Laboratoire dynamique de la lithosphère et genèse de ressources minérales et énergétiques, Université Cadi Ayyad, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Av Abdelkrim Khattabi, B.P. 511 – 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
The Draa Sfar mine is one of the important deposits in the western Meseta of Morocco (10Mt @ 5% Zn, 2% Pb, 0.33% Cu). This deposit is the Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide type (VMS). It’s located on the southern edge of the Hercynian Centrals Jebilets Massif. The mineralization is hosting in the Upper Visean-Namurian age and associated with rhyodacitic rocks.
To understand the spatial distribution of basic metals and the zoning of hydrothermal alteration, on the scale of the deposit, we used two 2D-3D modeling software; Vulcan and Surfer. The software Vulan showed us the flat shape of the mineralized megalens which is continuous and more or less distorted. In the northern part of the deposit, the mineralized lenses appeared superimposed level with the distinction of roof and wall formations. Vulcan also showed a southern block Zn-Pb-rich, a northing block Cu-Co (Au)-rich, and a center block which is the intermediate zone.
Moreover, the software Surfer established longitudinal and cross sections of the same values, the same power and the same cut off grade of the major elements. He has shown the high deep power areas in the southern block and characteristics of hydrothermal alteration zones.
The results of modeling obtained by Vulcan and Surfer are a contribution to the exploitation of the Draa Sfar mine while ensuring its development and sustainability of its activity. They could also constitute guides for the exploration of similar deposits in the Jebilets-Guemassa metallogenic province.