Geochemical Assessment of Middle Eocene Limestone Deposits in Wadi Tanhalin, Eastern Yemen, for Industrial Uses

Ibrahim A. Al-Akhaly , Abdelmonem M. Habtoor

Abstract: Good quality of huge limestone deposits is found in many parts of Yemen, particularly in AlMaharah Govemorate. Limestone samples from Wadi Tanhalin, Al Ghaydah area SE Yemen, have been investigated for its suitability for industrial applications. Petrographic study showed that these limestones are foraminiferal packstone type. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) studies indicated that the limestone samples were composed of CaCO3 (average 97.57%). The results for the major oxide composition showed that CaO content ranges from 52.01-56.00% with a mean value of 54.64%. The other oxides are present in traces amounts and loss on ignition (LOI) ranges from 43.04-45.30 % with a mean value of 43.82 %, suggesting a high CaCO3 content (92.88-100%, with an average of 97.57%). The CaO exhibits a strong negative correlation with LOI and moderate negative correlation with MnO, Al2O3 and MgO. The trace elements contents expressed in ppm were found to be Zn (10.21-18.92), Pb (<7.50), Cr (10.46-14.69) and as (16.54-30.32). The aim of this paper is to determine the suitability of Middle Eocene limestone deposits in Wadi Tanhalin for industrial applications from the geochemical data. The results obtained showed that, Wadi Tanhalin limestone is high purity and suitable for industrial fields such as; steel industry, paper, filler, pottery and porcelain ware, bleaching powder, soda ash and caustic soda, calcium carbide, sugar, textile production, adhesive and sealants, agriculture and animal feed.

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