite, and quartzite. The new structural and mineralogical data presented in this work favor the hypothesis of epigenetic mineralization, meaning that it was formed after the host rock. The present work consists in establishing a preliminary research in order to give a general idea and a very precise overview of the gitology, geology and geochemistry of the mineralized structures and veins located in this research permit in mining exploration of Imi Nisk. Also, no study has been published in this thematic on this site.