IRAQI BULLETIN OF GEOLOGY AND MINING
مجلة الجيولوجيا والتعدين العراقية
ISSN 18 11 - 4539
اهداف ومجال النشر تعليمات النشر للمؤلفات البحوث المنشورة هيئة التحرير
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ORIGIN OF THE SYNGENETIC URANIUM ENRICHMENT IN THE EARLY MIOCENE CARBONATES OF THE EUPHRATES FORMATION, IRAQ
Khaldoun S. Al-Bassam, Mohammad A. Mahdi and Muhal R. Al-Delaimi
(p. 1 – 21)
ABSTRACT
A model is presented in this paper to account for various genetic aspects related to the origin and mode of formation of the so-called ''syngenetic'' uranium mineralization in the upper parts of the Euphrates Formation (Early Miocene). The proposed model considers the thick uraniferous Paleozoic clastic rocks as source rocks, lying several kilometers underneath. The late Early Miocene tectonic unrest triggered fracturing and faulting that allowed for uranium-rich groundwater, trapped in the Paleozoic aquifers, to ascend to surface in the shallow parts of the late Early Miocene Sea, together with bitumen and H2S seepages. Uranium was precipitated in the interstitial pore environment, below sediment-water interface, where carbonate ion concentration was low, (following the precipitation of lime mud), uranium concentration was high and strong reductants were available (bitumen and H2S). Short-lived tectonically-induced regressive phases led to episodes of emergence in the pertidal environment, which caused significant increase in the uranium concentration in the pore water environment leading to thin horizons of anomalous uranium concentration superimposed on a generally higher than background uraniferous carbonates. Early diagenetic dolomitization trapped the uranium, as urano-organic phases or cryptocrystalline pitchblend, inside the minute dolomite crystals, which generally kept them from oxidation and remobilization.
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EARLY LUTETIAN PHOSHORITES IN WADI AKASH, WESTERN DESERT, IRAQ
Hisham A. Al-Hashimi and Khaldoun S. Al-Bassam
(p. 23 – 38)
ABSTRACT
Phosphorites from the Ratga Formation (Eocene) exposed in Wadi Akash in the Western Desert of Iraq are studied from micropaleontological, petrological and geochemical aspects. They are the youngest among the phosphorite deposits of Iraq; index fossils of Middle Eocene (Early Lutetian) were identified in these phosphorites. The underlying rocks are composed of nummulitic limestone of Late Ypresian age, whereas the overlying rocks are basinal limestone of Late Lutetian age.
The Early Lutetian phosphorites are peloidal in texture with calcareous cement. Detrital fragments are of small amount, composed of quartz grains and fish scales. The phosphorite is of low P2O5 grade relative to other Iraqi phosphorite deposits, but is similar to most marine phosphorites in having high concentrations of F, Cd, U, V, Y and Zn and being dominated by francolite (carbonate fluorapatite) as the only phosphorite mineral. The Early Lutetian phosphorites represent the final stage of the Tethyan phosphogenic epoch in Iraq and are comparable in age to several North African deposits.
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Microfacies and Environmental Analysis of Harur Formation Early Carboniferous (Tournaisian) Northern Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Govand H. Sherwani, Srood F. Naqishbandi and Sardar M. Balaky
(p. 39 – 55)
ABSTRACT
A surface section of Harur Formation of Early Carboniferous (Tournaisian) in Nazdur area, northeast of Zakho town, Northern Iraqi Kurdistan, was selected for this study. Lithologically, Harur Formation consists of thin to medium bedded, black organic limestone, dolomitic limestone, with black micaceous shale mainly in lower and upper parts. The petrographic study has shown that these limestones consist of micrite and sparite groundmass. The skeletal grains included shallow water brachiopods, bryozoans, corals, and echinoderms, in addition to ostracods, while non-skeletal grains included peloids only.
Four different microfacies were distinguished; Boundstone, Grainstone, Lime Packstone, and Lime Wackestone. Each of these had been further subdivided. Using lithologic and paleontologic criteria, the depositional environment of Harur Formation is concluded to be shallow marine environment, mostly reef and reef flanks.
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PALYNOSTRATIGRAPHY AND PALEOENVIRONMENTAL STUDY OF HARUR FORMATION IN NAZDUR AREA, NORTHERN IRAQI KURDISTAN REGION
Srood F. Naqishbandi
(p. 57 – 82)
ABSTRACT
The sum of ten samples were analyzed by normal Palynological processing methods, the samples are taken from outcrop in Nazdur area, Zakho district, Dohuk Governorate. They show a good deletion based on miospores for the Late Devonian and Early Carboniferous. The composition of the Miospore assemblages indicates that they can be subdivided into five Palynozones named consequently as PZ-1, PZ-2, PZ-3, PZ-4, and PZ-5, which indicate uppermost Devonian – Lower Carboniferous (Tournaisian). The great distribution of miospore with rare Acritarchs indicate a shallow marine depositional environment, the study is supported by lithological observations in the field.
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DIAGENETIC HISTORY OF THE HARUR FORMATION, EARLY CARBONIFEROUS (TOURNAISIAN), NORTHERN IRAQI KURDISTAN REGION
Sardar M. Balaky
(p. 83 – 102)
ABSTRACT
The main diagenetic processes affected the Harur Formation of Early Carboniferous (Tournaisian) in Nazdur area, Northeast of Zakho town, Northern Iraqi Kurdistan are studied. Harur Formation is exposed in the Northern Thrust Zone of Iraq. One surface section, near Nazdur village, far north of Iraqi territory, was chosen for the purpose of this study.
Harur Formation has various lithologies, consisting of thin to medium bedded, black, organic limestone, dolomitic limestone, with black micaceous shale mainly in its lower and upper parts. A sum of 35 thin sections of limestones were petrographically studied. The formation had been affected by different diagenetic processes, which belong to three diagenetic stages; early (shallow burial), middle and late (deep burial and subsequent uplifting). Processes belonging to early stage are hardly preserved; those of middle stage are common, while late processes are dominant. The described diagenetic processes are; micritization, dolomitization, neomorphism, cementation, solution, compaction, silicification, and others.
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BENEFICIATION OF AL-HUSSAINYIAT LOW GRADE IRON ORE BY SEGREGATION ROASTING
AbdulWahab A. Al-Ajeel and Saly N. Mahdy
(p. 103 – 113)
ABSTRACT
Attempt has been made in the research and development laboratories of the State Company of Geological Survey and Mining to develop a process based on segregation roasting technique as an alternative approach to beneficiate Al-Hussainiyat low grade iron ore. The process comprises, segregation roasting in the presence of coke and alkali chloride followed by screening and wet low intensity magnetic separation, to separate the iron from the associated gangue. Various parameters including roasting temperature, roasting time, amount of alkali chloride, and ore particle size were studied. Under optimum conditions, a concentrate assaying 86% FeT and 2.6% I.R (SiO2 + Al2O3) could be achieved with a recovery of about 64% FeT. These results appear promising for the current work, and a process in the field can be developed.
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البحوث العربي
تصنيف وترتيب المخاطر الجيولوجية في العراق
فاروجان خاجيك سيساكيان
(p. 1 – 7)
CLASSIFICATION AND RANKING OF GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN IRaq
Varoujan K. Sissakian
ABSTRACT
This study deals with the zonation and ranking of geological hazards in Iraq. Tow different concepts were used. The first one depends on the time of occurrence (the time needed to feel the risk), whereas the second one depends on the intensity of the damages caused by the geological hazard. Each type of the geological hazard is given certain weight, in each concept. From total scored weight by each type, the floods have scored as the highest one (11 degrees).
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التركيب المعدني والكيميائي والبيئة الترسيبية لأطيان تكوين الحسينيات في شمال شرق وادي الحسينيات، الصحراء الغربية العراقية
محمد عبد الأمير مهدي
(p. 9 – 22)
MINEROLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND DEPOSITIONAL ENIVORNMENT OF KAOLINITIC CLAYSTONES OF HUSSAINIYAT FORMATION IN NORTH EASTREN PART OF HUSSAINIYAT VALLEY, WESTERN DESERT, IRAQ
Mohammad A. Mahdi
ABSTRACT
The study area is located at about 120 Km northeast of Rutba city, Al-Anbar Governorate. The results of mineralogical studies indicated that Kaolinite is the dominant clay mineral, especially in white claystones with some minerals, like Geothite, Hematite, Quartz and traces of gypsum and calcite. The average thicknes of Kaolinitic claystones is 15.2 m with 28.7% of AL2O3 concentration. The Kaolinitic claystone deposits are, soft, greasy and medium to tough with conchoidal fracture.
The depositional environment of the Koalinitic claystones in the area is a meandering system. But, some sedimentary cycles contain gravels with little claystones, which reflect the braided system environment. In the same time the existence of some thin sandstone lenses within the claystones indicate the event of intermittent river flow from the tributaries into the flood plain sediments of the main channels. This contribution was achived by the petographic studies of some samples drawn from the claystones, which contain few large grains of quartz scattered withintones the clays. The existence of organic matter, plant remains, pyritization within the dark claystone horizons of the Lower Clastic Unit of Al-Hussiniyat Formation, indicate a swamp environment.
All previous studies carried out on these claystones revealed the suitability of these claystones for ceramic and refractory industries, in addition to their use in Al extraction.
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المياه المعدنية لينابيع منطقة هيت – كبيسة، وسط غرب العراق
صداع شريف محمود وخلدون عباس معله وحميد سعيد احمد
(p. 23 – 39)
MINERALIZED WATER SPRINGS OFHIT - KUBAISSA AREA, CENTRAL WEST IRAQ
Sadda Sh. Mahmud, Khaldoun A. Ma'ala and Hameed S. ahmad
ABSTRACT
The study area is located in the west of Iraq, within the northern part of the Stable Shelf of the Arabian Platform, which is dissected by the Abu Jir Fault Zone; the later is considered as discharge zone for mineralized water in Hit – Kubaissa area. This study deals with the evaluation of chemical and physical properties of mineralized water for nine springs, with contineous influx and their suitability for medication purposes, in addition to reveal the regime of their continuous influx.
The results of the evaluation declared that the mineralized water of Qashatah, Jerbah and Al-Khadher springs are within the limits of medication purposes and characterized by continuous influx, due to combination of the structural and climatic factors. Since the activity of the structural influence is due to the Abu Jir Fault Zone and Rutba Uplift. The former contributes in transformation of some mineralized water from depths, which have relation with petroleum reservoirs, to meet with the flowing ground water from the recharged area in Rutba Uplift, in the west, forming the discharge zone for mineralized water in Hit – Kubaissa area. For the climatic factors, the rainfall in Rutba area is characterized by little differences during the last years.
The Hit – Kubbaissa area follows the same climatic conditions, which prevail in the Western Desert of Iraq. It is regarded that March, April and October are the best duration for tourism, due to moderate climate and increase of the flowing mineralized water.
This study recommends benefication of the mineralized water of Qashatah, Jerbah and Al-Khadher springs, and building modern sanatorium for medication purposes.
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تقويم الصخور الكلسية للاستخدام كحجر تحكيم من مناطق مختلفة في العراق
ايدة ديكران عبد الاحد
(p. 41 – 50)
EVALUATION OF LIMESTONES FOR USE AS ROCK BALLAST FROM DIFFERENT PARTS IN IRAQ
Iyda D. Abdul Ahad
ABSTRACT
Rock Ballast is one of the essential requirements for railway constructions. Different mechanical and physical properties of rocks should be known to evaluate their suitability for use as rock ballast. In this study, different sites were studied and re – evaluated to conclude the suitability of rocks for use as rock ballast .It was found that huge quantities of rocks occur in different parts of Iraq, which could be used as rock ballast .The results revealed that limestones suitable as rock ballast are available in the Iraqi Western Desert. It is recommended to increase the Loss Angelos value to 32% and to study the igneous rocks in Mawat vicinity in Iraqi Kurdistan for use as rock ballast.
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تواجد البوزولانا الطبيعي العراقي في منطقة انجانة، جبل حمرين الجنوبي، وسط العراق
خلدون عباس معلة ونوال احمد السعدي و حسام حميد عبد الله
(p. 51 – 63)
FINDING OF THE IRAQI NATURAL POZZOLANA IN INJANA AREA, HEMRIN SOUTH, CENTRAL IRAQ
Khaldoun A. Ma'ala, Nawal A. Al-Sa'di and Husam H. Abdul Allah
ABSTRACT
This paper deals with the ascertaining of the natural fused rocks at Injana area, Hemrin South and its coincidence with the properties of natural Pozzolana, their origin and kind, depending on the chemical, mineralogical, compressive strength and activity as well as field observations.
The geological evidences combined with X-ray test indicate that the detrital deposits of Injana Formation were subjected to folding, faulting and sudden combustion of hydrocarbons along 3.5 Km of a reverse fault plane, during Pleistocene. The claystone beds are baked and fused at temperature ranging between (950 - 1360) °C, which changed their mineralogical composition and texture characteristics, consequently they are considered as altered rocks. The cooling of the natural fused rocks lead to non systematic distribution of microfractures, open and closed, which are later filled partly by gypsum and plaster of Paris, under dry conditions, with concentration less than 5%.
The results of this study indicate that the natural fused rocks in Injana area have the properties of the international natural Pozzolona of burnt clay type, for the first time in Iraq. The Pozzolana,s activity is 88.7% and its chemical composition corresponds to the Italian and American natural Pozzolana, with more calisia and magnesia, due to clay minerals. In addition, its qualification for production of Pozzolana cement with mixed ratio of 65% cement and 35% pozzolana and maturation of 28 days to have compressive strength of 17.6 N/mm2.
The Iraqi natural Pozzolana was found in Injana to cap six isolated mesas and without overburden, due to their high resistance to erosion. The quantity, in Injana area, is estimated to be 17200 tones.
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فصل وتركيز معدن السليستايت من الخامات الرملية لتكوين الدبدبة (تجارب منضدية) في منطقة طار النجف، وسط العراق
نوفل عبد الرسول حمودي وسحر نجم عبد الله وملاذ قصي عبد القـادر وعلي عبد الحسن الخفاجي
(p. 65 – 77)
BENEFICIATION OF CELESTITE FROM CELESTITE BEARING SANDS OF THE DIBDIBBA FORMATION (BENCH TESTS) FROM TAR AL-NAJAF AREA, CENTRAL IRAQ
Nawfal A.Hammodi, Sahar N. Aabdulah, Malath Q. Abdulqadir and Ali A.H. Al-Khafaji
ABSTRACT
This research, which was carried out on bench scale, deals with the possibility of separating and concentrating of celestite from its local ore (celestite bearing sandstones of the Dibdibba Formation from Tar Al-Najaf area) that contains » 56 % SrSO4. Also to establish technical route to prepare celestite concentrate and determine its suitability as an alternative weighting material for oil well drilling mud.
The concentration experiments included two stages: Stage A, crushing the local celestite ore, milling then wet sieving to - 0.106 mm. The purity of celestite concentrate was of 71.23%. Stage B, milling the produced concentrate from stage A to particle size less than 0.075 mm. Concentration by direct froth – flotation technique for the ground concentrate using sodium silicate as a depressing agent, sodium oleate as a collector agent and pine oil as a frother. The obtained purity of celestite concentrate was of 91.22%. Recovery of the celestite from the waste of Stage A, either by scrubbing or by direct froth – flotation using the same flotation reagents of stage B in two steps. The purity of celestite concentrate that was produced ranges from (65.3 – 78.04) %. Recovery of the celestite from the waste of Stage B, by direct froth – flotation using the same mentioned agents. The purity of celestite in concentrate that was produced from waste of Stage B is 80.74%. The physical tests, which were carried out in the Oil Research and Development Centre on the celestite concentrate (produced from Stage A) indicate that this concentrate could be used as a partial substitute for the imported barite, which is usually used as weighting material for oil well drilling mud.
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