Structural evolution of the Palaeoproterozoic Sala stratabound Zn-Pb-Ag carbonate-replacement deposit, Bergslagen, Sweden

A structural investigation of the Sala Zn–Pb–Ag deposit in the Bergslagen mining district of southern Sweden shows that it is associated with two tectonic structures: the N–NW-trending Storgruveskölen shear zone (SSZ), which is parallel to the strike of the mined ore bodies, and the F1 Sala syncline with a fold hinge plunging c. 35° towards NNW, which is parallel to the plunge of the entire mineralised system. The Sala syncline was refolded by F2 folds, leading to flattening and local reversals in the plunge of F1 folds and the ore bodies. Field evidence suggests that the SSZ represents both a phase of D3 reverse dip-slip shearing and a later (D4) phase of dextral strike-slip reactivation. However, a high concentration of pre- to syn-D1 skarn- and sulphide-bearing vein networks and breccias adjacent to the SSZ, which are gradational into the mined massive sulphide ore bodies, suggest that stages in the formation of the SSZ predated D3 and D4. It may consequently constitute a reactivated pre- to syn-D1 structure. The distribution of breccia and hydrothermal alteration together with the highly discordant nature of the deposit are consistent with a pre- to syn-D1 timing of ore formation, involving of cross-stratal fluid flow along the proto-SSZ and subordinate fluid flow parallel to volcanic interbeds in the host carbonate rock. Three δ34S determinations on sphalerite (2.1–2.4‰) and galena (1.2‰), respectively, are consistent with a magmatic source for ore sulphur, as has been suggested for many other sulphide deposits in Bergslagen.