Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
Geochemical stream sediments and bed-rock surveys were carried out on an area of about 400 km2 in the Muelha-Dungash area. Results indicated that Sn and Nb anomalies are concentrated near Gabal Mueilha and are related to the greisenized and albitized granites. Disseminated-type and vein-type gold mineralizations occur in propylitized granodiorites and quartz veins at Samut. Cu anomalies show wide distribution, with a large proportion confined to the central and southwestern parts of the district, where signs of hydrothermal alterations are clear. Most of the Cu, Sn and Nb anomalies coincide with ‘deep-seated tectonic zones’ having the direction of the Red Sea Rift System, which are characterized by anomalous radioactivity and intense metamorphism as well as metasomatism and mineralization caused by acidic intrusions. Under the arid conditions of the Southeastern Desert of Egypt, stream sediments and bed rock surveys proved to be suitable methods of prospecting.