Suitability of the Carbonate Successions for Different Industrial Uses, Pira Magroon Anticline, Northern Part of Iraq, Kurdistan Region

Abstract

Many geological formations are exposed in the Pira Magroon anticline (Mountain); in the northeastern part of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The components of the exposed formations are carbonate rocks, especially limestone, which might be utilized for different industrial uses. To have an industrial assessment for the exposed limestone beds in the Pira Magroon anticline, Zewe Gorge has been chosen for sampling, where the Shiranish and Kometan formations are exposed in the outlet of the gorge. Eleven samples have been collected within the Shiranish and Kometan Formations starting from the bottom of the Kometan Formation, with different sampling intervals. Thereafter, the samples were prepared to be tested by XRF machine; in order to show the concentrations of the main oxides in the collected samples. The weighted averages were calculated from the concentrations of the oxides, and then the averages were indicated. Accordingly, the data was compared with the Iraqi and other industrial standards, to know the usage of the tested rocks for different industries. The acquired data showed that the carbonate successions of the Kometan and Shiranish Formations of the Zewe Gorge in the Pira Magroon Anticline, can be used in cement production.