Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3(2): 797-809, 2009

ISSN 1991-8178

Tectonic Environments and Distribution of Gold Deposits in the Pan African

Nubian Shield, Egypt.
1

Mahmoud M. Hassaan and 2El-Sawy K. El-Sawy

Geology Department Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Assiut Branch), Assiut, Egypt.

Abstract: More than 120 gold deposits and occurrences are distributed in the pan-African Nubian
Shield in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The exposed rock units are tectonically grouped into ophiolite,
island arc and cordilleran-extensional. This work is a trial to reveal more evidence to recognize impact
of these tectonic environments on the structures and tectonics controlling distribution of these gold
deposits using the remote sensing techniques. The present work concerns application of google Earth
and in the present position ETM+ images which provide new and exciting windows for geological
mapping to discriminate probable presence of tectonic environments similar to the Allaqi-Heiani, OnibSol Hamed suture and Himasana shear zones. The obtained layers overlain by geologic maps indicated
that the 16 gold deposits occurring in both Allaqi-Heiani, and Onib-Sol Hamed suture zones are
geographically and geologically distributed within the ophiolite nappes and island arc rock units as
well as the related rocks (metagabbros) in its surroundings. In these tectonic zones developed D1-D4
Neoproterozoic deformation phases. Both D1 and D2 phases associated early collision stage between
the Gerf terrane, the Haya and G abgaba Terranes while D3 and D4 phases associated the later
collision stage. The D2 produced regional E-W thrust zones overprinted by several shear zones formed
during the emplacement of the ophiolitic over the island arc assemblagesat several districts if the
Eastern Desert.. Foliations and shearing overprinted by regional deformational thrust zones produced
by D2 and D3 control distribution of these 16 gold-bearing quartz-veins and the associated alteration
zones. The obtained layers recorded occurrence of another similar five suture and shear zones. These
zones occur in W adi Kharit also W adi Hodein, Barramiya, Atud-Sukkari, Umm Khariga-W adi AbuDabbab and T alat Gadalla-Umm Samara districts. These tectonic environments control distribution of
not only the gold deposits but also the chromite occurrences in both the central and southern tectonic
segments of the Eastern Desert. The localization of gold mineralization in its present position in
certain mode of occurrence is related to action of hydrothermal fluids produced due to thrusting,
regional deformations (faulting and folding), shearing and/or emplacement of younger intrusive rocks.
These fluids leached gold in its pathways from the source rock units of each of the three tectonic
environments. This is indicated by that each process and rock type left its own impact on the
geochemical association and ore minerals assemblage of each group at each locality.
Key words: Gold Deposits, Distribution, Tectonic Environments, Nubian Shield.
INTRODUCTION
Gold mineralization was recorded in more than 120 localities in the Eastern Desert of Egypt (Fig. 1).
According to the mode of occurrence and the nature of mineralization, all the gold deposits and occurrences
hosted by the Pan-African Late Proterozoic basement rocks are of the vein and dyke types. The vein type
comprises the majority of the gold deposits. Most of the gold in these veins occurs as disseminations of native
gold. Relative amounts, however, are found in the gold-bearing pyrites and generally in the sulphide minerals.
The ore bodies of the vein type are usually of a more complicated form. They represent fissure fillings
(arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite) associated with some wall-rock alterations in the contact
zone of the host rock units. The distribution of the primary gold deposits and occurrences is structurally
controlled (fault planes or highly fractured zones (Moharram et al., 1970).

Corresponding Author: Prof. Mahmoud M. Hassaan, Geology Department Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr
City, Cairo, Egypt.
E-mail: mah_hassaan@hotmail.com
797

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

In Egypt the late Proterozoic basement rocks cover an area of about 100.000 square kilometers, the greater
part of which covers the Eastern Desert. The basement rocks of Sinai, the Eastern and W estern Deserts, Sudan,
Ethiopia and Somalia constitute the Nubia Shield that was formed as a contiguous part of the Arabian Shield
of the Arabian Peninsula, perior to the opening of the Red Sea, since less than 30 Ma Age. Two essential
models for the evolution of the Arabian-Nubian Shield have been proposed viz; geosynclinal and plate tectonic.
The recent model is based on the plate tectonic concepts (Greenwood 1976, Camp 1984, and Stoeser and
Camp 1985, El Gaby et al., 1988, and Ragab and El-AIfy, 1996). According to these models the basement
rocks were interpreted and grouped into the following litho-tectonic units that developed mainly during the PanAfrican orogeny: pre-Pan-African gneisses and migmatites, Pan-African ophiolites (serpentinites, and associated
talc quartz carbonates and metagabbros), island arcs (calc-alkaline- and volcanic plutonism, metavolcanosediments, metagabbros, diorites), and cordilleran-extensional (Dokhan volcanics, Hammamat; sediments, old
granites, felsite porphyry, younger granitoids that include mica granite and alkali feldspar granite and rift
related alkaline to per-alkaline rocks, dikes and quartz veins (Hassaan, 2001).

Fig. 1: Map showing the distribution of gold deposits and occurrences in the Eastern Desert.
1. Previous Work:
a. Age of the Gold Mineralization:
Regarding the age of the gold mineralization in the Eastern Desert there are two points of view. Hume
(1937), El Alfy (1946), El Shazly (1957 and 1959) and Moharram et al. (1970) considered that these gold
mineralizations are of probably one epoch. Hume (1937) and El Alfy (1946) considered the gold mineralization
of hydrothermal origin accompanied the diorites. El Shazly (1957 and 1959) considered the so-called by Hume

798

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

(1935) Gattarian granites definitely responsible for the formation of the gold deposits. Moharram et al. (1970)
mentioned that the gold deposits and occurrences are to be younger than the granodiorites and some dykes.
According to Moharram et al. (op.cit) the gold mineralization is known to be present in the following
subdivisions of the basement rocks 1. Schist-mudstone-greywacke series; 2. Altered ultrabasic rocks; 3. The
epidiorite-diorite complex; 4. Gabbro-diorites; 5. Grey granites and granodiorites; 6. Pink and red granites; and
7. Felsite porphyry and other dyke rocks. Only 20 gold deposits are hosted in the granitoids. According to
them it was difficult to assign a precise age. On the other hand Sabet et al. (1976) subdivided the formation
of the gold mineralization into 4 major epochs namely; 1- The pre-orogenic epoch, 2- The syn to late orogenic
epoch. 3- The Rephean Lower Paleozoic epoch and 4- The Mesozoic Cenozoic epoch.
According to the plate tectonic concept, El Gaby, et al., (1988) mentioned that the gold mineralizations
in the Eastern Desert are connected to the sudduction related calc-alkaline magmatic activity formed during
the cordilleran stage. In this respect El-Mezayen et al., (1995) mentioned the presence of more than one phase
of gold mineralization depending on the ore microscopic studies and microprobe analysis which recorded three
phases of pyrite crystals. Hassaan and El-Mezayen (1995) genetically classified the gold deposits and
occurrences into three tectonic groups: ophiolite (schist-mudstone-greywacke series; serpentinites and talc
carbonates, altered ultramafic rocks and the metagabbro, sheeted basalts etc.), island arc (metvolcanic,
metavolcanosedimentary rocks, metagabbro-diorites, Dokhan volcanics, granites and granodiorites) and
cordilleran-extensional (pink and red granites as well as, felsite porphyry and other dyke rocks). They
mentioned that each of the three tectonic groups possesses its specific ore minerals assemblage and
geochemical association that is related to its rock types.
b. Distribution:
The distribution of the gold deposits and occurrences is considered by Moharram et al. (1970), Sabet and
Bordonosov (1984), Hassaan and El-Mezayen (1995) and Hassaan (2006) in the light of the suggested ages.
Moharram et al. (1970) recorded a certain pattern in the areal distribution of gold deposits and occurrences
in the Eastern Desert when three main belts of deposits and occurrences were identified; the eastern belt, the
central belt and the western belt (Fig. 1). Another two small belts occur. The fourth one runs through the
deposits of Umm Tuyur and Umm Egat. The fifth includes wadi Allaqi gold deposits. The auriferous veins
in these three belts are of submeridional, north-eastern, and occasionally sub-latitudinal trends. According to
them, such a linear distribution is probable due to the fact that they are confined to certain zones of tectonic
activity. In this respect in the fourth and fifth belts these veins are elongated north-northwestwards.
Sabet and Bordonosov (1984) mentioned that the deep-seated faults, the faults trending N W and ENE and
the zones of the intersection of these faults control this distribution (Fig. 1). The trend of the suggested belts
corresponds to the direction of the main structural trends of the Eastern Desert, which run parallel to both the
Red Sea Graben and the Gulf of Aqaba.
Hassaan and El-Mezayen (1995) mentioned that the distribution of the tectonic rock assemblages and
stages controls the distribution of gold deposits and occurrences. The deposits and occurrences of ophiolitic
and island arc gold groups and their interferences occur in the southern and central tectonic segments of the
Eastern Desert forming a belt trending NW -SE. The gold group of the cordilleran-extensional stage occurs in
the central-northern segments of the Eastern Desert distributed following the same trend. Hassaan (2006)
considered the first belt to be two belts. One belt is bordered by Um Egat-Um Tuyur at its SE end and
Hariari-Um Ashira at its SW end including wadi El Allaqi gold deposits and occurrences (Fig. 2). The second
belt is bordered by wadi Hodein-Sukkari deposits at its SE end and H amash-Erediya deposits at its NW end
(Fig. 2).
2. Aim of the Work:
The development of remote sensing techniques provides new and exciting windows to reality and serves
to stimulate thought in a broader context on the formulation of hypotheses and methodologies in geologic
mapping. The present work is a trial to apply of remote sensing techniques in revealing the tectonic
environments and its propable role in controlling the distribution of the gold deposits and occurrences in the
Pan African Nubian Shield of the Eastern Desert in relation to the plate tectonic concept regarding source rock,
mode of formation and genesis. Since the Google Earth image discriminates the zones of Allaqi-Heiani, OnibSol Hamed sutures and Himazana shear zone, this study is a trial to use the Google earth and ETM + images
to search for probable revealing presence of other similar tectonic zones to assure its role in controlling
distribution of gold deposits and occurrences. This is to be a guide in exploration for new sites of gold
mineralization.

799

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

3. Methodologies:
Rationing is an effective method for distinguishing the rock types because the main spectral differences
in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions are found in the slopes of the reflectivity curves. Principle
Component analysis is a technique for reducing correlation between ariables and commonly produces images
with separate geologic features. Because geologically important information might occupy only a small portion
of the spectral range of band that is otherwise highly correlated with other bands, it is possible that such
information will be lost through one of these other bands being chosen instead.
Principle Components of false color composite bands 7 and 2 and ratioing bands (5/7, 5/1 and band 4)
processed through RGB and the Landsat Enhancement Thematic Mapper (ETM) images, were used by Hassaan
(2001 and 2006) in discriminating the outcropping rocks units of the ophliolitic and island-arc assemblage and
the cordilleran-extensional stages hosting the gold deposits and occurrences in such tectonic environments as
follows: 1- The color ratio (5/7, 5/1 and 4/3) composite image discriminated the serpentinites(bright red color);
gabbroic rocks-(green color) and granitic rocks (blue color). That of the color ratio 5/7, 5/1 and 3/1
discriminated the metavolcanic rocks (whitish blue color), ophiolitic mlange (dark blue), gabbroic rocks
(purple color), fresh biotite granites (greenish color), muscovite microcline quartz albite granites (whitish blue
color), and sulphide and/or fluorite bearing altered granites (yellowish color). The image of ratio 5/7, 5/1 and
band 4 registered the metagabbro in dark reddish color, the dioritic rocks in dark brown color, the tonalitegranitoids in dark blue color, biotite granites in blue color and muscovite granites in whitish blue tint. The
image of 2, 4 and 7 bands exhibits the alkali feldspar granites (Gattar granites) in pinkish color. The regional
alteration zones bearing gold mineralizations of the ophiolitic (listweanites) and island arc (shear zones) groups
exhibit yellowish color in the false composite bands 2, 4 and 7.

Fig. 2: Map showing the distribution of gold deposits and occurrences in the tectonic groups, Eastern Desert.

800

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

Only the simplest ETM false color combination of bands 7, 4, 2 in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) will be used
as a first approach to express and to reach to the target of the present work. Moreover these images will be
verified by overlaying a geologic map layer on the ETM+ image and will be supported by reviewing the
mineralogical and geochemical data on several gold deposits from the published literature and field observation
of the authors. These obtained layers will be used to achieve the goal of the present study.
Discussion:
The ArabianNubian Shield represents a complex amalgam of arcs and microcontinents assembled during
Neoproterozoic closure of the Mozambique Ocean. The two ensimatic island arc (Gerf and Gabgaba terranes,
Fig. 3) evolved from 830-720 Ma in the Mozambique Ocean, and collided between 750 and 720 Ma forming
the Allaqi suture where ophiolite belts were formed (Kroner et al., 1987; Greiling et al., 1994; Shackleton,
1994 and Abdelsalam and Stern, 1996). The Onib-Sol Hamed, the W adi Allaqi-Jabal Heiani and the NakasibAmur ophiolite belts are bent and dragged into a broad N-S trending major transcurrent shear zone named by
Kroner et al. (1987) Hamisana shear zone. They considered The Onib-Sol Hamed, the W adi Allaqi-Jabal
Heiani belts two sutures.

Fig. 3: Map showing the two ensimatic island arcs; Gerf and G abgaba terranes (after Abdelsalam and Stern,
1996).
Sixteen gold deposits and occurrences of Wadi Allaqi and Sol Hamed districts were plotted on Google
Earth and ETM + Images. The obtained layer of Google Earth Image overlain by geologic map indicates that
these 16 gold deposits and occurrences are occurring in Allaqi -Heiani and Onib-Sol Hamed suture zones
(Fig. 4a, b), and are geographically and geologically distributed within the ophiolite nappes and island arc
metavolcanic, metavolcanosedimentary rock units as well as the metagabbros outcropping there in the
surroundings.
In these tectonic zones developed D1-D4 Neoproterozoic deformation phases (Kusky and Ramadan, 2002).
According to them the D1 and D 2 associated the early collision stages (between the Gerf terrane, and the Haya
and Gabgaba Terranes) while D3 and D4 associated the later stage (Abdelsalam and Stern, 1996, Fig. 3). The
D2 produced regional E-W thrust zones overprinted by several shear zones formed during the emplacement
of the ophiolitic over the island arc assemblages. Foliations and shearing overprinted by regional deformational
thrust zones produced by D2 and D3 within both suture zones control distribution of these 16 auriferous
quartz-veins in the present position.

801

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

Fig. 4a: ETM+ false color image combination of bands 7, 4, 2 in (RGB) showing the distribution of gold
deposits in the (Allaqi-Heiani,) (Onib-Sol-Hamed) suture zones.

Fig. 4: Map showing the geology (after Conoco, 1987) and distribution of gold deposits and occurrences in
the (Allaqi-Heiani,) (Onib-Sol-Hamed) district.
From the ETM+ and Google Earth Image the authors recorded another new five sutures and/or shear zones
namely W adi Kharit- W adi Hodein; B arramiya, Atud-Sukari; Um Khariga-W adi Abu Dabbab and Talaat
Gadallah-Um Samara (Fig. 5). The ophiolite belts in these five sutures are bent and dragged into N-S to NNW SSE trending shear zones.
Greiling et al. (1994) suggested that the regional structures in the part of the Nubian Shield in the Eastern
Desert originated mainly during post-collision events, started with extensional collapse, which was followed
by NNW -SSE shortening and related large-scale thrusting and folding. Consequently thrusts are overprinted
by transpressional regime; early transpression produced Allaqi shear zone and final transpression is documented

802

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

Fig. 5: Google Earth false color image showing the distribution of gold deposits and occurrences and borders
of Allaqi-Heiani and Onib-Sol Hamed and the 5 recorded suture and shear zones in the Nubian Shield,
Eastern Desert.
in W adi Kharit-W adi Hodein shear zones. The originated thrusts are overprinted by a final transpression
document in W adi Kharit-W adi Hodein suture and shear zone (Fig. 6a, b) in the ophiolite and island arc rocks
in which occur a total of five gold deposits and occurrences.
Both Barramiya, and Atud-Sukari sutures are located on the eastern and western sides of the Idfu-Mersa
Alam road which is considered by Hamimi (1999) a major shear zone. In this respect Greiling et al. (1994)
considered Idfu-Mersa Alam road a shear zone trending E-W most probably originated as extension collapse
during a post collision event. However, Salloum et al. (1989) considered Idfu-Mersa Alam shear zone as a
major E-W deep seated fault, overprinted by a number of thrusts and strike-slip faults having N-S, NE-SW
and NW -SE directions. The eastern zone represents the Atud-Umm Ud-Sukkari district, in which distribute 15
gold deposits and occurrences (Fig. 7a, b). The western zone is located within Barramiya district which
includes six gold deposits and occurrences.

803

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

Fig. 6a: ETM+ false color image combination of bands 7, 4, 2 in (RGB) showing the distribution of gold
deposits and occurrences in the W adi Kharit- Wadi Hodein, suture (I).

Fig. 6b: Map showing the geology (after Conoco, 1987) and distribution of gold deposits and occurrences in
the W adi Kharit- W adi Hodein, (I) suture.

804

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

Fig. 7a: ETM+ false color image combination of bands 7, 4, 2 in (RGB) showing the distribution of gold
deposits and occurrences in the B arramiya (II), Atud-Sukari (III), Um Khariga-W adi Abu Dabbab (IV)
and Talaat Gadallah-Um Samara (V) suture and shear zones (for location No. see Fig. 5).

Fig. 7b: Map showing the geology (after Conoco, 1987) and distribution of gold deposits and occurrences in
the II, III, IV, and V suture and shear zones.

805

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

The present authors believe that both districts are two sutures formed due to collision of the two island
arcs (Gerf and G abgaba terranes) where ophiolite belts are exposed in both Barramiya and Atud Sukkari
districts. Both sutures were connected by the NNW -SSE trending shear zones followed by the post collision
extensional collapse caused NNE-SSW shortening of thrusts and folding recorded in both districts.
The authors are convinced that effect of the two collided island arcs, extensional collapse and the followed
shortening associated with thrusts and folding affected the province north of the E-W Idfu-Mersa Alam road
formed the two sutures and\or shear zones; viz Talat Gadalla Umm Samara to the west and Um-KharigaW adi Abu Dabbab to the east. These findings can be supported by the ideas of Kusky and Ramadan, (2002).
Both D3 and D4, are characterized by development of reactivation of some of the thrust faults in the EW
imbricate thrust zones. The D2 produced regional thrusts formed during the emplacement of maficultramafic
rocks of the ophiolitic assemblages over the metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the island arc
assemblage. Major WNW ESE and NW SE shear zones formed during D3 (Kusky and Ramadan, op.cit). The
foliations and faults overprinted by both events control distribution of the gold-bearing quartz-veins.
In Talaat Gadallah-Um Samara district, five gold deposits and occurrences are distributed in the ophiolite
and the metavolcanic island arc assemblages (Fig. 7a, b). Only three gold deposits are recorded in Um Khariga
W adi Abu Dabbab microsuture where Um Khariga serpentinite and the island arc rock, metavolcanic units
are outcropping (Fig. 7a, b).
Comparing the distribution of gold deposits and occurrences in these tectonic environment with that of
chromite deposits, the authors noticed that both match well with each other (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8: ETM+ false color image combination of bands 7, 4, 2 in (RGB) showing the distribution of chromite
occurrences and borders of the 5 recorded suture and shear zones in the Nubian Shield, Eastern
Desert.

806

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

The following table sum m arizes the geochem ical association and ore m inerals assem blage of som e deposits to show the variation of the
associated m etals and ore m inerals from a tectonic environm ent to another.
Tectonic setting
Site
Geochem ical association
O re m inerals Assem blage
CordelleranH ariari (H assaan, 2006)
Ag, As, Co, Cu, N i, Pb, Zn
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, Chalcopyrite, Galena
extensional
Gattar(El Bakri et al., 1995)
Sb, Ag, Sn, W, Co, Ni, Pb, M o
Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Chalcocite, Bornit,
M alachite
Island Arc
Abu M araw at
Ag, M o, As, Cu, Pb, Sn, Zn, N i, ba
Pyrite, Pyrrhotite, Chalcopyrite, Sphalerite,
(H assaan et al., 1996)
Galena, Covellite
Sam ut
Cr, N i, M o
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, Chalcopyrite,
(H assaan et al., 1986-1990)
U m m Rus (Hassaan, 2006)
As, Cr, N i, Cu, Ag
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, Sphalerite,
Chalcopyrite, Galena, Etrahedite,
Um Ud
Ag, As, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, C r
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, Chalcopyrite,
(H assaan et al., 1986-1990)
M agnetite
U m El Touyur El Fuqani
N i, Ag, Cu, Pb, M o
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, Pyritization,
(Hassaan, 2006)
Chalcopyrite
O phiolite
Barram iya(H assaan, 2006)
Cr, Zn, Ag, Cu, N i
Pyrite, C halcopyrite
U m El Touyur El Fuqani
N i, Co, Ag, Cr
Crom ite, Cobaltite, Pentalendite, Pyrite,
(H assaan, 2006)
Arsenopyrite, Pyritization
Fawakhir(H assaan, 2006)
N i, Co, Pb, Zn, Sn, Ag, As
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, Sphalerite, Galena,
Sukkari(Hassaan, 2006)
As, M o, N i, Sn, pb, Co
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, Sphalerite,
Chalcopyrite, Galena,
Um Ud
Cr, N i, M o, Ba
Pyrite, Arsenopyrite, C halcopyrite
(H assaan et al., 1986-1990)

The rocks units of each group are the source of the gold and sulphide-gold mineralization that are
supported by the geochemical associations of the metals given in the table, which reflect the lithological nature
of each tectonic environment from ultramafic to acidic rock units. The localization of each gold mineralization
in its present position in certain mode of occurrence is influenced by the action of hydrothermal fluids
produced due to thrusting, regional deformations, shearing and/or emplacement of younger intrusive rocks.
These fluids leached gold in its pathways from the source rock units of each of the three tectonic
environments. Each process left its own impact on the geochemical association and ore minerals assemblage
of each tectonic group at each locality as indicated from the table.
From the field observations and reviewing the previous works, the authors recorded the following
supporting criteria:
In both Um Khariga and W adi Seifein the auriferous quartz veins are trending N 25 E and N 20 E
respectively. W adi Abu Dabbab galena rich auriferous two veins are cutting metagabbro-diorites and trending
N 25 W . B oth may represent one trend of the Abu Dabbab cassiterite-colmbite bearing quartz stock veins of
from NE-SW to submeridioneal trends. This stock of veins is cutting listweanized serpentinite, metavolcanics,
metagabbros and muscovite-microcline-albite granite. The serpentinites in this suture zone especially at W adi
Seifein are extensively listweanized. Moreover plagogranites usually associating the ophiolite sequences like
that hosting Sukari lodes trending NE-SW are present in Abu Dabbab area (Sabet et al., 1976). In this respect
Sukari area as a part of W adi Alam district is considered by Fawzy (1986) metaophiolite ancient ocean floor
succession.
In Atud-Sukari suture and shear zone extensive number of auriferous quartz veins (Soliman et al., 1988;
Hassaan et al., 1986-1989) are present in Um Ud area cutting ophiolites, listweanized serpentinites,
metavolcanics, and metagabbros. In Wadi Garf and Um Khasila extensive carbonitized and listweanized
serpentinites, due to doplex thrusting bearing pyrite-gold mineralization and cinnabar are recorded by Ramadan,
2004 and Sabet et al., 1976 respectively. For this reasons this area is considered by Hassaan, (2006) a
promising exploration target for gold as Hg represent the upper zone of these hydrothermal gold deposits.
At alweys Barramiya the aurifeous lodes are hosted in the metavolcanosediments and graphitic schists as
well as the serpentinites.
In W adi Kharit-W adi Hodein suture and shear zone gold bearing listweanized serpentinite at W adi Hodein
and alterated metavolcanics at W adi El Khashab and Um El T ouyur El Fuqani are recorded by Hassaan et al.
(1996) and Ramadan (2004).
Conclusion:
The ophiolites, island arcs and cordilleran-extensional tectonic environments control the distribution of the
known gold deposits and occurrences in the Eastern Desert. The rocks units of each group are the source of
the gold and sulphide-gold mineralization supported by the geochemical association of the metals, which reflect
the lithological nature of each environment from ultramafic to acidic rock units. The districts of these tectonic
807

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

zones are recommended for detailed exploration using the corresponding ETM imagies recommended in the
methodologies following the given above criteria as a guide.
REFERENCES
Abdelsalam, M.G. and R.J. Stern, 1996. Sutures and shear zones in the Arabian-Nubian Sheild. Journal
of African Earth Sciences, 23: 289-310.
Camp, V.E., 1984. Island arcs and their role in the evolution of the western Arabian shield, Geol. Soc.
Am. Bull., 95: 913-921.
Conoco, 1987. Geological map of Egypt, scale 1 : 500,000. Egyptian General corporation (E. G. P. C.).
Cairo, Egypt.
El Alfy, E., 1946. Mineral resourses of Egypt. Trans. Min. Petroleum Assoc., Egypt, I(3): 9-32.
El Bakri, A., M.M. Hassaan and K.H.M. Abd El Ghanny, 1995. The Gattar Molybdenite: the upper zone
of silver-Gold mineralization. Al-Azhar Bull. Sci., 6(1): 803-814.
El-Gaby, S., F.X. List and R. Tehrani, 1988. Geology, Evolution and metallogenesis of the Pan-African
Belt in Egypt. In: S. El Gaby and R.O. Greiling (Editors). The Pan-African Belt of Northeast Africa and
Adjacent Areas, Tectonic Evolution and Economic Aspects of a Late Proterozoic Orogen. Earth Evolution
Sciences Nicweg W ieshaden.
El Shazly, E.M., 1957. Classification of the Egyptian mineral deposits, Egypt. Journ. Geol., I(1): 1-20.
El Shazly, E.M ., 1959. Notes on the mining map of Egypt. Repts. 20 th intern. Geol. Gongress, Mexico
(1956). Associ. African Geol. Surv., 423-437.
Fawzy Kh. M., 1986. A contribution to the geology of W adi Alam area, Eastern Desert, Egypt. M.Sc.
Thesis, Assiut Univ., pp: 141.
Greenwood, W .R., D .G. Hadley, R.E. Anderson, R.J. Fleck and D.L. Schmidt, 1976. Late Proterozoic
cratonization in southwestern Saudi Arabia, phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond., A280, 517-527.
Greiling, R.O., M.M. Abdeen, A.A. Dardir, H. El-Akhal, M.F. El-Ramly, G.M. El-Din, A.F. Osman, A.A.
Rashwan, A.H.N. Rice and M.F. Sadek, 1994. A structural synthesis of the Proterozoic Arabian-Sheild in
Egypt. Geologische Rundschau, 83: 484-501.
Hassaan M.M., M.M. Soliman, S.A. Azzaz and M.Y. Attawiya, 1986-1989. Geological studies on gold
mineralization at Sukkari, U m Ud and Samut, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Annals of the geological survey of Egypt,
XVI: 89-95.
Hassaan M.M. and A.M. El-Mezayen, 1995. Genesis of gold mineralization in Eastern Desert, Egypt. Al
Azhar Bull. Sci., 6(1): 921-933.
Hassaan M.M., A.M . El M ezayen, A.A. Dardir and M .M. Hassanein, 1996. II-Primary distribution pattern
of gold and associated elements in Abu Marawat mine, North Eastern desert and significance to exploration.
Al Azhar Bull. Sci., 7(1): 995-1016.
Hassaan M.M., 2001. Exploration for gold deposits in the Egyptian part of the Arabian Nubian Shield:
plate tectonics and remote sensing interpretation. Mineral Deposits at the Beginning of the 21 st century,
Piestrzyrski et al (Eds.) 2001Swet & Zeitlinger Publishers Lisse, 751-754.
Hassaan, M.M., 2006. Gold deposits in Egypt a renewing resource for national income, The Ninth Arab
Conference for M ineral Resources, pp: 3(Nov).
Hume, W .F., 1935. Geology of Egypt. Volume II. part II, Geol. Surv. Egypt., Cairo.
Hume, W .F., 1937. Geology of Egypt, Surv. Egypt, V. II, part III, pp: 990.
Kroner, A., R.O. Greiling, T. Reischmann, I.M. Hussein, R.J. Stern, Durr, J. St., Kruger and M. Zimmer,
1987. Pan African crustal evolution in northeast Africa. In: Kroner, A. (Ed.), Proterozoic Lithospheric
Evolution. Am. Geophysical Union, W ashington, DC, pp: 69-94.
Kusky, T. and T.M. Ramadan, 2002. Structural controls on Neoproterzoic mineralization in the South
Eastern Desert, Egypt: an Integrated Filed, Landsat TM and SIR-C/X SAR Approach. Journal of African Earth
Sciences, 35: 107-121.
Moharram, O., M.F. El-Ramly, A.F. Amer, S.S. Ivanov and D.Z. Gachechiladze, 1970. Studies on some
mineral deposits of Egypt. Geol. Surv, of Egypt. Special publication.
Ramadan, T.M. and A. Kontny, 2004. M ineralogical and structural characterization of alteration zones
detected by orbital remote sensing at Shalatein District area, SE Desert, Egypt. Journal of African Earth
Sciences, 40: 89-99.

808

Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 3(2): 797-809, 2009

Ragab, A.I. and Z. El-ALfy, 1996. Arc-Arc collesion model and its implication on a proposed classification
of the Pan-African rocks of the Eastern Desert of Egypt: M .E.R.C., Ain-Sham. Univ. Earth Sci. Ser., 10:
89-101.
Sabet, A.H. and V.P. Bordonosov, 1984. The gold ore formations in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Annals
Geol. Surv. of Egypt, XIV: 35-42.
Sabet, A.H., V.B. Tosgoev, L.P. Sarin, S.A. Azzazi, M.A. El Bedwi and G.A. Ghobrial, 1976. Tintantalum
deposit of Abu Dabbab Geol. Surv. Of Egypt. Ann. 6, Cairo, 93-117.
Shackelton, R.M., 1994. Review of Late Proterozoic sutures, ophiolite mlanges and tectonics of eastern
Egypt and northeast Sudan. Geologische Rundschau, 83: 537-546.
Soliman, M.M., M.Y. Attawiya, M.M. Hassaan, S.A. Azzaz and H.K. Eltabbal, 1989. Geology, petrography
and geochemistry of some major basement rock units, South Idfu-Mersa Alam Rood, Eastern Desert, Egypt.
Absts. Symp. Prec. Aug. 14-17, 1989, Helsinki, Finland, pp: 122.
Stoeser D.B. and V.E. Camp, 1985. Pan-African microplate accretion of the Arabian shield. Geol. Soc.
Amer. Bull, 96: 97-127.
Takla, M.A. and A.A. Hussein, 1995. Shield rocks and related mineralizations in Egypt. Eleventh Symp.
On Precambrian and Development Cairo, Abstract.

809