Mapping and re-evaluation of ophiolitic mineralized systems in the Northern Apennine: from deposit inventory to waste recovery and recycling.

The Northern Apennine ophiolites are remnants of the Jurassic Ligurian Tethys (e.g., Piccardo, 2007), and they occur in two distinct ophiolite-bearing tectonic units. The Internal Ligurian Units consist of fragments of oceanic lithosphere formed at a slow-spreading ridge system, whereas the External Ligurian Units originated in an OCT (ocean–continent transition) zone and are now preserved as large slide blocks within sedimentary mélanges related to the onset of convergence in the Late Cretaceous. VMS mineralizations hosted in the Ligurian ophiolites occur at different stratigraphic levels, indicating a development by successive stages of hydrothermal activity (Zaccarini and Garuti, 2008). The most common VMS deposits associated with the ophiolites of the Northern Apennine (Italy) are characterized by a pyrite + chalcopyrite + sphalerite assemblage occurring in a massive texture (Zaccarini and Garuti, 2008). The gangue minerals comprise quartz, chlorite, calcite and clay minerals, reflecting seafloor hydrothermal alteration processes. These mineralized systems have been known as sources of base metals since the Bronze Age, with intensive exploitation occurring during the second half of the 19th century (Zaccarini and Garuti, 2008). Interest in these deposits has re-emerged in recent years, following the approval of the CRM Act, which aims to boost domestic extraction of Critical Raw Materials by 30%. Given this scenario it is crucial to reassess the extractive potential of historical mineralized areas (e.g. Corchia (PR), Roccamurata (PR) and Ferriere (PC)) and to explore alternative sources of raw materials, such as mining waste. Finally, this provides a basis for updating the inventory of VMS deposits in Parma and Piacenza provinces. In the context of renewed strategic interest in raw materials, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of recovering critical metals from both ophiolite-hosted VMS deposits and legacy mining waste in the Northern Apennine.