Genesis of the Guelb Moghrein Iron-Copper-Gold-Cobalt Mineralization, Mauritania

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Franz Michael Meyer
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2003 to 2006
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5392940

Recent exploration models have tentatively identified the Guelb Moghrein Fe-Cu-Au-Co deposit as a sub-type of the class of Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold (FeOx-Cu-Au) deposits. Many of these deposits have only recently been discovered. Therefore, conclusive, generally applicable genetic models are scarce. The regional, ore deposit-related approach of this study will focus on the petrology of wall rocks, the alteration and ore mineralogy, and the structure of the ore deposit. Geochemical, isotope, and fluid inclusion work will aid the interpretation of the nature and origin of the ore fluids. Understanding of the regional P-T evolution is a prerequisite for the formulation of a regional tectonic model that explains the structural control on ore formation. On the deposit scale, it is essential to examine the interplay between deformation and alteration style to gain information on fluid flow patterns and fluid/rock ratios. The aim of this study is to develop a genetic model for the Guelb Moghrein deposit and compare this with models currently proposed for the FeOx-Cu-Au class of deposits.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Jochen Kolb