Exploration and evaluation of gravel deposits in Wdi El – Gimal area – Eastern Desert – Egypt

 Sameeh,S. and El Fakhraney,N.A.

(Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority

Gravel deposits in Egypt is present  in big quantities in, East  Delta, West Nile Valley , Cairo- Alexandria desert road, Cairo -Suez road , Cairo Ismailia , Cairo - Fayium road, and along the Red Sea coast from Safaga to Halayib and Shalatin filling wades  and alluvial fans. These deposits grading in size from 20 cm to <2cm and consist of cobbles, pebbles and granules derived from the basement rocks.

 Generally  gravel occurrences in big quantities  and good quality  near important ports such as Safaga , Quesseir , Abu Ghson, Hamrawin and Ras Banas make it characteristic where it exports to neighboring countries as Kuwait ,United Arab Emirates , Palestine , Katr, Libya and others.

This Work deals with the exploration and evaluation of the gravels at Wadi El Gimal , south Mersa Alam

The studied area was explored by excavating tranches and pits along the exposure for of the gravel, and the surface plains, and floors of wades.

    Chemical analyses of some gravel samples were achieved to determine the following components; silica, alumina, chlorides, sulfates, total dissolved solids, organic constituents and PH value.

                Physical properties tests (density, porosity and water absorption) and mechanical analysis, were carried out for gravel samples.