## 4 Results and Discussion
### Mining Implications  
In the Bou Azzer inlier, the structural study combining geological and geophysical data (GTA) has proven effective in analyzing the structural and geodynamic evolution of the inlier. Note that the majority of hydrothermal mineral deposit types seem to have originated from extensive hydrothermal systems often concentrated near significant crustal features (faults and crustal discontinuities) [53]. This is the case for the mineralization at the level of the Bou Azzer inlier which displays an intimate relationship with the Ophiolictic complex of Bou Azzer and surrounding rocks. This association suggests that a deeply embedded structure served as a conduit for concentrating mineral-rich fluids through the crust. Nevertheless, these substantial structures may not always be evident at the surface (e.g., the Carlin Trend) [54]. Therefore, the significance of employing gradient tensor analysis lies in its ability to identify these underlying formations that are not visible on the geological map.  
The mineralized structures within the Bou Azzer mining district can be categorized into five primary orientations: East-West, West-Northwest to East-Southeast, Northeast-Southwest, Northwest-Southeast, and North-South. These orientations align with the magnetic lineaments that have been identified.  
Cobaltiferous and nickeliferous mineralization in the Bou Azzer mining district preferentially developed in old tectonic broccia bodies located between serpentinites and magmatic intrusions (quartz diorites). This configuration testifies to the existence of old normal faults WNW-ESE having participated in the exhumation of deep mantle rocks. The contact between seawater and magmatic bodies leads to hydrothermal reactions at the origin of mineralogical transformations leading to the formation of both cobalt and nickel.  
The WNW-ESE and ENE-WSW families represent the major pan-African accidents. They are sinistral in nature and linked to the compressive episode affecting the entire Anti-Atlas chain. The WNW-ESE trending faults represent drains for the circulation of hydrothermal fluids. Furthermore, the NE-SW and E-W trending lineaments constitute the structural framework in which the mineralization is situated.  
It should be noted that the vein system at the level of the cobaliferous deposit of Bou Azzer presents numerous movement criteria which diverge according to the orientation of the vein. Measurements taken in situ and ex situ have shown that the veins tend mainly from N10\({}^{\circ}\) to N70\({}^{\circ}\) E with a main dip towards W or NW, respectively, and values close to 60-80\({}^{\circ}\) (Figure 8). Indeed, the veins oriented N70\({}^{\circ}\) E are associated with a left lateral movement [55] (Figure 9A), while those oriented N-S present a right lateral movement [55] (Figure 9B).  
Figure 8: (**A**) Stereonet diagram of Bou Azzer veins measured on the field ([PERSON] stereonet, lower hemisphere). (**B**) Stereonet poles contour diagram of Bou Azzer veins measured orientation on the field ([PERSON] stereonet, lower hemisphere).  
The copper mineralization at the level of the Bleida mining district located SE of the inlier is associated with brittle, secant faults on the Pan-African structures. These faults are in the N070\({}^{\circ}\) direction with left-lateral movement [56] (Figure 10).  
Faults trending N110 at 130\({}^{\circ}\) are associated with a replay zone of Pan-African ductile structures [56] (Figure 10). These faults would constitute a feeder zone for copper-rich fluids then circulating in the N070\({}^{\circ}\) faults and precipitating copper sulfides along these faults.