The Upper Moulouya district displays three main types of lead ores in the Hercynian domain: (1) Aouli vein-type deposits
hosted in the Hercynian basement, (2) Zeïda Triassic sandstone-hosted, and (3) Mibladén carbonate-hosted stratabound and karstic
mineralisations in the Mesozoic cover. Lead and sulfur isotope studies indicate that the Aouli vein-type and Zeïda sandstone-hosted
stratabound mineralisations are formed by a mixing of two fluids, one formed by the leaching of the Aouli granite massif,
and the other by leaching of the Saharian basement. These deposits may correspond to the same Triassic metallogenic event,
focused along fault systems or within permeable sandstone. Deep fluids were mobilised during the early extensional movements
associated with the opening of the Atlas rifting basin. The Mississippi Valley type Mibladén mineralisation is related to
a distinct metallogenic event superimposed on the earlier one, and represents a remobilization of earlier concentrations,
or a more recent leaching of the same sources, but with a more pronounced contribution of the local organic matter. The Upper
Moulouya area demonstrates the close relationship between vein type and sandstone-hosted lead-zinc mineralisations, and their
major differences with Mississippi Valley type deposits.
Received: 5 March 1997 / Accepted: 22 September 1997