Metallogenic and Mining Provinces, Belts and Zones of Iran

Abstract

Tectonically, Iran is a part of Alpine-Himalayan belt. The consequences of most of the orogenic phases recorded in this tectonic belt, especially the Alpine orogeny, are traceable in Iran. All the Mesozoic and Cenozoic structural divisions of the country have, in effect, formed or evolved in response to Alpine-Himalayan orogeny.

Combining the tectonic and economic evidences available, it can be deduced that all the areas of the country have been developed under the influence of Alpine orogeny, and therefore it is possible to classify various rocks and their associated mineral deposits into a number of metallogenic divisions based on the developmental stage of this orogeny. Taking into account the concepts of metallogeny, geological features, and mineralization characteristics of the deposits, three categories of metallogenic divisions can be considered for Iran as mentioned below:

• 1. Metallogenic provinces: Central Iran, Sanadaj-Sirjan, Orumieh-Dokhtar, Northeastern, Eastern and Southeastern

• 2. Metallogenic belts: Malayer-Esfahan Lead-Zinc Belt, Kerman Copper Belt, Esfandaghe-Faryab Chromium-Bearing Ophiolite Belt, Hashtjin-Tarom Metallogenic Belt, Zagros Oil and Gas Belt, Taknar Belt, etc.

• 3. Metallogenic zones: Takab, Anarak, Bafq, Tabas, Abadeh, Behabad etc.