Geologic reconnaissance of the Al Qunfidhah area, Tihamat Ash Sham quadrangle, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Preliminary mineral investigations in the A1 Qunfidhah area, Tihamat Ash Sham quadrangle, indicate that four target zones merit detailed study. These are (1) the West Gossan, (2) the pyrocalstic pile 13 Kilometers of Suq A1 Khamis, (3) the Wadi Sishah copper prospect, and (4) the Wadi Yiba copper prospect. Copper sulfides and carbonates appear to be the most abundant economic minerals present, although nickel, zinc, lead, molybdenum, gold, and silver may also occur in important amounts. In addition to locating specific target zones, the results delimit particular stratigraphic horizons which should be included in future regional mineral investigations.

The rocks of the area are comprised of a eugeosynclinal assemblage of Precambrian metavolcanics and metasediments which are intruded by granitic rocks of at least two ages. Rocks which predate the latest granite intrusive are regionally metamorphosed, folded, and faulted. In most cases, zones containing economic minerals occur at or near the top of a volcanic pile and in marine sedimentary, rocks above the volcanic pile. The results from preliminary studies suggest a close genetic relationship between sulfide mineralization and volcanism.