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