Journal of Geosciences, Osaka City University

Vol. 47, Arl. 10, p. 113-126, March, 2004

Integrated geophysical exploration for sulphide minerals In

the Wadi Sa'al area, south Sinai, Egypt

K. M. MAMOU 1* F. A. SOLlMAN 2 , E. H. SHENDI 2 ,

S. KHALlL 2 and K. NAKAGAWA I

I Department of Geosciences, Graduate School of Science, 0 aka City University, 3-3-138,

Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi -ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
2Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, 41522, Ismailia, Egypt
*Corresponding author's email address:[email protected]

Abstract
Geophysical and ore microscopic studies were carried out in the Wadi Sa'al area, south Sinai, Egypt
In order to explore the sulphide mineralizations that were mentioned in previous studies. The Wadi
Sa'al area is located within a large metamorphic belt and is covered by a variety of metavolcanic,
metasedimentary and plutonic Precambrian rocks. The area is characterized by different structural fea-
tures and has been subjected to three deformational stages accompanied by folding and thrusting. The
aim of this study is to investigate the subsurface mineralizations in the area using a combination of ver-
tical magnetic gradient (VMG), magnetic susceptibility (MS), very low frequency (VLF) and self-poten-
tial (SP) methods, wi'th the results being interpreted in conjunction with that of the ore microscopic stud-
ies. The VMG and VLF surveys were conducted over 360 stations along 8 profiles covering the various
rock units and almost transverse to the strike direction of the main geological structures in the investi-
gated area. The field magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded over 155 measuring points
covering the different rock types in the study area. Detailed SP measurements were carried out along
6 profiles in two selected anomalous sites as interpreted from the VLF data. In addition, polished ur-
faces of rock samples, selected from the sites of the geophysical anomalies, were studied under the ore
microscope to develop a better under tanding of the characteristics of the mineralizations. The mag-
netic and the VLF surveys identified magnetic and conductive subsurface bodies, at several sites in the
area, at depths ranging from 18 to 73 meters below the ground surface. The SP measurements showed
high SP anomalies that are believed to be related to subsurface sulphide minerals indicating that the
cause of the VLF anomalies is sulphide mineralized bodies. The ore microscopic study showed the
presence of a variety of sulphide and magnetic ore minerals confirming the geophysical survey results.
Chalcopyrite, pyrite, magnetite, ilmenite and titanomagnetite could be detected suggesting the presence
of mineralizations in the study area as a sulphide minerals association. Comparison of the geophysi-
cal survey results and the microscopic study with the geology of the area showed that the basic meta vol-
canics and the granodiorite rocks are relatively rich in sulphide mineralizations and the junction zone
of the three valleys is the most mineral-rich site in the area. The comparison showed also that the
detected mineralized bodies are controlled by structural elements striking in the NE-SW direction.

Key-words VLF-EM, magnetic, SP, sulphide minerals, ore microscopy, Sinai.

114 Integrated geophysical exploration for sulphide minerals

of aeromagnetic anomalies, recorded in the Wadi Sa'al

1. Introduction area, is magnetic bearing bodies that have relatively
high magnetic susceptibilities. Soliman (1986) referred
The Wadi Sa' al area is located in the center of the to the presence of oxidized pyrites in the granodiorite
southern part of Sinai Peninsula, Egypt (Fig. 1). It is rocks at some localities in the Wadi Sa'al area.
a part of the Sa' al- Zaghera metamorphic belt. The area Moreover, EL-Shafei (1991) stated that some fractured
comprises of Precambrian igneous and metamorphic mineralized bodies (mainly sulphides) occur in the hinge
rocks of basement complex and contains many structural zone of folds related to the second phase of deforma-
features as the area was subjected to three phases of tion.
deformation that are represented by sets of folding and The objectives of this study are to evaluate the
thrusting (EL-Shafei, 1991). The area is characterized potentiality of the mineralizations in the area and to
by rugged topography and high relief with altitude of delineate the distribution of the mineral occurrences and
about 1200 meters above sea level. their relations to different rock units and geological
Some pervious geophysical and geological studies structures through conducting an integrated geophysical
referred to the presence of mineralized bodies in the survey using some efficient geophysical methods. The
area. Bogoch et al. (1974) stated that the main cause aim of the present study is also to carry out a micro-

c=J Sheared metavolcanic

_ Metatuff

F:mlt

Fold

Fig. I Geological map of the Wadi Sa'al area, Sinai, Egypt (modified after Soliman, 1986).
 K. M. MAMOUN et al. 115

scopic study to throw some light on the types and char- metasedimentary rocks that show low grade of meta-
acteristics of the existing ore minerals. morphism compared with those located at some other
To achieve these objectives, Vertical Magnetic localities of south Sinai. These metavolcanics and
Gradient (VMG), Magnetic Susceptibility (MS), Very metasediments are intruded by igneous plutonic rocks.
Low Frequency - Electromagnetic (VLF - EM) surveys The following paragraphs are a brief description of these
were conducted in the study area. These surveys were rock units.
followed by detailed Self-Potential (SP) measurements
on two sites that were selected based on the obtained 2.2.1. The metavolcanic rocks
geophysical results. In addition, polished surfaces of The metavolcanic rocks cover most of the area
some rock samples, selected from the geophysically around the Sa'al Valley (Fig. 1). They are fine to very
anomalous sites, were studied using the reflected light fine grained rocks, vary in composition from basic to
ore microscope. The geophysical and microscopic stud- acidic and show various degrees of shearing. These
ies were interpreted in the light of the geological infor- rocks are classified into three main types; the metatuffs,
mation of the area. the sheared metavolcanics, and the massive and banded
metavolcanics. The metatuff rocks are distributed along
2. Geological setting the narrow part of the Sa' al Valley. They are dark col-
ored, fine-grained rocks. Crystals and patches of sul-
The Arabian - Nubian Shield is a part of the East phide minerals, mainly Pyrite, occur abundantly as an
African Orogen formed in the late Proterozoic (900- 500 accessory mineral, in the more basic varieties at and
Ma; Bentor, 1985; Stern, 1994; Loizenbauer et al., near the junction of the Sa' al Valley with the Urn Rayan
2001) by the accretion and amalgamation of oceanic and Valley and the Abu Azlan Valley (Fig. 1). The mas-
continental magmatic arcs, with the arc-accretion being sive metavolcanic rocks show a variety of compositions
responsible for the closure of the Mozambique Ocean. in the study area that range from meta - rhyolites to
The Wadi Sa'al area, being a part of southern Sinai meta-basalts. Disseminated sulphide minerals were fre-
Peninsula, is situated in the northern part of the quently observed in the field associated with the basic
Arabian - Nubian Shield. Most structures, in southern rocks especially near and to the west of the junction of
Sinai, are related to accretionary events during closure the previously mentioned 3 valleys. The sheared
of the Mozambique Ocean and oriented roughly NE to metavolcanics are mainly meta-rhyolites that are pink
ENE (Shimron, 1984; EI - Shafei et at., 1992). Regarding in color and highly sheared and deformed. In the highly
the local tectonic setting of the Wadi Sa' al area, the sheared rhyolitic rocks, there are two systems of frac-
area is considered a part of Back-arc basin succession tures striking NW and NE (Soliman, 1986). Sheared
(EI-Shafei, 1991). Shimron and Zwart (1970) con- metavolcanics are also represented in the southwestern
cluded that the matasediments and metavolcanics of the part of the area.
area were involved in or close to the margin of a mature
continental block. Bentor (1985) reported that the 2.2.2. Metasedimentary rocks
metavolcanic rocks are related to the calc-alkaline The metasediments have less distribution in the
younger volcanics of the central Eastern Desert, Egypt. study area. Slates, phyllites and schists crop out in a
On the other hand, Soliman (1986) argued that the narrow zone in the central part of the area near the junc-
metavolcanics in the area are of immature island-arc tion of the 3 valleys. These rocks are faulted, folded
tholeiites. and show different degrees of fracturing. The phyllites
and the schists show a foliation that strikes in the NE-
2.2. Lithology SW direction and dips commonly to the west. These
A detailed geological map was essential to delin- rocks are fine-grained and dark in color. Chlorite,
eate the relation between the different rock units and quartz, biotite and feldspars are the most common min-
geological structures and the expected mineralizations. eraI constituents (Soliman, 1986).
Accordingly, the first step in the current research was
to construct a simplified geological map (Fig. 1). Based 2.2.3. Igneous rocks
on aerial photographs (scale = I: I 0,000), a regional geo- Gabbros, granodiorites, and granitic rocks are the
logical map (Soliman, 1986) and field observations, a only intrusive rocks clltting the early formed metasedi-
reasonable detailed geological map could be achieved. mentary and metavolcanic rocks. Gabbroic exposures
The Wadi Sa'al area is composed of metavolcanic and were recognized at several sites in the study area espe-
116 Integrated geophysical exploration for sulphide minerals

cially along the Urn Rayan Valley. These gabbros may area and to delineate their quantitative parameters as
be related to the large gabbroic body of the El- Fringa well as their relation to different rock units and geo-
and Shagarat area, to the north of the Um Rayan Valley logical structures. The next section describes the field
(Soliman, 1997). Pyrite, in the form of cubic crystals, surveys, results and interpretations of conducted geo-
was observed in these gabbros and particularly con- physical surveys.
spicuous in medium-grained varieties but in most of the
cases the gabbros have been strongly altered (epidotized 3.1. The Vertical Magnetic Gradient (VMG) method
and/or chloritized) and have developed onion-like The magnetic method is an old geophysical tech-
weathering structures. nique commonly used to investigate subsurface geology
The granitic rocks constitute the most abundant dependi ng on the anomalies in the earth's magnetic
intrusive rocks in the Wadi Sa'a! area. They are com- field. The idea of measuring the gradient of the earth's
monly coarse to medium -grained rocks usually show magnetic field have been known since 1934 (Sermon
porphyritic textures and contain xenoliths of mafic rock and Roman, 1934). The VMG is an effective and rapid
fragments. Some granodiorite rocks contain xenoliths tool for delineating the geological structures and for
of the metavolcanics and the metasediments as well as mineral exploration because of its capability to detect
oxidized pyrites (Soliman, 1986). The other granitic the magnetic ores at shallow depths and to delineate
rocks include orthoclase rich granites and quartz mon- their lateral extensions. Using the gradient technique,
zonites. the subsurface magnetic bodies can be detected under
Basic and acidic dykes, in various thicknesses, negative gradient values and their lateral extensions can
grain size and trends, are widely distributed in the area. be delineated by the zero values. The gradient value of
The composition of the basic dykes ranges from basalts the vertical component of the magnetic field (G) can be
to gabbros and dolerites. The more felsic varieties obtained by estimating the difference between two mag-
include fine - grained granite, quartz -porphyry, porphyritic netic readings (6, V) at different sensor elevations (6, h)
rhyolites and dacites. according to the following equation:

2.3. Structures
Many structural features were recognized in the The study area was covered by eight profiles strik-
area. Generally, it is believed that the Wadi Sa' al area ing N55° W with a profile separation of 200 meters and
had been subjected to three stages of deformation (EL- station interval of 50 meters. The location and direc-
Shafei, 1991). The first stage formed a set of folds that tion of the profiles were chosen to cover the considered
plunge 20° due N32°W. The second stage is a strong rock units and to be transverse to the strike direction of
one, characterized also by plunging folds that plunge the main geological structures in the area (Fig. 2). The
26° due S62°W. Because of the strong forces that intensity of the vertical component of the Earth's mag-
pushed rocks on the two limbs of the folds, adjacent netic field was measured at each station at two eleva-
layers on the limbs must have been subjected to con- tions (0.5 and 1.2 meters above ground surface) using
siderable movement parallel to one another. The min- the Canadian Scintrex MFD-4 digital fluxgate magne-
eralizations under consideration are expected to be asso- tometer. The vertical magnetic gradient values were
ciated with this stage of deformation. The study area calculated from the measured data and the obtained val-
is dissected by a number of faults striking mainly in the ues are presented as a contour map (Fig. 3) in which,
NE-SW direction. These faults are associated with the only the negative values are contoured.
earlier two stages of deformation. Thrust faulting also Thirty one vertical magnetic gradient anomalies,
exists around the central part of the Sa' al valley, rep- with intensities ranging from - 15 up to -140 nan-
resenting the third stage of deformation. Foliation, otesla/meter, were detected from the magnetic gradient
cleavage and lineation with different directions are also contour map. These anomalies are believed to be related
observed in the study area. to ore bodies that contain magnetic minerals with dif-
ferent concentrations. The depths to the top of these
3. The geophysical surveys subsurface ore bodies were estimated from the detected
anomalies using two different techniques proposed by
Four geophysical methods, well known in ore min- Hood and McClure (1965) and by Barongo (1985). The
eral exploration, were carried out in the study area to interpreted depth of these bodies ranges from 25 to 67
investigate the presence of the mineralizations in the meters.
 K. M. MAMOUN et al. 117

34 os' 3406' 3' 07'

28'
44'

VMG&VLF-EM
/ profiles
o 200 400 m ~ SP surveying area
~
~-- • MS measuring point
o Sites of rock samples

Fig. 2 Geophysical survey and rock sampling map.

Comparison of the VMG map (Fig. 3) with the geo- of the geological structures in the area. Some of the
logical map of the study area (Fig. I), shows that the contacts between different rock units, such as the con-
anomalies are continuous and covering large parts of the tact between the metatuff and the massive metavolcanic
survey area. It is also clear that most of the anomalies rocks, at the junction zone, and between the massive
are concentrated in the metatuff and granodiorite rocks metavolcanic and the meatsedimentary rocks, show con-
with the granodiorites having the most abundant num- siderable anomalies.
ber of anomalies while the metatuffs are associated with
the strong ones. The junction zone of the three valleys 3.2. The Magnetic Susceptibility (MS) measurements
(Sa'al Valley with the Um Rayan Valley and the Abu The magnetic susceptibi lity of rocks is the funda-
Azlan Valley) shows the strongest anomaly. On the mental parameter in magnetic prospecting. Apparent
other hand, gabbro and massive metavolcanic rocks magnetic susceptibility values can be measured in the
show anomalies that have moderate concentrations field using a portable magnetic susceptibility meter.
while the sheared metavolcanic and the meatasedimen- The magnetic susceptibility values measured in the field
tary rocks show only a few weak anomalies. It also are affected by the irregularities in the surfaces of rocks
appears that the anomalies trend mainly NE-SW (Fig. at the measuring points. However, corrections for rock
3). This direction coincides well with the main trend surface unevenness can be applied to the measured data.
118 Integrated geophysical exploration for sulphide minerals

c=J Alkali feldspar granite

Gabbro
c=J Granodiodte
I
I I Massive metavolcanic

/
I
/
I
I
c=J Sheared metavolcanic
/ I _Metatuff
I \
, -,
I
I c=J Slate, Phyllite and Schist
\
\
I
\
I
c:=JValIey
I
I I
I I

I
I
I ~
... ,
\ o
\
/ G nmodioritc \
I -10
I \
I \
-20
I \
I \
/ \ ·30
/ \
\ /
y ·40
"- ... , S
·50 E:;
"- c-
" ... ... ... ..60 -=
... ... ~

... ·70 ~
..
N ·80 ~
toe

t -90
-100

·110
~

~
<II

o 200 ·120
I""""'IIWW...............
·130

-140

Fig. 3 Vertical magnetic gradient (VMG) anomaly map.

Magnetic susceptibility measurements were con- apparent susceptibility.

ducted in the study area using the Geofyzika KT-5 The range and the average magnetic susceptibility
Kappameter. About 155 measuring points, covering the values in the (c.g.s.) units, for each rock type in the
different rock units in the area, were acquired to assist study area, were calculated and are listed in table (I).
the interpretation of the magnetic gradient data (Fig. 2). A comparison between the magnetic suscepti bi Iity val-
At each measuring point, the measurements were ues of the rocks in the study area and the values
recorded up to four times and the average was calcu- recorded for similar common rock types is carried out.
lated to minimize the error in the collected data. The Figure (4) is a bar diagram showing a comparison
obtained data were apparent susceptibility values in the between the average magnetic suscepti bi Iity val ues of
(SI) units. These data were subjected to surface uneven- the rocks in the study area and the average values of
ness correction and the true susceptibility values could similar rock types in general. The comparison shows
be calculated from the corrected data using the follow- that some of the rocks in the study area have relatively
ing equation (Geofyzika KT - 5 Kappameter, 1995); higher susceptibility values than the common values of
similar rock types. The highest MS values were
K = K' / (I - K\ /2) (2)
recorded over the metatuff rocks (about 12 times higher
Where K is the true susceptibility and K' is the than the common average). These relatively very high
 K. M. MAMOUN et al. 119

Table 1 Range and average magnetic susceptibility values of rocks in the Wadi Sa'al area.

Susceptibility range Average Susceptibility

Rock type
in (c.g.s.) unit x 103 in (c.g.s.) unit x 103

Gabbro 0.068 - 2.395 0.893

Granodiorite 0.255 -1.94 0.920

Massive metavolcanic 0.018 - 4.631 0.684

Sheared metavolcanic 0.013 - 0.384 0.067

Metatuffs 0.017 - 30.160 4.392

Metsediments 0.017 -1.615 0.188

1 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 0 Rocks in Sa'al area

o Rocks in general

U 'u
ij '8 '8
<Jl
c::
;:l 0 C<l "0 C<l 0
;>
~ 'Vi
U 0
.... U
S
~
;:;s
<Jl
C<l
"0;> C<l
0
...<::
"0
;> :.a
0
;:;s ~
C<l
VJ
C<l
~ ~
<Jl

S S ;:;s
Fig. 4 Bar diagram shows the relative magnetic susceptibility values of the
rocks in the Wadi Sa'al area.

values may be attributed to the presence of magnetic highest amplitudes of the VMG anomalies have the
are minerals with considerable concentrations. The gra- highest relative MS values. Similarly, the granodiorite
nodiorites and the massive metavolcanic rocks exhibit rocks and the massive metavolcanic rocks, that have the
relatively high MS values as well. The recorded aver- most abundant number of the VMG anomalies, are asso-
age values are 1.4 and 2 times higher than the common ciated with relatively high MS values. The metasedi-
average recorded for the similar rock types, respec- ments and the sheared metavolcanic rocks that show
tively. Slate and phyllite rocks show moderately nor- normal and low susceptibility values are very poor in
mal MS values. On the other hand, although gabbros the VMG anomalies distribution.
and sheared metavolcanic rocks have extremely differ-
ent MS characteristics, they showed significantly lower 3.3. The Very Low Frequency - Electromagnetic method
MS values than the common values. The very low frequency -electromagnetic (VLF-
A precise inspection of the magnetic survey results EM) method is an excellent, cheap and rapid prospect-
shows good match between the VMG and the MS ing tool. It has been successfully used in locating sul-
results. The metatuff rocks that are associated with the phide deposits in different localities all over the world
120 Integrated geophysical exploration for sulphide minerals

(e.g. Fraser, 1969; Paterson and Ronka, 1971; Shendi, data. This technique can be expressed as follows:
1988). The method uses, as a source, the electromag- (4)
netic field emitted from the powerful military radio sta-
tions in the frequency range of 15 - 25 kHz. At a very Where MI, M2, M3 and M4 are any four consecu-
large distance from the transmitter, the electromagnetic tive data points and F2.3 is the filtered value at the mid-
field approximates to a plane wave. In case of the pres- point between these consecutive data points.
ence of a subsurface conductive body, a secondary elec- By applying this technique, the crossover point is
tromagnetic field is induced with the same frequency of transformed into a positive peak very close to the top
the primary field but differs in phase, direction and of the subsurface conductor. The corrected filtered real
amplitude. The interference between the primary and component Ref % values are presented in the form of
the secondary fields produces an elliptically polarized contour map (Fig. 5). On this map, 34 anomalies (with
field. The general practice in the VLF - EM prospect- values ranging from - 20% to - 160%) could be del in-
ing is to determine the polarization parameters includ- eated. These anomalies are interpreted as subsurface
ing the tilt angle ($) of the elliptically polarized field. conductive bodies. The anomalies are concentrated in
The subsurface conductive body is usually located the metavolcanic and the granodiorite rocks. The
directly under the crossover point along the tilt angle metatuffs, the massive meta volcanics and the granodi-
profile. orite rocks exhibit the highest number of the anomalies
The very low frequency-electromagnetic measure- while, the metasediments and the sheared metavolcanics
ments were carried out along the same profiles and at show the lowest. The gabbro rocks also show a con-
the same stations of the vertical magnetic gradient meas- siderable concentration of the anomaly distributions.
urements (Fig. 2). It was possible in the study area to Some anomalies are associated with the structural con-
receive the VLF - EM waves emitted· from UMS radio tacts, especially between the granodiorites and the sur-
broad-casting station in Moscow. The frequency of rounding rocks. The junction zone of the three valleys
these waves is 17.1 kHz and the direction of the also shows high VLF anomalies. Most of the VLF
received primary field, N85° W, was appropriate, as it anomalies cQincide with the VMG anomalies, which
is nearly perpendicular to the strike of the expected sub- may conclude that the causative subsurface bodies are
surface conductive bodies under consideration. The tilt conductive bodies with some magnetic characters. It is
angle ($) values were measured using the Canadian also obvious that the anomalies are oriented mainly in
Scintrex SE- 81 single coil, phase, amplitude and strike the NE-SW direction, the same direcbon as that of the
(SCOPAS) receiver. VMG anomalies. This indicates that the distribution of
The VLF - EM measurements, like most of the elec- the VMG and the VLF anomalies is controlled by sub-
tromagnetic methods, are highly affected by the topo- surface structures that have NE-SW direction which is
graphic irregularities. Uneven terrains could contribute coincident with the direction of the measured surface
significant anomalies that destroy the measured tilt structures in the area (faults, and axes and limbs of folds
angle data. Consequently, the VLF - EM data had to be of the NE-SW direction).
subjected to topographic corrections. Eberle' s correc- The depths to the top of the expected conductive
bon technique (1981) was applied to the measured tilt bodies are estimated using three depth estimation meth-
angle values. This technique concludes that the topo- ods. These methods were introduced by Paterson and
graphic contribution is given by: Ronka (1971), Baker and Myers (1979) and Mi los
(1981). The average depth is found to be ranging from
$ lOp = 1/2 tan- I(2 / tan T - COlT) (3)
18 to 73 meters. This range value is close to that cal-
Where $lOp is the amount of tilt angle produced by culated from the VMG anomalies.
topographic effect.
T is the incidence angle of VLF - EM wave on the 3.4. The Self-Potential (SP) method
ground. The self-potential (SP) method is a popular, very
The corrected real component Rc% (tan$c x 100) sensitive method in sulphide mineral exploration. The
values were calculated from the corrected tilt angle high potentials are usually associated with sulphide and
($c) values. A filtering technique, that was presented graphite ore bodies. Both massive and disseminated sul-
by Fraser (1969 and 1971), was applied to the corrected phides may produce distinct SP anomaly (Parasnis,
real component values in order to minimize the topo- 1986). The interpretation of SP anomalies is usually
graphic effect and to obtain less noisy and contourable quantitative. The anomaly minimum is assumed to
 K. M. MAMOUN el al. 121

[=:J Alkali feldspar grarute

Gabbro
[=:J G,oanodiodte

/
/
c::J Massive metavolcaruc
/
/
[=:J Sheared metavolcanjc
/ _Metatuff
I
I
I [=:J Slate, Phyllite and Schist
\
\ [=:JValJey
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
/
/
/ -20
I ~
'\ / 'H

y'.... (Jrano '"

~
, c:
"-
"-
"- -55 '"<0
..... 0
c-
.... .....
.... ..... o
N Q
'"
~

t -90 "'::l

~'"
<;::

-125
o 200
~ ...........
-160

Fig. 5 Very low frequency-electromagnetic (VLF-EM) anomaly map.

occur over the center of the anomalous body (Kearey tial maps show considerably anomalous SP values (from
and Brooks, 1991). - 10m V up to - 85 m V) over the two selected anom-
Detailed self-potential (SP) measurements were alies. The cause of these anomalies may be subsurface
carried out along six profiles in two selected anomalous sulphide minerals with considerable concentrations.
sites, as indicated by the obtained geophysical results, The estimated depths to the top of the SP anomalous
in order to examine the VLF anomalies and to assist the body are found to be ranging from 12 to 60 meters, as
geophysical interpretation. Each of the selected sites estimated using the half-width method (Kearey and
was covered by three SP profiles nearly perpendicular Brooks, 1991). The SP results indicate that the VLF
to the axis of the selected anomaly (Fig. 2). anomalies are related to subsurface sulphide ore bodies.
Gradient SP measurements were carried out using
the Canadian Sci ntrex RS P - 6 sel f - potential and resis- 4. Minoscopic investigation
tivity unit with non-polarizable copper electrodes. A
fixed electrode spacing of 20 meters was kept along the The geophysically anomalous sites, in the study
measured profiles. Relative SP values were calculated area, were sampled for carrying out an are microscopic
from the measured gradient SP data. These values were study to examine the geophysical survey results and to
presented as SP contour maps (Fig. 6). The self-poten- throw some light on the types and characteristics of the
]22 Integrated geophysical exploration for sulphide minerals

---- SP isolines
___ -~

Contour interval: 10 mV

t
o 200 400 m
~'~iiiiiiiii~~~

Fig. 6 Self- Potential (SP) anomalies over the two selected sites.

expected ore minerals. The rock samples were prepared, rocks (Fig. 7a&c). However, individual chalcopyrite
then studied using the reflected light ore microscope. grains are easily recognized in the granitoid and
The microscopic study shows that pyrite, chalcopyrite, metatuff, and sometimes gabbro rocks. Magnetite
magnetite and ilmenite are the main primary sulphide occurs as euhedral coarse grains forming pseudomorphs
and magnetic minerals identified in the studied rock howing various degrees of modification by limited
samples, while hematite and titanomagnetite are minor marti tization or "overgrowth" along grain boundaries
constituents. Pyrite is the most abundant sulphide phase (Fig. 71'). Hematite occurs as secondary aggregates after
and it occurs as impregnated discrete crystals, l-3 mm magnetite (Fig. 7f). Titanomagnetite could be identi-
across (Fig. 7a&b), or subrounded grains (Fig. 7c), and fied in some rock samples as small crystals associated
skeletal shape (Fig. 7d&e), readily identifiable by its mostly with pyrite or chalcopyrite (Fig. 7b&g). T1menite
pale brass yellow color. It is mostly epigenetic in rela- could be also detected in partiaJly altered form (Fig.
tion to silicates, and isassociated with superimposed 7e&h).
hydrothermal alteration. Chalcopyrite is less abundant Microscopic study shows the presence of different
than pyrite and occurs as fine to coarse grained dis- types of sulphide and magnetic minerals in the rocks
seminated in the host rocks especially in the metatuff that exhibit geophysical anomalies, which coincides
 ...
K. M. MAMOUN er al. 123

(a) (b)
".
, .. ~
I II- ..
~

~.: f ~..' ~
.. . -
\
",
. ". . ~
•••
I> ~,. - •
~ • ,. ",I"..,~#" _:- •
. ". .,',.,.. ~~.
_~ ~
; :~ ~~:' "l:: .~:
A .~ .. ~ --r"~, "':

..~. "~
' ,.
1:;;~.;;!iJ
T .. ~ ~~

~...... ~ \~ . '.~ i...

~ • • , of ~

I
• •
"5" 'i -.:'J
Photomicrograph showing Pyrite (P) and Photomicrograph showing a large crystal of Pyrite (P)
Chalcopyrite (Cp) crystals 200 X. with a small crystal of Titanomagnetite (Tm) 200 X.

(c) (d)

Photomicrograph showing scattered grains of Pyrite Photomicrograph showing skeletal Pyrite

(P) and Chalcopyrite (Cp) crystals 200X. (P) crystal 200X.

(e) (f)

Photomicrograph showing Sieving Pyrite (P) crystal Photomicrograph showing Magnetite (M) and
with Ilmenite (i1) remainents 200X. secondary aggregates of Hematite (H) 200X,

(g) (h)

Photomicrograph showing a crystal of Photomicrograph showing partially altered

Titanomagnetite (Tm) 200X. ilmenite (i1) 200X.

Fig. 7 Ore microscopic photomicrographs showing different sulphide and magnetic ore minerals.
124 fntegratecl geophysical exploration for sLLlphicle minerals

with the geophysical interpretation, confirming that the Hydrothermal fluids are possibly resulted in mobiliza-
detected geophysical anomalies are related to these sul- tion, transportation, and reprecipitation of the pre-exist-
phide and magnetic ore minerals. ing primary minerals forming a mineralization network
controLled by structures in the area (fold hinges, shear
5. Discussion zones, fissures, and cleavages).
Comparison of the distribution of the expected min-
The magnetic surveys show considerable magnetic eralized bodies (Fig. 8) with the geology of the area
anomalies indicating the presence of subsurface mag- shows that the basic metavolcanic rocks and the gran-
netic bodies at depths ranging from 25 meters to 67 odiorite rocks are richer in the mineralizations suggest-
meters and oriented in the NE-SW direction. These ing that the source materials of these rocks may be the
anomalies are concentrated in the metatuff and the gra- same source of the mineralizations. The contacts
nodiorire rocks. The junction zone (at the intersection between the different rock units exhibit considerable
of the three valleys) exhibits the highest of the anom- geophysical anomalies, indicating that these contacts
aly concentration. might have contributed to circulating and concentrating
The VLF survey confirms the presence of subsur- the mineralizations in the study area.
face conductive bodies, oriented in the same direction The comparison also shows that the distribution of
as the magnetic anomalies. The depth to these anom- the mineralized bodies is controlled by subsurface struc-
alies ranges from 18 meters to 73 meters. These con- tures that have NE-SW direction that is the same direc-
ductive bodies are associated with the granodiorite and tion of the axes and limbs of folds of the second stage
the basic metavolcanic rocks. The junction zone also of deformation. This relation may indicate that the con-
shows an abundance of VLF anomalies. Most of the ti nuous deformation, cau sed by fold ing and resu I tan t
VLF anomalies coincide with the magnetic anomalies sliding of adjacent layers in the limbs, could have cre-
concluding that the conductive bodies are the same/or ated an open system through which fluids could move
associated with the magnetic bodies. and concentrate the mineralizations. The occurrence of
The detailed SP survey over the selected VLF high anomaly concentrations associated with the junc-
anomaly sites indicates that the SP and VLF anomalies tion zone of the three valleys, a highly deformed zone,
are generated by the same source, which is a significant confirms that the deformation process played an essen-
concentration of sulphide minerals. Generally, the geo- tial role in concentrating and controlling the mineral-
physical signatures suggested that the causative subsur- izations. The relation between the surface structures
face bodies are sulphides-bearing bodies with some and the distribution of the mineralization may also indi-
magnetic characters. Figure (8) shows the distributions cate that the surface structures have subsurface exten-
of the interpreted subsurface bodies. The delineation of sion controlling the distribution of the mineralizations
these subsurface bodies is based on connecting the and that the surface mineralizations are mirror images
anomalies having similar characteristics along consecutive of subsurface mineral occurrences with considerable
profiles acquired using different geophysical methods. concentrations.
The ore microscopic study shows a variety of sul- Furthermore, the mineralogical and geophysical
phide and magnetic minerals (pyrite, chalcopyrite, mag- characteristics of the upper and lower parts in the area
netite, titanomagnetite and ilmenite). However, the suggest that the mineralizations must have occurred in
studied rock samples represent only the outer zone of a compositional gradient because of the progressively
the mineralization, which is expected to be poor in the increasing degrees of deformation at high levels in the
sulphides, and massive bodies may be stilI preserved at area. Thus, it can be concluded that the sulphide min-
depth. Study of the microfabrics of the detected min- eralization in the Wadi Sa'al area may have occurred
erals provides important information on the mineraliza- prior to the deformation mechanism, then the foldi ng
tions. It indicates that metamorphism, tectonic defor- process was responsible for concentrating and redistrib-
mation as well as the epigenetic hydrothermal activity uting these mineralizations along the fold axes and limbs.
might have significantly contributed to the concentra-
tion of the mineralization. Brittle minerals such as 6. Conclusions
pyrite, and chalcopyrite, commonly show cataclastic
deformational fabrics, wh ile the more ductile minerals, Integrated geophysical surveys and microscopic
particularly magnetite, and ilmenite, were subjected to, studies were carried out in the Wadi Sa'al area, south
corrugation, and intragranular deformation. Sinai, Egypt to investigate the potentialities and the
 K. M. MAMOUN et al.
125

c=J Alkali feldspar granite

Gabbro
c=J Granodiorite

CJ Massive metavolcanic
c=J Sheared metavolcanic
_ Metatuff

c=J Slate, Ph)'lIite and Schist

c::=J Valley

. ; Subsurface minCl'alized body

Basic dyke Fault

Fold

Fig. 8 The ex peeted mineral ized bodies in the Wadi Sa' al area, as interpreted from the geophysical surveys.

characterizations of the sulphide mineralizations in the shows that the distribution of the subsurface mineral-
area. The geophysical surveys were conducted using izations is controlled by the structural elements striking
the very low frequency -electromagnetic method, the NE-SW developed at the second stage of deformation.
vertical magnetic gradient method, the magnetic sus- The present study shows that the use of VLF - EM,
ceptibility method and the self-potential method. The VMG, MS and SP methods, in combination, is an effec-
sites of the resultant geophysical anomalies were sam- tive tool for detecting and tracing subsurface sulphide
pled for carrying out the ore microscopic study. mineralizations in areas with similar geological conditions.
The interpretation of the geophysical data in the
light of the geological information and ore microscopic Acknowledgments
study reveals the presence of subsurface sulphide min-
erals in the study area with different concentrations. The authors would like to express their great thanks
The results show that the metatuffs, the granodiorites to Mr. Mohamed Rashed for his kind assistance. We
and the basic varieties of the metavolcanic rocks are rel- also express our deep appreciation to Mr. Mohamed
atively richer in sulphide minerals with the junction Mostafa for his help with the microscopic description
zone of the three valleys being the most promising site. and for his valuable comments. The authors also
The interpretation of the geophysical data also express their deep gratitude to Dr. Nemoto Hiroo for his
126 Integrated geophysical exploration for sulphide minerals

helpful suggestions and useful review of the manuscript. Blackwell Scientific, 254 p.
Loizenbauer, 1., Wallbrecher, E., Fritz, H., Neumayer,
References P., Khudeir, A.A., and Kloetzli, U., 2001. Structural
geology, single zircon ages and fluid inclusion
Baker, H. A., and Myers, J. 0., 1979: VLF - Em Model studies of the Meatiq metamorphic core complex:
studies and some simple quantitative applications to implication for Neoproterozoic tectonics in the
field results. Geoexploration, Vol. 17, pp. 55 -63. Eastern Desert of Egypt. Precambrian research,
Barongo, J. 0.,1985: Method for depth estimation in Vol. 110, pp. 357 -383.
aeromagnetic vertical gradient anomalies. Milos, K., 1981: Interpretace Deskovitych Vodicuz
Geophysics, Vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 963-968. anomalii induktivni varianty metody velmi Dluhych
Bentor, Y. K., 1985: The crustal evolution of the vln. Acta Universitatis Carolinae-Geologica, no. 2,
Arabo-Nubian massive with special reference to pp. 169-183.
the Sinai Peninsula. Precambrian Research, Vol. 28, Parasnis, D.S., 1986: Principles of applied geophysics,
pp. 1-74. 4 th edition, London:Chapman&Hall, 402 p.
Bogoch, R., Azilberforb, and Folkmony, 1974: An evo- Paterson, N. R., and Ronka, V., ]971: Five years of sur-
lution of aeromagnetic anomalies in the Precambrian veying with the very law frequency electromagnet-
Terrain of Sinai Southern lsrael. Report No. M. p. ics. GeoexpJoration, Vol. 9, pp. 7-26.
547/73 Jerusalem. Sermon, T. c., and Roman, 1., 1934: A magnetic gra-
Eberle, D., 1981: A method of reducing terrain relief diometer: Trans. A. 1. M. E., Vol. 110, pp. 373-390.
effects from VLF-EM data. Geoexploration, Vol. Shendi, E. H., 1988: Geophysical investigation of some
15, pp. 19-35. mineral occurrences in Umm Qeisum - Umm Alawi
EI-Shafei, M. K., 1991: Deformational system in the area, South Sinai, Egypt. Ph.D. Thesis, Suez Canal
tectonics of Wadi Sa'al area, Southern Sinai, Egypt. University, Ismailia, Egypt, 103 p.
M.Sc Thesis, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal Shimron, A. E., and Zwart, 1970: The occurrence of low
University, Egypt, 168 p. pressure metamorphism in the Precambrian of the
El-Shafei, M. K., Khawasik, S.M., and EI-Ghawaby, Middle-East and north east Africa. Geol. And
M.A., 1992: Deformational styles in the tectonites Mijnbouw, Vol. 49, no. 5, pp. 369-374.
of Wadi Sa'al, South Sinai. In: Proceedings of the Shimron, A., 1984. Metamorphism and tectonics of a
3 rd Conference on Geology Sinai Development, Pan-African terrains in southeastern Sinai: A dis-
Ismailia, Egypt, pp. 1-8. cussion. Precambrian Research, Vol. 24, pp. 173-188.
Fraser, D. c., 1969: Contouring of VLF-EM data. Soliman, F. A., 1986: Geology of Wadi Sa'al area with
Geophysics, Vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 958-967. special emphasis of metamorphism and tectonics,
Fraser, D. C., 1971: VLF-EM data prospecting. Central Sinai of Egypt. Ph. D. Thesis, Faculty of
Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Bulletin, Science, Suez Canal University, Egypt, 240 p.
Canada, Vol. 64, no. 657, pp. 132- ]43. Soliman, F. A., ]997: Contribution to the geology and
Geofyzika KT-5 Kappameter, ]995: User's manual for geochemistry of the mafic/ultramafic rocks of the
KT - 5 Microkappa magnetic susceptibi lity meter. 24p. Shagrate area, South Sinai, Egypt. M.E.R.C. Ain
Hood, P. 1., and McClure, D. J.,1965: Gradient meas- Shams Univ., Vol. 11.
urements in ground magnetic prospecting. Geophysics, Stern, R.J., ]994. Arc assembly and continental colli-
Vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 403-410. sion in the Neoproterozoic East African Orogen:
Kearey, P., and Brooks, M., 1991: An introduction to implications for the consolidation of Gondwana
geophysical exploration. 2nd edition, Oxford: land. Ann. Rev. Earth Sci. Vol. 22, pp. 319-351.

Manuscript received August 26, 2003.

Revised manuscript accepted December 15, 2003.