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New Aspects of Copper Deposits at the Base of the Zechstein in Central Europe

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3D, 4D and Predictive Modelling of Major Mineral Belts in Europe

Part of the book series: Mineral Resource Reviews ((MIRERE))

Abstract

New geological exploration works on Kupferschiefer in the Weißwasser region in Lusatia and published data about the Kupferschiefer mineralisation in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and other areas of Central Europe provided new aspects concerning the genetic aspects of the copper deposit at the base of the Zechstein Formation. This information was compiled and re-interpreted. The results were used for 3D and 4D modelling works in the Fore-Sudetic Copper Belt. The very specific geological conditions at Weißwasser is characterised by an oxidised facies (Rote Fäule) above and below the copper mineralisation. Based on geochemical investigations, increased gold contents could be identified in the transition zone between the Rote Fäule and the copper facies zone, as reported for other Kupferschiefer deposits. However, in the case of Weißwasser an additional second gold mineralisation could be identified above the copper zone. The copper mineralisation was not limited to the immediate Zechstein base in this area, as could be expected based on the present stage of knowledge, but was also found in the Main Dolomite (Ca2) of the Staßfurt Cyclothem. Comparing the similar copper contents of the Kupferschiefer ore at Weißwasser, Spremberg-Graustein and Bolesławiec with the deposits in Central Europe, the conclusion can be drawn that in the North-Sudetic Trough the mineralisation intensity is significantly higher than in Central Germany, but similar to the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. The main reason for the huge copper accumulation at the base of Zechstein in Poland and East Germany is due to the high elevation of the Mohorovičič Discontinuity, large NW-SE striking faults, a large area with oxidised rocks (Rote Fäule) and a strong heat flow from the Upper Mantle at the beginning the Triassic. All areas with rich copper ores (surface densities > 60 kg/m3) are found concentrated in a zone of 200 km length and 140 km width. This zone is bound to the NE by the Eger Lineament. Outside of this zone there is less potential for significant deposits of the Kupferschiefer type.

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Acknowledgment

The author would like to thank KGHM Kupfer AG (Weißwasser) very much for making new geological data available, which were an essential prerequisite for the studies performed. The scientific discussion with and contributions of other colleagues involved in the ProMine Project gave much motivation and input. Many thanks especially to Prof. Jean-Jacques Royer and Pablo Mejía-Herrera (both from Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-Lès-Nancy, France), and to Peggy Hielscher from the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany.

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  1. G.E.O.S. Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, Freiberg, Germany

    J. Hartsch

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  1. Centre of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy, Luleå University of Technology, Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Luleå, Sweden

    Pär Weihed

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Hartsch, J. (2015). New Aspects of Copper Deposits at the Base of the Zechstein in Central Europe. In: Weihed, P. (eds) 3D, 4D and Predictive Modelling of Major Mineral Belts in Europe. Mineral Resource Reviews. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17428-0_7

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