Preliminary results of a trip October 30-December 21, 1965, to the area between Sha'ya and Jabal Bani Bisqan, Saudi Arabia, together with a synopsis of mineral reconnaissance in the Asir quadrangle

The area between Sha'ya and Jabal Bani Bisun in the Asir quadrangle has scant evidence of mineralization except for the single small lode gold mine called Al Lugatah, which was examined by D. F. Shaffner in 1957. No part of the area appears to justify immediate further investigation. However, for long-range planning of mineral exploration three low-priority parts of the area can be recommended for future examination:(1) disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite east of As Subaykhah (19°07'N.x 43°24'E.); a chromite occurrence (19°13'N.x 43°28'E.) south of Jaash; and homatiticagglomarate (19°58'N.x 43°22'E.) near Bi'r Malah.

The most important mineral deposits known in the part of the Asir quadrangle east of the escarprent and north of latitude 18°N. are the gossan at Bi'r Idimah (18°30'N.x 44°10'E.) - Wadi Wassat, and the asbestos cast of Hamdah (19°02'N.x 43° 35'E.). Work is currently under way to evaluate the gossan, and mineralogical studies are being made of the asbestos.