THE DEVELOPMENT OF COBALT MINERALIZATION, BOU AZZER (MOROCCO)

Abstract

Cobalt, a magnetic transition metal, plays a pivotal role in various industrial sectors, including the production of alloys, batteries, and catalysts. Its economic significance is underscored by its increasing utilization in emerging technologies, particularly in electric vehicles and electronic devices. The formation of cobalt is intricately tied to complex geological processes, where, under specific conditions, it concentrates in minerals such as cobaltite and erythrite. Cobalt deposits often arise in conjunction with other metals like nickel and copper, necessitating specialized mining techniques for extraction. A notable illustration of cobalt mineralization is evident in the Bou Azzer region in Morocco. Renowned for its obducted ophiolitic complexes formed during the Pan-African collision in the Neoproterozoic (Cryogenian and Ediacaran), this area showcases the coexistence of Co-Ni-Fe arsenide and sulf-arsenide mineralization within a unique geological context. The hydrothermal phenomenon linked to the serpentinization of the ultrabasites in the Bou Azzer ophiolitic complex is accountable for these cobalt-rich mineralizations. The exploration of cobalt formation at Bou Azzer provides a captivating glimpse into the geological processes responsible for the concentration of this valuable metal. These findings not only elucidate the origins of cobalt but also enhance our comprehension of the geological evolution of the region, emphasizing the pivotal role of geology in the cobalt industry. This research is grounded in a comprehensive literature review of prior studies and the examination of a thin section prepared from a serpentinite sample sourced from the Bou Azzer mining area.