Specific features of the geological structure and metallogeny of Northern Algeria

Research subject. The geological structure and metallogeny of Northern Algeria. Aim. To investigate the structure and metallogeny of Northern Algeria, part of the Atlas Alpine fold–thrust belt (western flank of the Tethys metallogenic belt), and to conduct their comparative analysis with regions of Russia. Materials and methods. Analytical review of published and archival materials, as well as the fieldwork results obtained by the authors. Results. Using Northern Algeria as a case study, the main patterns in the development of the Alpine fold–thrust belt, controlled by the convergence between the Eurasian Platform and the African continent, are examined. The metallogenic profile of this young fold–thrust belt is dominated by lead–zinc and antimony–mercury mineralization. A comparison of the geological structure and metallogeny of Northern Algeria with other fold–thrust belts of similar age, such as the Mesozoic Verkhoyansk–Kolyma and Chukchi belts, reveals a set of shared features that distinguish these systems from older (Hercynian and Caledonian) belts of the Urals and the Southern Tien Shan. These features include the presence of ancient terrane blocks, the predominance of flyschtype sedimentary sequences, the near absence of deep-marine formations and ophiolites, the large transverse dimensions of thrust sheets, and generally weak metamorphism and structural transformations. Metallogeny also differs markedly.  In these younger belts, the predominantly low-temperature mineralization (Pb, Zn, Sb, Hg) is observed, in contrast to the medium- to high-temperature gold mineralization characteristic of ancient belts. This distinction is likely related to a greater depth of erosion.

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