Abstract: Biostratigraphic research, based on palynomorphs and ammonoids, of the tectonically imbri-
  cated lithological succession of the Neves Corvo mine, in the Portuguese part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, has yiel-
  ded ages for all formerly recognised lithostratigraphic units.  These can be assembled in three main lithological
  sequences: (1) detrital sandy/shale substrate (Phyllite-Quartzite Formation) of late Famennian age, (2) Vol-
  cano-Sedimentary Complex, divided into a lower and an upper suite, in which one basic, three dolerite sills and
  four felsic volcanic units and a mineralised package of massive sulphides are identified with ages which range
  from the late Famennian to the late Visean, (3) flysch succession (Mertola Formation) composed of shale and
  greywacke dated as late Visean to early Serpukhovian. Precise biostratigraphic dating of the sedimentrary host
  rocks of massive sulphide mineralisation constrains the age of the latter to the late Strunian (354.8-354.0 Ma).
  Three stratigraphic hiatuses, corresponding to early/middle Strunian, Tournaisian and early Visean respec-
  tively and a south-westward progressive,unconformity were also recognised.  Sequences 1 and 2 are related to
  extensional episodes while sequence 3 marks the beginning of compressive tectonic inversion which gave rise to
  south-westward flysch progradation in close relation to a foreland basin development.  Our results lead to the
  reinterpretation of the tectonic structure of the Neves Corvo mine, with implications for the interpretation of
  the regional basin dynamics and metal exploration.