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Genetic implications of the Ain Sedma iron mineralization, NE Algeria

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Category: Content №5 2025

Last Updated on 25 October 2025

Published on 30 November -0001

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Authors:

H. Alem*, orcid.org/0009-0006-7335-1647, Badji Mokhtar Annaba University, Department of Geology, Geology Research Laboratory (LRG), Annaba, Algeria, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

M. Aissaoui, orcid.org/0009-0002-9738-5017, Badji Mokhtar Annaba University, Laboratory of Geodynamic and Natural Resources, Annaba, Algeria

A. Messai, orcid.org/0000-0003-0165-5052, National Higher School of Technology and Engineering, Annaba, Algeria; Ferhat Abbes University, Laboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics, Water sciences & Environment, Setif 1, Algeria

E. Yo. Brahim, orcid.org/0000-0002-2681-7030, University of Batna 2, Department of Geology, Fésdis, Batna, Algeria

* Corresponding author e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

повний текст / full article

Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu. 2025, (5): 014 - 022

https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2025-5/014

Abstract:

Purpose. To reconstruct the geological evolution of the Ain Sedma magnetite lodes, located in NE Algeria.

Methodology. The petrographic and elemental composition of the ores were determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy and elemental mapping whilst oxygen isotope ratios were measured on rock samples and high purity mineral separates from the Ain Sedma iron.

Findings. Petrographic observations show massive texture, spherulitic lamellae, skeletal growths, dendritic branching, and rare vesicular crystals. Major constituents are iron oxides with quartz being the most dominant gangue mineral. Oxygen isotope analysis for both host rock and iron ores gave ¹⁸O values ranging from 19.1 to 22.5 ‰ V-SMOW and 15.9 to 20.3 ‰ V-SMOW, respectively. These results support the involvement of an ¹⁸O-rich and Fe- rich component in the genesis of the host rock and the associated mineralization.

Originality. The present study is the first to combine geochemical data and petrographic observations to establish the genesis processes the mineralization and the host rock have passed through, from the beginning of partial melting until magma eruption.

Practical value. These results are the first geochemical analysis delivered in the area which focuses mainly on the genetic model of the host rock and the mineralization as well as their mutual relationships.

Keywords: Ain Sedma, chemical composition, iron ore, metamorphic basement, oxygen isotopes, rhyolite

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