Massive sulphide deposits of the Central Jebilet Massif, Morocco

The Central Jebilet massif, in the Marrakech region of Morocco, comprises a block of Carboniferous sedimentary rocks that were extensively deformed and metamorphosed during the Variscan orogeny. This block, and its extension to the south of Marrakech (the Guemassa massif), are characterised by bimodal intrusive magmatism and abundant massive sulphide deposits that represent a major Cu-Pb-Zn resource. Mining is currently taking place at the Draa Sfar and Hajjar mines. Previously worked deposits at Kettara, Roc Blanc and Koudiat Aicha are not currently being exploited, but have extensive reserves remaining, and prospects such as Laachach and Ben Slimane are being explored.