Synchronous deposition of massive sulphide deposits in the Iberian Pyrite Belt: New data from Las Herrerias and La Torerera ore-bodies

Two small to medium sized massive sulphide deposits, Las Herrerias and La Torerera, located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) are examined from a geological and palynostratigraphic perspective. The palynological assemblages are assignable to the Retispora lepidophyta-Verrucosisporites nitidus (LN) miospore Biozone (Latest Devonian: Latest Famennian/Strunian) of Western Europe. This age permits correlation with some of the main massive sulphide deposits dated so far in the region (viz., Tharsis, Aznalcollar, Sotiel-Coronada or Neves-Corvo), and validates once again the hypothesis that a single mineralizing event was responsible for the genesis of most of the IPB's massive sulphide deposits. The present study confirms that palynostratigraphy is an invaluable high-resolution biostratigraphic tool in the IPB, applicable to dating, correlation and ore-exploration. To cite this article: R. Saez et al., C. R. Geoscience 340 (2008). (C) 2008 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.