Mineralogical Investigation of Economic Minerals Content in Wadi Arar, Northern Border Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: Mineralogical Investigation was conducted in Wadi Arar to detect economic minerals in Arar city at Northern Border Region (NBR), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods/Analysis: A study area is located between latitudes 30o 59.735′ N and 30o 55.187′ N, Longitudes 41o 02.027′ E and 40o 59.896′ E, and it is length was 7.5 km approximately. Twenty samples was collected across 7 profiles perpendicular or diagonal along the Wadi Arar, from the top of surficial layer and their averages depth ranged between 40-70 cm. Several experimental methods carried out for each sample including: drying, screening, splitting, sieving, microscopic investigation, magnetic fractionation, wet gravity, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Findings: Most of economic heavy minerals included ferromagnetic grains (most probably) such as magnetite, Ilmenite, and traces of rutile and zircon. In addition, some of other heavy minerals were also recorded including pyroxenes (mainly augite), magnesite and dolomite. Novelty/Improvement: This study is the first to investigate the economic value of Wadi Arar. The results provided valuable recommendations for further work that can help researchers and agencies (government or private) to better understand the value of mineralogical Investigation in the region. Keywords: Half-size Shaking Table, Economic Minerals, Magnetite, Magnetic Separator, Mechanical Shaker, Wadi Arar