Polymetallic mineralization hosted in the Neogene sedimentary strata of the Algerian Tellian Range: A comprehensive overview

Abstract

Purpose. In the electronics industry, stibium (Sb) is an important element used in the development of silicon-based devices. The metallogenic district of Guelma, known for its polymetallic antimony mineralization, is not currently exploited. The research purpose is to characterize the minerals and gang formations of antimony elements required as dopants during the growth of monocrystalline silicon. Methods. The research methods include detailed geological mapping and sampling, XRD mineralogical identification, XRF geo-chemical analysis, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Findings. The results obtained prove that Sb mineralization is the youngest in the North-East of Algeria, since it is hosted in the dolomitized lacustrine limestone of the Mio-Plio-Quaternary. The mineralization has been deposited by the replacement and filling open spaces. A supergene alteration of the Nadorite mineral has led to the antimony sulfides appearance. Originality. Unique mineral species of the world have been identified: Nadorite in Jebel Nador, Flajolotite in Jebel Heimel, valentinite in Jebel Senza, senarmontite in Jebel Hammimat, and cervantite near Aïn Kerma. The Ham-man N’Baïls deposits still contain significant reserves of Zn, Sb, and Pb. Practical implications. With the help of this study, we have answered questions related to the origin of the mineralizing fluids responsible for the formation of deposits. In addition to the epigenetic nature of the mineralization with the formation of unique and rare minerals throughout the world, the presence of gold in this region has been proven by chemical analysis.