The Pb-Zn deposits of the M'Passa mine are located on faults running in a Combian (i.e., N50°E) direction. The interpretation preferred by most authors over the last decade is that synsedimentary ore concentrations have been redistributed in the vicinity of fault zones. This paper presents the results of a detailed study of the behavior of 11 metallic elements (V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Pb) systematically measured along a well-exposed section (94 samples, in 28 of which As was also measured). Principal component analysis of the data shows a regular decrease in the total metal content with increasing distance from the fault zones; it also brings to light groupings of metallic elements into a group of mobile elements (Pb, Zn, Cd) and a group of less mobile elements (Ag, Cu, Mo, Fe, Co). The latter are concentrated in and near the fault zone. This distribution corroborates a normal thermal zoning of elements issued from the faults rather than a lateral leaching of a preexisting ore concentration down the fault zone. A gradient in Fe content in sphalerite observed over both ore trends could also indicate regularly decreasing thermal conditions during ore formation. In addition, exploratory measurements of sulfur isotopes clearly indicate an ore concentration process different from an euxinic process. Other synsedimentary metal concentrations related to organic matter evolution seem difficult to reconcile with the total residual organic carbon content, and characteristic ratios regarding organic carbon do not show at the present time any relation with organic matter evolution. Rather than assuming that all organic indicators were erased during the geological evolution of the M'Passa deposit, a model is preferred in which local hydrothermal deposition issued from the fault and diffused through specific dolomitic strata. Paleokarstic features may be regarded as passive ore reservoirs or could be the result of alteration associated with hydrothermal fluids.