Geophysical Investigation of Batain nappes carbonatite, eastern Oman

Carbonatites are igneous rocks containing more than 50 modal percent of carbonate minerals with subordinate amounts of mafic silicate minerals, potassium feldspar, apatite and other minerals (Streckeisen, 1980). They generally have the highest rare-earth elements (REEs) content among all igneous rocks, with the average concentrations of 3600 ppm, reaching up to 42000 ppm in some carbonatites (Mariano, 1989; Chakhmouradian, 2009). Recently, carbonatite deposits were discovered at different locations within the Batain nappes of eastern Oman (Peters et al., 2001; Nasir et al., 2008, 2011). These deposits are rich in dolomite, apatite, magnetite and average REEs content of about 2400 ppm (Nasir 2014, 2016). Subsurface geophysical models of this region can significantly help to better delineate the deposits and estimate the reserves. The aim of this project is to use integrated geophysical (gravity, magnetics, electromagnetic and radiometric) methods to obtain robust subsurface models of the region characterized by the carbonatite deposits. Such models are expected to give better insight into the vertical and lateral extent of the exposed carbonatite bodies. The results are pertinent to reserve estimation and the economic viability of the carbonatite bodies. REEs, an important component of the discovered carbonatites, form a crucial part of the most promising growth channel for the Oman mining industry. They can be used for production of mobile phones, computing devices, varieties of electronic products, batteries and permanent magnets. Funding this project will be an important investment in the economic development of Oman. This research proposal is based on the recommendation of the joint SQU-Authority of Mining Committee.

Carbonatites are igneous rocks containing more than 50 modal percent of carbonate minerals with subordinate amounts of mafic silicate minerals, potassium feldspar, apatite and other minerals (Streckeisen, 1980). They generally have the highest rare-earth elements (REEs) content among all igneous rocks, with the average concentrations of 3600 ppm, reaching up to 42000 ppm in some carbonatites (Mariano, 1989; Chakhmouradian, 2009). Recently, carbonatite deposits were discovered at different locations within the Batain nappes of eastern Oman (Peters et al., 2001; Nasir et al., 2008, 2011). These deposits are rich in dolomite, apatite, magnetite and average REEs content of about 2400 ppm (Nasir 2014, 2016). Subsurface geophysical models of this region can significantly help to better delineate the deposits and estimate the reserves. The aim of this project is to use integrated geophysical (gravity, magnetics, electromagnetic and radiometric) methods to obtain robust subsurface models of the region characterized by the carbonatite deposits. Such models are expected to give better insight into the vertical and lateral extent of the exposed carbonatite bodies. The results are pertinent to reserve estimation and the economic viability of the carbonatite bodies. REEs, an important component of the discovered carbonatites, form a crucial part of the most promising growth channel for the Oman mining industry. They can be used for production of mobile phones, computing devices, varieties of electronic products, batteries and permanent magnets. Funding this project will be an important investment in the economic development of Oman. This research proposal is based on the recommendation of the joint SQU-Authority of Mining Committee.