Combined direct current resistivity, induced polarization and ground magnetic survey for copper mineralization in the El Mnizla area (Western High Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract The global demand for minerals, particularly copper (Cu), continues to grow due to its essential role in various industrial sectors (e.g., electronics, urban construction and renewable energy). This study aims to provide geological maps and geophysical surveys using ground magnetic and electrical methods (electrical resistivity tomography and induced polarization [IP]), as well as to characterize the lithostructural features and identify potential mineralized veins in the El Mnizla region. The geological exploration through hammer‐based prospection revealed mineralized structures on the ground surface. These Cu‐bearing minerals were associated with iron oxides and occurred in quartz, calcite and barite veins or occasionally disseminated along the schists and conglomerates. The mineralized veins are oriented NE–SW and ENE–WSW, following fault planes. The geochemical analyses of the collected rock samples from these structures revealed Cu and iron (Fe) contents of up to 1.9% and 37%, respectively. The geophysics‐based magnetic method identified several anomalies related to boundaries between geological formations. These anomalies were marked by brecciated strike–slip faults or deeply rooted mineralized structures with a northwest dip, following the NE–SW and E–W axes. The upward continuation maps revealed the presence of magnetic dome structures, corresponding to basic or intermediate magmatic intrusions. These intrusions might be the source of the observed hydrothermal mineralization. The pseudo‐sections exhibited low resistivity values near the ground surface, indicating the physical alteration of schists, sandstones and conglomerates. High‐resistivity anomalies were attributed to silicified, calcified zones or compact sandstones, whereas conductive anomalies at about 30‐m depth were associated with areas rich in massive Cu mineralization or abundant fractured structures. The IP revealed moderate‐to‐high chargeability anomalies, which were consistent with the high resistivity values near the ground surface. These anomalies were attributed to disseminated sulphides within hydrothermally altered zones. The high chargeability anomalies at the 30‐m depth were associated with low resistivity, suggesting the presence of a massive hydrothermal mineralization zone. The identified structures were aligned along the NE–SW direction, confirming the observed geological and magnetic analysis results. This study provides further insights into the mineralized system and tectonic structures of the study area, as well as their impacts on the circulation of hydrothermal fluids during the Hercynian orogeny.