Diagenetic History and Timing of Cu and Zn-Pb Sulfide Mineralization in the Permian Kupferschiefer System, Saale Subbasin, Eastern Germany

Abstract

The Southern Permian basin in central Europe contains a number of important high-grade sediment-hosted Cu deposits. Laterally extensive stratabound Cu and Zn-Pb sulfide mineralized rocks are located at a major stratigraphic redox boundary, where coarse-grained continental sandstones of the uppermost Rotliegend Group are overlain by carbonaceous mudstones (T1) and limestones (Ca1) of the Zechstein Formation. This study investigates the diagenetic evolution and style of sulfide mineralization in three drill cores that intersect Cu and Zn-Pb sulfide mineralized rocks at three locations (Sangerhausen, Allstedt, and Wallendorf) in the Saale subbasin (Eastern Germany), which is located at the southern margin of the Southern Permian basin. We combine macro- to microscale petrographic data (binocular, transmitted and reflected light, and scanning electron microscopy) with quantitative X-ray diffractometry and bulk-rock geochemical analyses. Petrographic results show extensive, primary-porosity-occluding, early diagenetic calcite cementation that predates both the diagenetic alteration of detrital clasts and sulfide mineralization. The highest-grade Cu and Zn-Pb sulfides (bornite, sphalerite, and galena) replace the calcite cement, with subordinate replacement of dolomite and detrital clasts. Quantitative mineralogical and geochemical data demonstrate that the highest base metal (Cu, Zn, and Pb) concentrations are associated with carbonate-rich samples, mostly as disseminated mineralization in the middle T1. Bulk-rock geochemical results show enrichment and covariation of redox-sensitive trace elements (RSTEs, e.g., Mo) with total organic carbon content toward the lower T1, consistent with highly reducing depositional conditions. Overall, the distribution and dissolution of calcite cement across this stratigraphic redox boundary provided the main control on the lateral migration of base metal-bearing fluids and high-grade Cu and Zn-Pb sulfide mineralization in the Saale subbasin.