GEOPHYSICAL AND GEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR MINERALS EXPLORATION AT OLD MINE AREA, WEST WADI DARA,NORTH EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

Abstract

The study area is located in the North Eastern Desert, Egypt, and lies between latitudes (27° 54` 00" and 27° 56` 00" N), and longitudes (32° 50` 30" and 32° 52` 00" E). The study area is high relief and dissected by the main long and wide Wadi namely Wadi Dara, which extends from the study area to Gulf of Suez.The area, covers about 0.66 km2and is covered by some Precambrian rocks, the oldest of which are the metavolcanics which are intruded by diorite-granodiorite complex and subsequently by unmetamorphosed Dokhan volcanics. Dykes and quartz veins also occur. The diorite and granodiorite are considered the main host rocks of copper mineralization. In the present study, a detailed ground geophysical exploration work was applied to delineate the local geology, structural framework and to define the conductive zones of the prospect area. Detailed ground magnetic, Gradient Resistivity/IP and self-potential surveys have been carried out in the prospect area on grid lines. The field measurements were taken along 22 profiles which have N 45º W direction on a grid pattern, with profile spacing of 50 m and station separation of 25 m. Beside, 5 Resistivity/IP 2-D Geo-electrical Sections. Profiles were chosen to follow anomalous zone at deeper depths. The data have been treated qualitatively and quantitatively by applying various interpretation techniques. Different types of maps were constructed to delineate and locate structures and potential of mineral deposits. Some promising sites were selected to more detail investigation. The survey results indicate that the source of copper mineralization resulted from the hydrothermal solutions which invaded through fractures and no indication for mineralized ores bodies.