Tectonomagmatic Context of Sedex Pb–Zn and Polymetallic Ore Deposits of the Nappe Zone Northern Tunisia, and Comparisons with MVT Deposits in the Region

Abstract

The Nefza region (Nappe Zone, northern Tunisia) is known both as a Late Miocene magmatic province and a base-metal district. In this region, small, post-nappe, continental extensional basins (Sidi Driss and Douahria) host syndiagenetic Pb–Zn ore deposits that have been classified as Sediment-Hosted Massive Sulphide (SHMS)–Sedimentary-exhalative (Sedex). In addition to this mineralization, the Nappe zone contains other Pb–Zn and polymetallic deposits that show similarities both to the SHMS-Sedex and MVT deposits of the Dome and Graben zones, namely the “peri-diapiric” deposits of Jebel (Jb) el Hamra, Jalta, and Jebel Ghozlane. All of the Nappe Zone deposits share common characteristics, including: (1) age—the deposits formed between late collisional events (Late Tortonian) and inception of the Early Messinian extensional regime, in the context of the Alpine Maghrebide belt formation; (2) presence of pre-existing sulphates—these were likely the main source of sulphur for the sulphides; and (3) hydrothermal systems leading to their genesis—these testify to alternating influx of cold and warm fluids. The involvement of high temperature fluids are deduced from fluid inclusion studies (Th values of 140–240 °C), whereas the presence of distinctive sphalerite textures (microspherules and colloform textures) and sulphur isotopic compositions demonstrate in situ bacterial sulphate reduction, and consequently deposition at temperatures below 80 °C. These data constitute unifying characteristics for these mineralizations that are in contrast to the features of Pb–Zn(–fluorite) MVT deposits occurring in the Dome and Graben zones of Tunisia. The geodynamic context prevailing during the Late Miocene in the Nappe Zone is the underlying common factor that explains the diversity of ore deposits formed at that time in this region. Most deposits are located in the vicinity of shear zones and associated lineaments inherited from the Variscan orogeny. These deep structures were reactivated by transtensional processes during the Alpine orogeny and controlled post-collisional magmatism, circulation of hydrothermal fluids, and locations of related ore deposits and showings in the Nappe Zone.