Geophysical prospection for base metal sulphides in gehab prospect, Wadi Bidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

This paper presents the geophysical study of base metal sulphide deposit (of mainly Cu and Zn) in Gehab prospect using self potential (SP) and induced polarization (IP) methods.

The interpretation of the geophysical data revealed that the mineralized zone can be divided into three distinct parts according to the subsurface extensions of this zone.

The north- ern and central parts of this zone are associated with weak SP and IP responses, which reflect insignificant surficial mineralization represented by the gossan outcrops with very shallow depth extent.

The southern part, which contains most of the proved reserves, is associated with relatively strong SP and IP anomalies caused by sulphide deposits which extend to considera- ble depths beneath the outcropping gossans.

A distinguishable continuation of strong incom- plete IP anomalous zone is observed in the extreme south of the prospect area.

This extension is not associated with any gossan outcrops which suggests that a corresponding burried sul- phide extension occurs in the extreme south and extends outside the surveyed area.

This min- eral extension would possibly increase the reserves in the prospect area.

The study of the geophysical response also suggests that the subsurface configuration of the mineral zone is con- trolled by two distinguishable NE faults.