Geochemical distribution of Pb and Zn in the Eastern High Atlas, Morocco: Implications for Pb-Zn ore prospecting

The Moroccan High Atlas tectonic belt is located at the west end of the Tethyan metallogenic domain with favorable geological conditions for mineralization. Numerous Mississippi Valley-type lead-zinc deposits (MVT) have been discovered in this region. However, the mineralization potential of lead and zinc is unclear due to lack of long-term, high-level geological investigation. Medium- to large-scale geochemical surveys are effective tools for resource exploration, as detailed geochemical anomaly Information can help to quickly delineate prospective mineralization areas, thereby improving the exploration efficiency and success rate. In this study, a 1:100000 geochemical survey was conducted over an area of more than 10000 km2 in the eastern section of the Moroccan High Atlas tectonic belt. The results revealed that the lead content in stream Sediments ranged from 5. 7 to 43,210. 0 Fg/g, averaging 45. 0 f-g/g, and the zinc content ranged from 12.2 to 75,420. 0 Fg/g, averaging 86. 4,ug/g. Both values are higher than the Clarke values of the Earth' s crust. Using the 92 % cumulative frequency as the anomaly threshold (Pb = 36. 9 Mg/g, Zn =78.3 f-g/g), a total of 73 lead and 68 zinc geochemical anomalies were delineated. By analyzing the regional geochemical distribution characteristics of lead and zinc, combined with the regional geological background and mineralization conditions, three major lead-zinc metallogenic belts were identified, and nine lead-zinc ore prospective areas were delineated. This study suggests that the region has significant potential for discovering MVT deposits, providing important directions for future mineral exploration efforts. © 2025 Science Frontiers editorial department. All rights reserved.