Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni

Ergani (Maden) Copper Deposits and Plate Tectonics

Abstract: Ergani (Maden) copper mineralization which takes place in "Ophiolitic Belt" of "Taurid Tectonic Unit" inSoutheastern Turkey, show some similarities to the Cyprus type of deposits assumed to be formed at sites of sea-floorspreading. The occurence of so many different ore minerals in Anayatak ore body and their puzzling relations to eachother, indicate that during and after mineralization equilibrium conditions changed continuously and the area was affected by drastic geological events. Interpretation of data reveals intensive marine volcanism and extensive tectonicdeformation have been taken place during and after mineralization. Such conditions, in the light of today`s tectonic understanding, may occur at sites of sea-floor spreading and deposits for med at such places may outcrop on the mainlanddue to later obduction. With the data at hand, it is assumed that Ergani copper mineralization is a Cyprus type deposit,formed at site of sea-floor spreading and pushed on the mainland by obduction.