GEOLOGIC AND STRUCTURAL CHARATERSITICS OF THE URANIUM, COPPER, IRON-MANGANESE AND GOLD MINERALIZATION BELT AT SOUTHWESTERN SINAI, EGYPT

Abstract

The environs are located at the eastern side of the Gulf of Suez and covered by rocks ranging from Precambrian to Quaternary. The Paleozoic sediments at southwestern Sinai comprise seven stratigraphic formations, from bottom: Sarabit El Khadim, Abu Hamata, Adedia, Um Bogma, El Hashash, Magharet El Maiah and Abu Zarab formations.

 

The uranium bearing sediments are mainly confined and associated with Um Bogma and upper most part of Adedia Formations. The uranium deposits are concentrated near the center of the area at Allouga, Abu Thor, El Sahu, Talet Selim and Abu Hamata localities.

 

The copper in Sinai was known mined and exploited since the Ancient Egyptian Times. The organic matter, clays and Fe-Mn oxides and hydroxides in Um Bogma Formation play an important role in the formation of the Cu and U epigenetic deposits.

 

There are two main models reported for the origin of the Fe-Mn ores hydrothermal and sedimentary.

 

Abnormal content of gold are recorded at the study area with abrupt and sharp decrease from 49 to 0.3 ppm.