Pre-Hercynian hydrothermalism in South Iberia: lead isotope geochemistry constraints

Overview & Synopsis

Lead isotope study has been performed on massive sulphide deposits of Ossa-Morena and Aracena Belt (South Iberia). Results suggest the existence of at least two ancient hydrothermal events. The first one, Upper Brioverian in age (∼600-570 Ma), gave birth to Maria-Luisa and Puebla de la Reina massive sulphide deposits; it thus confirms the existence of a Cadomian orogen in South Iberia. Isotopic compositions indicate a local contribution of mantle-derived material (Maria Luisa mine), confirming the presence of ancient oceanic crust in Aracena Belt. This mineralising event seems to extend till the Armorican Massif. The second episode, Eo-Hercynian in age (∼400-350 Ma) has allowed genesis of massive sulphide deposits of la Nava Paredon and Aguas Blancas, and could be coeval with the emplacement of South-Iberian massive sulphide ore deposits in the neighbouring South-Portuguese Zone. A more continental crustal source for later ore deposits could explain the much more important metal accumulation in this zone.