Geophysical investigations of the Umm ar Rummf copper prospect, Al Qunfudhah Quadrangle, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The Umm ar Rummf copper prospect, located about 30 km east of Al Qunfudhah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consists of zones of malachite disseminations and fracture fillings in outcrops of north-trending impure quartzite of the Bahah group. Systematic Crone electromagnetic and self-potential surveys indicate that weakly conductive tabular bodies having a weak to moderate self-potential effect extend downdip from two discontinuously exposed, parallel ridges of mineralized quartzite. Crone electromagnetic data were quantitatively interpreted using characteristic parameter lines adapted for use at 1830 and 5010 Hz, the frequencies employed at Umm ar Rummf. Depths to the top of the conductors were computed to be from 20 to 40 m or about the thickness of the oxidized zone, which behaves as a variably conductive overburden. Both tabular conductors can also be traced geophysically to the north and south of the copper-bearing outcrops. The association of the geophysical anomalies with copper-mineralized rocks has been proved by drilling. Reconnaissance MAXMIN electromagnetic profiles across the target using a wide coil separation show broad, low-amplitude anomalies that may indicate mineralized rocks at depth, and reconnaissance ground-magnetic profiles show strong total-field intensity anomalies associated with basaltic dikes of probable Tertiary age. In the central part of the area of investigation, these dikes produce large disturbances of the electrical fields.