Geochemistry of Cu–Pb–Zn Sulphide Ores: Implications for Hydrothermal Mineralization in the Nigerian Basement Complex

Cu–Pb–Zn sulphide mineralization represents an important metallogenic feature of Precambrian basement terrains worldwide. This study presents the geochemical characteristics of Cu–Pb–Zn sulphide ore samples analyzed at the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG), Jos, with the aim of constraining their mineralization styles and genetic implications. Mineralogical and geochemical data reveal a sulphide assemblage dominated by chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite, with subordinate pyrite and trace accessory phases. Elemental associations and relative metal abundances indicate deposition from hydrothermal fluids under evolving physicochemical conditions. Although the precise field provenance of the ore samples is unknown, their mineralogical and geochemical signatures closely resemble hydrothermal base-metal sulphide mineralization commonly associated with the Nigerian Basement Complex. The study provides useful geochemical criteria for recognizing Cu–Pb–Zn hydrothermal systems in basement terrains and contributes to the understanding of polymetallic sulphide mineralization in Nigeria.

Keywords: Cu–Pb–Zn sulphides; Geochemistry; Hydrothermal mineralization; Basement Complex; Nigeria.