PAKISTAN MINERAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION-FATA-DC

PESHAWAR

GEOLOGICAL REPORT OF

SHINKAI COPPER MINERALIZATION NORTH WAZIRISTAN AGENCY

BY

M.NAWAZ KAHN (Geologist)

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Nov. 2008

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Figures:

Fig No. 1: Location map of North Waziristan Agency.

Fig No. 2: Geological map of North Waziristan.

Fig No. 3: Geological maps of Shinkai area.

Fig No. 4: Detail geological map of prospect No. 6.

Fig No. 5: Detail geological map of prospect No. 3.

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INTRODUCTION

The Waziristan ignous complex of North and South Waziristan Agencies

form an elongated belt of 1127 km2 nearly at Pak-Afghan border. It extends west

ward Northward up to khost in Afghanistan and south ward into Bela-Muslim

bagh of Baluchistan.

It is a typical ophiolite of ocean crust with diagnostic sequence of ocean

floor rock sequence. The rock sequence of the belt consists mostly of the ocean

floor environment including ultrabasics, volcanic rock and associated shallow to

deep marine sediments as remnants of the new Tethies ocean floor environment.

The WOC demarcates the suture zone that separate Indian plate from Eurasian

plate in the north and Afghanistan & Iran blocks in the west. It is Waziristan

ophiolite is the third largest among the six major ophiolite of Pakistan and is

associated with Jurassic cretaceous & early tertiary stratigraphic sequence and

locally covered by quaternary deposits. It is technically emplaced in indo-pak

plate in Paleocene to early Eocene where it occur in thrust slices over riding the

messozic rock sequence of Indian mass. The sequence is obducted onto the

Cretaceous shallow shelf sediments of the IndoPak plate in Paleocene to early

Eocene time.

The Waziristan ophiolite complex is structurally very disturbed. The rocks

are intensively folded, faulted, fractured & brecciated. Deformation has

dismembered the ophiolite in a stack of thrust slices and no example of complete

section in normal order is present in the area, but all the members of ophiolite are

scattered in different localities.

Geologically, it contain all the components of typical ophiolite (ultramafics,

gabbro sheeted dikes, plagio granite, volcanic rocks mainly basaltic pillow lava,

andesite, dacite and pelagic sediments i.e. Jesperite & limestone).

The ophiolite belt of Waziristan is economically potential for certain type of

ore deposits, consisting VMS type of copper deposits, podiform chromite &

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banded manganese. The occurrences of these deposits in the ophiolite belt of

Waziristan was first reported by Asrarullah of GSP, Taher Kheli, Aftab Ahmed

(1959), Afzal (1970) and recommended the same for further detail exploration.

The defunct FATA Development Corporation in 1971 conducted the first

regional geological survey, geological mapping in different parts of North and

South Waziristan agencies and identified spotted findings of copper showing &

other metallic minerals in the ophiolite belt. Major occurrences were confined to

Shinkai, Degan Phakhel area North Waziristan and Spin Kammar, Makin, Shawal

etc. areas of south Waziristan.

FATA-DC conducted detail exploration for copper, manganese and

chromite. Major exploration for copper were confined to Shinkai and Degan

Pakhel localities around Tochi river in north Waziristan. The exploration activities

mainly consist of survey, mapping, grid sampling and shallow drilling for

delineation of prospective belts/ zones and as a result identified 15 prospects of

various aerial extents in these areas.

On priority basis, some of these prospects have been subjected into detail

exploration through detail geological mapping, geophysical survey (1P) and core

drilling and as result 35 million tones of copper ore with average 0.8% Cu has

been established in prospect 2 & 3 at Shinkai area. As a result of detailed

investigation including detailed survey, IP geophysical survey and probe drilling,

total of 35 million tonne of copper ore with an average grade of 0.8% have been

identified in Shinkai copper prospect.

Primary sulphide mineralization (pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite) are confined

to the chloritized pillow breccia as stock work, fracture filling, cavity filling and

dissemination. Chromite mineralization in the form of stringer, lenses,

dissemination is widely spread in the ultramafic rock sequence of the ophiolite

belt in North & South Waziristan Agencies. The Mineralization is mostly

associated with peridolite & sheared serpentinite. Locals of the area are involved

extraction of chromite through application of very primitive mining methods.

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Manganese occurrences have been reported from Saidgai and Barzai

areas. These deposits both banded & massive hosted by metachert/ jesperite.

Local are involved in mining of these deposits in Degan Pakhel & DataKhel area

of north Waziristan on small scale.

No economic deposits of magnesite, talc, soap and iron are found/

identified so far with in Waziristan igneous complex.

In pelagic rock component of ophiolite belt, transparent to translucent

zones/ layers of Jesperite are found at places. These are fine grained red to

brown in colour having smooth surface and homogenous texture which give

good look in the field. These zones of jesperite may be tried as decoration stones

& semi gemstone for ornamental purpose.

On the basis of geological environment, mineralogical study, chemical

analysis, geophysical & core drilling, the area contained enormous potential for

Cyprus type deposits of copper mineralization and have attracted different private

companies from Chins, Austrilia for joint venture but unfortunately the matter was

not materialized at higher level.

The exploration activities on north Waziristan copper remained suspended

for about 20 years period. However realizing the potential of Waziristan copper

deposits, FATA-DC has launched copper exploration/ development project at

North Waziristan through PMDC as executive Agency for a period of four years

w.e.f. 01.07.07.

Exploration activities on North Waziristan copper suspended for the last

15 years. The New administration of FATA Development Authority proposed

additional exploration studies on the known reserves. The studies aims at

preparing ground for pre-feasibility and proving additional reserves in the

immediate surrounding of the known copper occurrences in Shinkai area of North

Waziristan Agency.

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The main objective of this project is to enhance the already established

reserves of copper at Shinkai area through additional detail exploration i.e.

surface mapping, geophysical survey, drilling & reserves calculation. Under this

project, a systematic database of copper & allied metals particularly gold, Zn, Ni

& Co will be generated and documented to prepare bankable documents of the

deposits for attracting national & multinational investment for further mining,

processing & development of Shinkai copper prospect. The project is under

implementation and hoping good results & positive response.

LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY:

The Shinkai Copper Prospect is located on Tophosheet No 38 H/13 at

69°,50’,00" and 32°,51’,35". The area lies 30km west of Miranshah (The Head

Quarter of N.Waziristan Agency). Miranshah is located about 270 Km south of

Peshawar and about 60 km west of Bannu. Approach roads in the project site are

fair, weather and access to most of the prospects out crops is easy.

TOPHOGRAPHY/ CLIMATE:

The topography is fair. The entire out crop is having a moderate degree of

slope. The elevation is generally in range of 1545 to 1845 meter above the sea

level. The annual range of temperature various from 35º - 40ºc in the summer

season and 10-20ºC in winter season. There is little rain fall in the summer

season while moderate rain fall with highest peaks received snow fall in the

winter season.

EXPLORATION HISTORY

Since long Waziristan is known for various types of minerals like iron,

copper, chromite, manganese etc and great efforts had been made to explore,

develop and expoit the mineral wealth of this region. However, every efforts

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made in this direction was hampered by the hostile attitude of the locals. Even

today the overall position in the area is not satisfactory and no working

environments exist.

Alcoulson (1935 & 1940) was the first while conducting geological survey

over an area along Jandola-Wana and Jandola-Rizmak lines, reported clays,

coal, copper, iron, nickel and oil, none being of any economic importance.

Asrarullah of GSP (1957) visited a number of localities for chromite,

copper, iron, coal, oil and gas etc. His work was too much of reconnaissance

type and therefore, he recommended further work. Tahir Kheli (verbal

converstion) traversed Spin Kamar and some other interior parts and located

veins of native copper, sulphide and chromite. He also visited Boya area and

recommended detail exploration work for copper mineralization at Shinkai.

Aftab Ahmed (1959) worked Nayi-Regha Manzer Khel area for chromite,

manganese, copper, iron and asbestos. His report, was more detailed than the

previous ones, carries a geological map of 350 sq miles area on 1:633 scale

Afzal (1970), in continuation of the geological investigation of Aftab Ahmed,

worked on copper and chromite and identified some new occurrences. Reserves

of 1774.9 tons of copper ore were estimated at Khai and Modar Algads.

WPIDC (1972) on behalf of FATA Development Corporation carried out

investigation on copper and chromite in Boya area. Twelve chromite occurrences

of disseminated, bands, stringes and veins were identified with a total reserves of

67.75 tones. Copper was concluded to have three modes of mineralization, vis

vein copper; occupying the shear or brecciated zones and dispersions of copper

minerals in altered caps or oxidation zones. Further work was recommended.

Since 1977. FATA Development Corporation took the task in hand and continued

their survey, investigation and exploration activities till 1995.

The FATA DC, first regional survey, consisting of base mapping and

mineral exploration in different parts of North and South Waziristan Agencies. As

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result of the said preliminary survey & exploration work, occurrence of copper

and other minerals have been identified along the ophiolite belt in North and

South Waziristan agencies. The prospects of copper mineralization at Shinkai &

Degan Pakel area around Tochi river was picked up as potential targets and

identified 15 Nos mineralized bodies in roughly 5x2 km area.

The prospective areas with gossans of Shinkai and Degan Paikhel were

subjected into detail exploration and the initial studies established the fact that

Shinkai prospect is one of the promising target, having bright chances of

becoming feasible prospect.

The exploration activities carried out by FATA DC along Waziristan

ophiolite belt w.e.f. 1976 till 1995 is summarized as below.

a) Preparation of geological base map of Waziristan ophiolite belt & its

immediate surrounding on scale 1:50,000.

b) Preparation of geological map of copper bearing areas on scale 1: 20,000,

supplemented by surface grid sample analysis & ISO chem surface

anomaly.

c) Detailed survey & geological mapping of gossans on scle 1:10,000.

d) Enlarge maps of promosing prospects on 1:5000

e) Geophysical survey in Degan Pakhel & Shinkai area using electro

magnetic, gravity, magnetic & 1.P.

f) Core drilling of 1264 meters through 92 holes with an average depth of

150 meters in Degan Pakel & Shinkai area.

g) Chemical analysis of 9500 core samples at 3 meters interval, and 5500

surface grid samples.

h) Megoscopic study & logging of core at 1m interval.

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i) Petrographic study of bore holes samples.

j) Cross check of copper & trace elements at Resource Development

Corporation, Louester University U.K.

Based on the aforementioned exploration work a total of 35 million tons of

copper ore was established at Shinkai prospect 2 & 3 with an average of 0.8%

Cu. Out of this 8 million tones has been proved, while 27 million tons is in

indicated category. Other associated metals including Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Pb & Zn

are expected as by products.

On the basis of geological mapping at scale of 1:1000 meter, the fifteen

mineralized bodies of Shinkai & Deghan have an areal extension of 272706 Sq

meter. The reserves of the copper ore with 3 mean density and 150 m inferred

depth work out to 122.71 m/ tones (Main Sayed Badshah 1985).

During the years, 1996 a Chinese expert geologist professor Zhitian Wang

assess feasibility of the project. During his 3 months stay in office as well as at

project site, he critically reviewed all the exploration data pertaining to copper

exploration and was of the opinion that the Shinkai prospect, if further explored

with a systematic approach and technical lines, would become successful

venture. He also proposed certain addition exploration work & research study to

be conducted in order to establish additional reserves & enhance the present

reserves to attract investment for further development & exploration of Waziristan

copper.

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GEO-TECTONIC HISTORY OF WAZIRISTAN IGNOUS COMPLEX

The Waziristan ignous complex which covered about 5000 km2 in North and

South Waziristan Agencies, is the continuation of the Khost ophiolite of

Afghanistan while that of Zhob (Baluchistan) is considered part of it. The ophiolite

complex consist of structurally lower unit comprising pillow lava, chert &

limestone, while structurally upper unit consist of group of ultrabasic with

associated gabbro and dolorite sheets. The ophiolite is polygenetic in character.

There are six ophiolite complexes in Pakistan, three of these is ocean

crust related, while others are of island arc affinity/ subduction related. Among

these, the Waziristan is third most largest after Zhob and Bela ophiolites. The

Waziristan separate the Indian plate from Eurasian plate and the Gondwanic

micro contents such as Afghanistan Iran blocks in north & west respectively and

represent typical ophiolite of oceanic crust. The sedimentary rock associated

Waziristan ophiolite are Mesozoic & Early Tertiary in age and locally covered by

quaternary deposits. The ophiolite occur as thrust slicies overriding Jurassic to

cretaceous sediments of the Tethyan Shelf Sequence. At places, rocks of the

ophiolite are overlain unconformably by limestone and Shale of Eocen age (Khan

etal 1983 Badshah 1985). On the basis of such sequential arrangements, Jan et-

al 1985 suggested that the slices of Neo-Telhyan oceanic lithosphere along

suture zone obducted on to the deltic sedimentary wedge of the Indian plate

margin in response to the north ward drifting of indo-pak plate and thus it lies

close to an important suture zone.

The entire Waziristan ophiolite belt display a complex structure. The rocks

are generally intensively, thrusted, folded, faulted and in places fractured,

brecciated & granulated. Deformation has dismembered the ophiolite which now

consist of Chaotically arranged stack of thrust slices and hence a complete

normal order sequence is no here preserved. However all the members of typical

ophiolite (ultramafic, gabbro, pillow, lava, sheated dikes, pelagic dediments &

plagic qranite) are present in different localities.

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Regional tectonics on plate scale, the counter clock wise rotation and

obduction of ophiolite further added to the deformation of the prospective areas.

Skinkai area & its immediate surrounding show moderate to high degree

of structure deformation in response to regional tectonics resulting in S1 type

folding, subsequent thrust & strike slip displacement is some what obliterated by

regional tectonics during closure of Neo-Tehys & subsequent obduction.

Recurrent milanges and dismembered sequence present a complex stratigraphy

and structure of Shinkai area.

The copper in Waziristan area represent a volcanogenic massive sulphide

deposits genetic model, originated at divergent plate boundary and then

obducted over indo-pak. U Pb isotope on Zircon from plagio granite of khuzdar

ophiolite (Baluchistan) gave an age of 65 ma (Ahmad 1992). The thrusting of

ultramafic from the west and north over the pillow breccia produced two main

anticlinal structure (Mian Ihsan & Ihsan Afridi) one at prospect No. 3 & the other

at prospect No. 2. The axes of these anticlinal folds intersect one another at high

angle as result of the combined effect of the compressional stresses from the

west and north. The overall structures present a complex post mineralization

deformation of stock work zone and may have been responsible for the

displacement of the massive sulphide to the north east of prospects 2 and 3.

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LOCAL GEOLOGY:

The Geology of the area typically represent the oceanic crust ophiolite

rock assemblage related to divergent plate boundaries, where igneous activities

take place along the mid oceanic ridge at sea floor spreading centre. The local

geology of the Shinkai and surrounding area comprising of the following rock

units.

(A) VOLCANICS:

The volcanic rock sequence of the area consists of basalts, andesite,

dacite, rhyollite, tuffs and agglomerate. The basalt & andesite are voluminous

rock, while the other are found as subordinate.

BASALT:

Basalt is generally pillow structure, but may also occurs in the form of

massive beds. The phenocrysts of clinophyroxene and plagioclase with little

olivine magnetite are found in the ground mass of basalts. These are generally

brown to dark grey and light green. It also varies in style, size and in degree of

alteration. The pillow are mostly elongated in form, however circuler and oval

shape pillow are also noted in places. The pillow is generally jointed, fractured,

crushed & brecciated at places. The material in between two pillows are highly

deformed, weathered, glassy/ cemented, which indicate later sub aerial or

shallow volcanism. Turtal lava, volcanic bom/ Agglomerate are found as irregular

masses just North of prospect No.3. This sows shearing phenomena & sub aerial

volcanism.

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The pillow lava in the Shinkai area is common in the surrounding of

prospect 3 and 2 as well as overlying the ultrabasic rock in this site. Chlorite,

epidote, zoelite and calcite are their common alteration phases.

ANDESITE:

These are the voluminous rocks of volcanic group in the area. These are

fine to medium grained, porpphyritic to vesicular in texture. The plagioclase and

phyroxene forms the phenocrysts. The domenent constituent minerals are

plagioclase, phyroxene. Chlorite, fibrous amphibole & phyroxene forms most of

the ground mass. Pulses of diorite to granodiorite composition and small lenses

of carbonate (limestone, marble) are also found in these rocks.

RHYOLITE/ DACITE:

Rhyolite and dacite are found as minor or subordinate volcanic rock in the

area. They occur mostly in the form of pactches of few meter thick. They are

hard, compact and white to grey in colour. These are fine grained, light green to

whitish green volcanic, mostly occurred in the form of dykes/ sills and composed

of quarts and feldspar with chlorite, epidote and sercite as accessories.

Dacite exhibit porphyritic texture with plagioclase as main phenocryst

phase and feldspar, quartz and muscovite formed the ground mass, while alkali

feldspar and qtrz both as phenocrysts are found in the ground mass of Rhyolite.

TUFFS AND AGGLOMERATE:

The tuffs and agglomerate are very fine grained with chlorislized glassy

matrix and show very obvious flow structure. Turtle eye structure are also

common in the agglomerate/ bom volcanic, locally named Turtle lava.

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(B) ULTRAMAFIC:

Roughly running in a north east – south west direction, the ultramafics

occupy the central part of the north-south Waziristan Agencies. These include

peridotites, Harzbergite, phroxenite and dunite which are generally serpentinized.

PERIDOTITES:

The peridotite are dark coloured and medium to coarse grained. These

are mainly composed of clinophyroxene with subordinate orthophyroxene and

olivine which are slightly altered into serpentine at places. Stringes, veins and

pockets of chromite are rarely present. In few places cross fibers of asbestose

has taken place.

DUNITE:

Dunite is mostly found in the form of lenses, pockets and paches in

Herzbergite. It is coarse grained, duly green to olive green and brownish grey

rocks, mainly composed of olivine & phyroxene. Chormite occurrence in the form

of stringes, dessimination and vein are sporadically found. The dunite is altered

into serpentinite at places.

HERZBERGITE:

The harzbergite are the voluminous rocks among other ultrabasic rocks.

These are greenish dark to back in colour and coarse grained. Individual crystal

exhibit mica shine. Olivine and orthophyroxene are the main constituents with

subordinate clinophyroxene. The olivine and phroxene is commonly altered into

serpentinite, talc, chlorite, kaoline. Dark-redish-brown materials are also noted

with in these rocks.

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PYROXENITE:

It is dark green and coarsely rock, mainly composed of clinophyroxene,

plagioclase with subordinate orthophroxene which are altered into serpentinite,

talc and or chlorite. Magnesite veins mostly fracture filled are found along the

fault zones or tightly tectonised sheared zones.

(C) PLUTONIC ROCKS

GABBRO:

These rocks generally occupy the extreme southern side of the Shinkai

site upsteam in nalla intruded into ultrabasic rocks. These are medium to coarse

grained with grey to whitish and brown colour, on fresh surface. These are

intensely fractured & jointed. In hand specimen under pocket microscope,

consists of plagioclase, phyroxene, hornblende & opaque minerals. The

alteration of sericite, epidote, chlorite, clay and amphibole minerals are common.

The rocks also contained thick fractures with serpentine and talc infill.

(D) PLAGIO-GRANITE

Plagio-granite occur as small plugs and intruded the ultra basic rock to the

south of prospect No.6 at Shinkai area. Several bodies of plagio granite has been

found with in the ultrasic in the premises of prospect No.6. These are coarse

grained, circular to enlogated bodies with large crystal/ laths of plagio clase.

These are grey to whitish grey, equigranulor to sub equigranular & consist of

plagioclase, quarts, feldspar with accessories of chlorite, muscovite, amphibole

and opaque minerals. One small elongated body is found just on the faulted

contact of volcanic & ultra basic with in the serpentinite/ hurzbergite rocks.

Another large semicircular body is found on top of the ridge, south of prospect

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No. 6. In this area more such bodies of very limited extent has been found with in

the ultra basic rocks. These have sharp contact with the enclosing rocks.

Granite is weathered on surface and greyish on fresh surface. Paches of

ultra basic rock (Serpentinite) are also noted with in the plagio-granite.

At some places, the plagiogranite is so intermixed with ultra basic rocks

that constituted rock of intermediate composition. This intrusion indicate the last

stage of magmatic activity, usually dry i.e. lacking any mineralization.

(E) PELAGIC SEDIMENTS

These sediments mostly overlies the volcanic rock (pillow lava) in the

project area and have a tectonic contacts. They comprises predominantly

jesperite with chertly shales and limestone. Jesperite is maroon and greenish

grey in hand specimen and is thin to medium bedded with fine grained matrix.

Cherty shale is red-brown and is very hard. These are host rock for

manganese, lenses of which have been reported from Deghan & Data Khel area.

These are composed of chert, quartz with calcite as subordinate. Calcite

veins mostly form a network/ cross cutting the meta chert/ Jesperite. Cherty

bands of variable length are also found.

The limestone is grey to reddish in colour, massive, medium to thick

bedded, jointed, cracked & folded at places. Unidentified fossils has also been

found with in the limestone. At one place just above south of prospect No. 3, the

limestone is being mined for extraction of blocks as a dimension stone.

The limestone is found as lenses or isolated blocks within rock sequence

of pelagic sediments. Lenses of pelagic sediments (Jesperite, limestone) are also

found within the basalt volcanic which indicate late phase of volcanic activity.

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This phenomena is common just south of prospect No. 3 and prospect No. 2,

where basalt pillow lava is in contact with pelagic sediments.

(F) DYKES/ SILLS:

Basic to intermediate and acidic dykes of very limited extension has been

found with in the ophiolite complexes at places. These include dolerite, diorite,

rhyolite and diabase dykes / sills.

(i) DOLERITE

Dolerite are fine to medium grained with granular texture, greyish in colour

and also weathered on surface. Mostly consist of plagioclase, chlorite, hornblend,

phyroxene & opaque mineral, plagioclase some time altered into epidote. These

rocks are found as dykes/ sills, sporadically injected into the country rocks i.e. the

rocks of ophiolite belt. Plagioclase & clinophyroxene are the major constituent

minerals with hornblende and Biotite are the subordinate. Chlorite, serpentine,

epidote are the common alteration phases.

(ii) DIORITE:

Medium to coarse grained, mostly composed of feldspar, quartz,

amphisbole & opaque minerals. These dykes/ sills are very small in size &

variable in shape, whitish to light grey in colour. In some places sheets of diorite

(west-south of prospect No. 2) associated with pelagic sediments (jesperite +

limestone) and volcanic rocks.

(iii) RHYOLITE:

Later intrusion in the form of volcanic pulses (rhyolitic, in composition) are

also found with in ultra basic, south of prospect No.6. These volcanic are very

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fined grained, greyish in colour and silicified in composition. Consists

plagiochase, chlorite and quartz.

Numerous dykes/ sills of dolerite, diorite & rhyolite of very limited

extension have been found with in the Ultra basic rocks in the area of prospect

No.6.

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MINERALIZATION:

Since long the Waziristan area is known for various minerals like iron,

manganese, copper and chromite etc. The area had been visited by a number of

local and foreign geologists. A.L. Coulson (1935-1940) covered area along

Jandola-Wana and Jandula-Razmik lines and reported clay, coal, copper, iron,

nickol & oil, non being of economic importance. Asrarullah 1957 visited a number

of localities for copper, chromite, iron, coal etc and recommend further work.

However, the Defunct FATA DC, 1971 conducted the first regional

geological survey and mineral exploration in parts of North and South Waziristan

Agencies. As result they have identified sporaodic showing of copper

mineralization in the Waziristan ophiolite complex. Several gossan have been

identified and studied in Shinkai Mohammad Khel area, confined to 10 km2 area.

These yellowish to redish colour gossans form North-East to South trending belt

in Shinkai area. Copper mineralization is associated with these leached /

oxidized zones in the form of primary and secondary sulplrides.

These yellow leached and oxidized gossans are found in the form of

irregular bodies of various size and shape and are delineated as prospects with

Nos to make easy their identification in the field and also for further geological

interpretation. After detail survey, the Shinkai and Degan Paikhel area of North

Waziristan was found of significant importance for copper mineralization. Both of

these areas were subjected to detail exploration including geological mapping,

sampling, geophysical survey and core drilling and established these areas

prospective for the further detail exploration/ development.

The gossans are generally accompanied pillow breccia which contained

sulphide mineralization in the form of stock work, fine dissemination and laminea.

The exposed out crop, commonly shows leaching of copper & iron pyrites, giving

yellowish, reddish and greenish tent to the immediate surrounding rocks. The

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talus materials noted around the prospects indicate heavy weathering and

leaching out of the contained sulplride mineralization.

Sulphide mineralization is confined to the stock work zones in the form of

dissemination, fracture and cavity filling as well as blebs or laminea in the ground

mass. The sulphide mineralization is mostly in the form of chalopyrite, pyrite,

bornite, sphallerite, pyrrhotite along with its associated secondary oxidary oxides

including malaclrite, goethite, Jarrosite & limonite. Sulphide mineralization is

commonly associated with pronounce alteration zones of chlorite, epidote,

Quartz, calcite & zeolite.

Most of the prospects in the Shinkai area are associated with fault

bounded graben, particularly along the southern limb of the graben closed to the

faulted contact. On the northern limb of the graben, the faulted contact is mostly

covered by alluvium, however where exposed small paches of gossans have

been encountered. Moreover, major portion of the graben is alluvium covered,

which may have some hidden prospects of the sulphide mineralization.

The prospects identified with in the fault bounded graben at Shinkai area,

are named prospect No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. From P1 to P5, these are found

along southern limb/fault of the graben, while prospect No.6 is lying at its nose.

It has also been noticed that few prospects are located out side of the

graben with in the rock sequence of ultrabasic & andesite volcanic. These

prospects are named as prospect No. 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 respectively.

The geological description of these prospects are summarized below.

Project – 1: No yet located and studied.

Prospect No. 2: An elongated body of gossan/ oxiolized zone with yellowish

to red-brownish capping, lying at the month of Mada-Algnut nalla and extend in

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east direction toward ward prospect No. 3. Minor secondary sulphide i.e.

malachite, lemonite and goethite are noted in places. The host rock is brecciated

volcanic, andesite to basalt in composition. The gossan/ oxidized body of the

brecciated volcanic are yellow to brownish in colour, soft, crushed/ sheared with

contamination of pelagic sediments (jesperite). This indicate that the brecciated

volcanic are the later phase of volcanism.

Stock work/ brecciated zone is massive, jointed/ fractured and is

surrounded by yellowish colour gossan caping. Chlorite and Zeolite alteration are

noted at places with in the oxidized/ gossan body.

The volcanic rock at the northern contact of prospect is epidotized at

places. To the west of the prospect brecciated volcanic is slightly oxidized.

Further west ward oxidization is decreases while epidotization is common.

Toward east is lying prospect No. 3 while the area in between two prospects are

alluvium covered.

Geophysical survey of the prospect also give weak positive anomalies

along certain profiles.

No primary sulphide mineralization is observed so far. However, this

prospect was subjected by FATA-DC to core drilling, wherein few drill holes have

intersected the primary sulphide mineralization in the form of disseminated pyrite

and chalcopyrite.

The geological characteristics of the prospect is very interesting, however,

the prospect need closed electrode spacing 1.p geophysical survey to locate any

hidden sulphide orc body as well as core drilling of the positive geophysical

anomaly.

22

PROSPECT NO. 3:

The prospect No. 3, a semi circular body of oxidized rock with gossan,

caping covering an area of about 1sq km. The brecciated stock work zone is

occupied the centre part of the prospect. The stock work zone is highly fractured,

jointed & cracked, giving rise to cress cross structure. Malachite showing are

dominant on the southern side of the prospect. Primary sulphide mineralization in

the form of disseminated pyrite, chalcopyrite and blebs of chalcopyrite are

confined to stock work zones. The mineralization is mostly associated with

fractures, crackes and cavities as well as in the ground mass of the brecciated

volcanic. Disseminated pyrite + chalcopyrite are also found with in oxidized

brecciated volcanic beyond the stock work zone with in the prospect area.

Chlorite alteration is common mostly associated with sulphide mineralization.

Quartz, calcite, zeolite and epidote alteration are also noted at places. Jarosite,

limonite and goethite mineralization are common. Potential wise the best

prospect identified so far in Shinkai area. This prospect is extensively subjected

into detail exploration by FATA DC in shape of geological/ mineralogical study,

sampling, geophysical and core drilling.

Geophysical survey indicated various positive anomalies in range of 40 –

50. These positive geophysical anomalies were drilled, randomly through

No. of drill holes at very close spacing. However, the results of some of

these drill holes are quite encouraging and the massive zone of copper

mineralization has been intersected in these holes at different levels and has

been proved to a depth of 272 meters in BH No. 22.

This prospect is bounded in the south by dolerite body along local thrust

fault, to the north by alluvium/ agglomerate and to the east by alluvium.

Dolerite dyke of about 2 meter wide & 20 meter long has been intruded

nearly in the centre of prospect with in the yellowish capping of the body. The

dolerite dyke has sheared contacts with brecciated oxidized volcanic. Another

23

dolorite dyke (4x100m) has also been found in between prospect No. 3 and local

thrust fault/ ultrabasic on the southern side of the prospect.

Local has driven an adit with in the malachite zone for extraction of the

copper. At depth level with in the Adit, they have intersected rich zone of primary

sulphide mineralization (chalcopyrite, with minor cuprite and bornite). In view of

the above, further deep drilling is proposed in this prospect for intersection of

mineralization at greater depth to enhance the already established reserves.

PROSPECT NO. 4:

This is a small circular body of (10x3m) crapping out along Mada-Alghat

nalla about 100 m to the North of prospect No. 3. Its lateral extension on all sides

is covered by alluvium. This is a body of oxidized brecciated volcanic, brownish

to yellow in colour, highly fractured/ jointed. No sulphide mineralization has been

noted so far. This prospect needs geophysical survey to know its lateral as well

down depth extension with any sulphide zone.

PROSPECT NO. 5:

A small body of red-brown colour oxidized brecciated volcanic is found on

left tributary of Madaghar nalla about 200m NE of prospect No. 3. Its lateral

extension is covered by alluvium. Zones of pelagic sediments i.e. Jesperite &

limestone are found at places.

A small body of plago-granite (1x3 feet) is present with in Jesperite. No-

sulphide mineralization has been found. The prospect at present is placed at low

priority, however in future, it should be subjected to ground geophysical survey

for knowing its lateral as well down depth extension along with any sort of

sulphide mineralization.

24

PROSPECT NO. 6:

This prospect is located along eastern alignment of P3 & P2 at distance of

about 2 Km from prospect No. 3 at the nose of faulted bounded graben.

The capping/ oxidized zone is redish to yellowish colour brecciated

volcanic, consist of dominantly quartz with minor, pyrite, chalcopyrite in

dessimination. The volcanic is vesicular in texture and andesite in composition.

Goethite & lemonite zones are also found at places.

It is less oxidized with few gossans as compared to prospect No. 3.

Numerous small oxidized/altered zones are found which contained weak

sulphide mineralization in the form of pyrite. These zones yellow to redish brown

and occupied the central part of the prospect as isolated blocks/ paches.

The becciated oxidized zones contained malachite showing and minor

disseminated pyrite + chalcopyrite in the matrix. Malachite showing associated

with sheared zones along fractures are also found. These altered/ oxidized

bodies may be the extensional zones with possible sulphide mineralization.

The prospect is bounded in south & east by local thrust fault/ Ultrabasic

rock while on west & north side is covered by alluvium.

The brown/ yellowish, massive, solid bodies may indicate stock work with

less sulphide mineralization. A dolerite dyke of 1x10 m dimension is present on

eastern slope of the prospect.

Geophysical survey (1.p) is conducted at prospect No. 6 to locate any high

rich zone of sulphide mineralization at depth. As result high positive anomalies

have been recorded. Some of these anomalies have been drilled but failing to

intersect the sulphide zone, possibly the mineralization may be present at greater

depth or the angle of drill holes missed the positive anomaly.

25

The prospect need I.P geophysical survey again at close electrode

spacing and deep drilling at grid pattern in a systematic way to know the actual

position of the prospect.

PROSPECT NO.7:

It is located to the east of prospect No. 6. it is small circular to semi

circular body, which are oxidized at places. The oxidized zone (Gossans) are

yellowish to brownish in colour. The brown altred oxidized zones are brecciated,

fractured, jointed and form stock work. The oxidized rocks on fresh surface are

peridotites which are serpentinized at places. The zoilite, magnesite coating

along with epidote alteration are common.

Sulphide mineralization in the form of malachite & pyrite are found

associated with sheared zone in the brecciated area. Disseminated fine grains of

chromite are also found with in peridotite rocks. At the centre of the body, the

peridotite with epidote alteration contained 1-foot zone of malachite with few fine

grains of pyrite. The altered/oxidized rocks seems to be the extensional zones,

which are leached to yellow – brown colour capping of gossans.

The prospect No. 7 is lying with ultrabasic rocks, out side of the fault

bounded graben. This prospect is not fully studied and explored. Therefore need

appropriate geophysical survey for locating any hidden ore body and it further

detail exploration through core drilling.

PROSPECT NO. 8:

It is located further to the east of prospect No. 7. It is lying just south of the

faulted contact of vesicular andesite volcanic and serpentinite rock of ultra basic

group. It is an elongated body of oxidized rock. The host rock is hard, massive

herzbargite/ dunite, containing more quartz. The body is fractured/ jointed and

sheared at places.

26

Malachite showing are common along sheared zones. The sheared zones

are soft, yellow to brown colour gossan with more lemonite, goethite & Jerosite

minerals assemblage of alteration.

Layering of limestone with dirty brown surface are noted with in the

prospect at places, which are silicified and contained fine grains of pyrite. Quartz,

zoelite, calcite with subordinate chlorite are the alteration phases.

A part from the massive body, various small oxidized zone are found

along contact with in the ultrabasic rock, mostly serpentinite. The serpentinites

are sheared, deformed/ fractured. These oxidized zones are caped by yellowish

to brownish colour gossans, with limonite and goethite mineral assemblages.

These zones are ranging in thickness from 2 – 5m and mostly associated with

fracture filling or sheared zones. The common alteration in these subsidiary

zones are calcite, chlorite, zoelite and quartz. Malachite showing are common in

these zones. After exposing of these sheared zones with malachite, limonite &

goethite assemblage for about 2 – 3 feet, massive zone of primary sulphide i.e.

chalcopyrite, pyrite with subordinate bornite and Cuprite mineralization are found.

Chalcopyrite is rich in the area of Qtz, calcite enrichment/ alteration. At one place

massive zone of magnetite associated with quartz veinlets are found with in the

oxidized zone. These oxidized zone of primary/ secondary sulphide

mineralization seems to be the off shoots of massive body injected along

fractures/ sheared zones.

A private party has started mining activites for extraction of copper

(Chalcopyrite, Pyrite with subordinate Bornite + Cuprite) along fractured/ sheared

zones. He has extracted massive copper of about 30 tones with an average

assay of Cu upto 20%. These sheared/ fracture filled zones of copper

mineralization are lensoid form with limited lateral extension. Their width & length

depend on the volume of the fractured/ sheared zones. The prospect need

geophysical survey for its further assessment.

27

PROSPECT NO. 9:

Located to the south of prospect No. 6 at higher allitude/ elevation. It is an

elongated body of about 5 – 10 m wide & more than 40 meter long. It is an

altered/ oxidized body of maroon/ red colour with limonitic gossan at places. The

host rock is volcanic, probably of rhyolitic compostion or andesite volcanic with

pulses of rhyolites. The body is highly weathered, oxidized with pronounce argilic

alteration. The clay minerals are mostly Kaoline, alunite & red clay.

The body contain red-brown oxidized zones on the western side with less

argillic alteration. This portion is so weathered/ oxidized to greater depth that no

fresh surface is available for sampling and rock description.

The upper part, eastern side of the body is redish to dirty green in colour

with more argilic alteration and silicification. The western portion contained

feldspar, free Quartz (brecciated). No. sulphide is found in west side of the body.

The whole prospect is highly sheared, fractured with weathered surface,

while on fresh surface it is fine grained silicified volcanic with grey colour.

Common alteration is argilic, silicification, Quartz, breccia. Fine grains of pyrite,

marcasite/phyrotite are found in dissemination as well as along fracture filling.

The high silicified zones, contained more pyrite. The prospect is bounded

on north & south side by pelagic sediments i.e. Limestone, Jesperite and barren

volcanic.

The prospect seems to be an extensional zones, with sulphide

mineralization. Needs further detail exploration (Geophysical Survey & Core

drilling) for its economic evaluation.

PROSPECT NO. 10:

It is located east of Prospect No. 9 at Kandol mela (Jomatia area) and

lying on left side of the road with nearly steep slopes. The centre part of the body

28

is unaccessible. The prospect is semi circular to elongated body with huge

gasson, mostly in the central part.

It is an altered/ oxidized body with dark-brown colour on surface and grey

colour on fresh surface. The massive dark brown colour part of the body is

brecciated. The host rock is silicified andesite or rhyolitic volcanic.

Lemonite, Jarosite & goethite bearing gasson with yellow to redish colour

are found as patches & layers. However the central part of the body is highly

weathered, soft, contained yellowish-red gossan zone with number of pits or

caves, may indicating weathering phenomena.

The chloritic alteration is common with subordinate qtrz breccia. Some

mixed chloritic and argilic alteration horizons are also found. To ward west,

isolated oxidized bodies as extensional zones are also found with in the andesite

volcanic. One no chip sample collected from this prospect contained 1.5% Cu

with subordinate Zn, Pb & Au.

Although no sulphide mineralization has been noted so far, however basis

on the geology, alteration and presence of huge gossan, the prospect seems to

be prospective and need geophysical survey for any hidden sulphide ore body.

PROSPECT NO. 11:

The prospect No. 11 is located to the south of prospect No. 10. It is an

circular body of oxidized / altered volcanic with dirty brownish to yellowish colour.

The host rock is soft, fractured & jointed andesite or rhyolite volcanic.

On fresh surface, the goethite and limonite zones are brecciated. The

quartz fragments of the breccia contained pyrite. Quartz veinlets are also

common in the brecciated zones which contained chalcopyrite ± chalcocite. The

quartz are whitish to greyish, contained rich pyrite & phyrotite.

The volcanic are greyish to whitish silicified volcanic on fresh surface

contained disseminated pyrite, chalcophyrite, bornite and blebs of chalcophyrite.

29

The silicified zones with limonite, geothile, Qtz, Chlorite, argilic & breccia

alteration contained chalcophyrite. Argilic alteration consist of Kaoline, alunite

and red clay. The body is bounded on north by dark grey volcanics while it has

southern contact with ultrabasic rock.

On the basis of geology, mineralogy and alteration assemblages, this

prospect may have pottantial of epithermal Cu-Au gold mineralization, which is

mostly associated with porphyry system. One no sample collected from the

prospect is sent to MTL & its result is awaited.

However, based on geological characteristics, this prospect is kept on

high priority for further detail exploration including geophysical survey and core

drilling.

30

ACHIEVEMENTS

After establishment of project office at Hayatabad, recruitment of staff and

procurement of office equipment etc, full concentration was given to field work. In

this connection an agreement was made with locals of Muhammad Khel (land

owner of Shinkai area) though local administration to cover security risk for

smooth operation of field activities for copper exploration at Shinkai area.

Since commencement of the field work in July, 2008, the following have been

achieved.

1. All the old data regarding geological reports, core drilling, geophysical

work, laboratory study, feasibility study and other technical report

concerning the Boya Copper were searched & collected and kept in safe

custody for future references.

2. Various reconnaissance visits were made to different parts of the

Shinkai copper site for orientation survey to undertake the geology and

mineralization and studied/ assessed for future proposed work of the

project.

3. During reconnaissance field work, 02 more huge bodies of oxidized

gossan with copper showing arc found to south of prospect No. 9,

numbered as prospect No. 10 & 11 respectively.

4. These newly identified prospects are sampled and analysed which

contained significant amount of copper with subordinate gold.

5. Grid survey on regional scale with 100 meter electrode spacing of the

Shinkai area (Faults bounded graben) was conducted to prepare base

lines for geophysical survey work.

31

6. Similarly grid survey on detail scale with closed electrode spacing of 50

m interval of prospect No. 2, 3 and 6 was also conducted and base lines

laid down on ground for the proposed I.P geophysical work.

7. Detail geological map of prospect No. 6 and prospect No. 3 was

prepared, showing mineralized zones & drill holes point. These maps

with geophysical data layer will be used as base map for proposed

drilling work.

8. Contouring of Shinkai prospects and its surrounding was carried out in

detail to be used as master plan for future exploration workings.

9. The cores of previously drilling holes of prospect No. 2 & 3 stored at site

colony were studied and few were logged to know the depth wise

position of geology, alteration & mineralization.

10.Pre-qualification tenders have been invited for hiring of local consultant

and for core drilling work. The tenders have been received, which is

under process at project as well as at head office level.

11. Based on the old geophysical core drilling, geology and chemical data a

master plan is being prepared for future strategy of the project work.

12.The data collected during the field work was interpreted, digitized and

compiled in shape of maps/ reports.

32

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

1. On the basis of the so far generated exploration data, geological

environment, study and research, the genetic model established for

Waziristan copper is of typical volcanogenic massive Sulphide deposits

(Cyprus Type), where this type of copper deposits give workable potential

for copper and associated base metals else where in the world.

2. Occurrences of copper mineralization is found as isolated bodies of

yellowish oxidation gossans of irregular outlines which shows a common

leaching of copper and iron pyrites. The copper mineralization is generally

confined to brecciated pillow Basalt and found in the form of stock work,

cavities filling, fracture filling and fine dissemination.

3. Enriched chlorite, epidote, quartz, calcite and zeolite are the common

alteration phases. The mineralization is mostly associated with pronounce

chlorite alteration.

4. The ophiolite belt, the host of copper mineralization is technically

emplaced on to Indian mass, thus subjected to savior structurall

complexity in shape of faulting, folding, brecciation & granulation. The

rocks of ophiolite belt are found in the form of stock of slices and no

normal sequence of oceanic crust rocks is preserved. However, no

uplifting & erosional phenomena during regional scale tectonic has taken

places in the area, thus the associated mineralization is remained intac

but displaced due to structural complicity & deformation.

5. The Shinkai prospects locally at Shinkai/ Modaghar area is found in

faulted bound graben structure generally along the southern faulted

contacts as isolated out crops in the form of oxidized gossans.

33

6. The Waziristan ignous complex representing a typical ophiolite

environment with diagnostic sequence of ocean floor rocks comprising of

ultramafic, pillow baslts, sheeted dykes and deep marine sediments

(pelagic sediment). The ophiolite sequence is intruded by plagio granite

diorite to grano diorite and later pulses of rhyolite volcanic.

7. On the basis of geological survey & core drilling, the FATA DC have

estimated the potential of prospect No. 2 and 3 of Shinkai to be of 35

million tones of 0.8% Cu, including 8 millions tone in proved while 27

millions tones in indicated category. The geophysical survey conducted by

FATA DC on prospect No. 6 at Shinkai area also give encouraging results.

Thus through additional geophysical survey and core drilling, the

estimated reserves of 35 million tones can be increased many folds.

In addition, Badshah 1985, based on geological maps at scale 1:5000

reported 102 million tones of Cu in between Deghan Phakel and Shinkai

area.

8. The so far exploration activities are confined only to Deghan Phakel &

Shinkai, which over limited area of 16 square km, which indicate only a

small part of the Waziristan complex. Generally, the Waziristan ophiolite

belt covering an area of 1127 Sq Km in North and South Waziristan

Agencies. Therefore similar & even more significant mineralization are

expected in other parts of North and South Waziristan Agencies along

ophiolite belt.

9. Along this belt, copper showing are already reported by previous workers

in the vicinity of preghel, Spin Kamar in South Waziristan and Mazer Khel,

Ismail Khel, Khadar Khel in North Waziristan.

34

These areas have similar geological environments, therefore work in there

areas yet to conducted. However, once the area become clear from

security of view, chances of finding of more prospect are bright.

10. infrastructure facilities in shape of road, electric power, water and main

power which also play an important rule in mineral development sector are

far better/ fair at Shinkai.

11.Chromite, magnese mineralization are also reported & mined in different

parts along ophiolite belt in North & South Waziristan. These deposits

have great potential along these belts.

RECOMMENDATION

In the light of the aforementioned conclusion, the following is recommended to

exploit the mineral wealth of this region.

1. Additional geophysical survey appropriate to the nature of mineralization &

condition of the area to be conducted in Skinkai prospects and with

immediate surrounding area about 10-15 Sq km for locating other potential

targets.

2. Based on the geophysical survey, systematic core drilling has to be

carried out in Shinkai area for enhancement of the known reserves and

identification of additional resources.

3. The entire ophiolite belt has great potential for copper & associated base

metals and other minerals i.e. chromite, iron, magnese of economic

importance needs systematic exploration i.e. geological mapping,

investigation, sampling

35

4. The entire ophiolite belt in Waziristan agencies may be subjected to a

systematic geochemical, stream sediments sampling (Pan Con, - 80 #)

and mineralized float to generate systematic and reliable mineral data for

gold & base metal to identify regional, prospects & deposit scale targets.

These targets should be offered for further detail exploration, development

and exploitation to national & multinational mining companies.

5. Aerial photographs & satellite imageries studies of the Waziristan

Agencies may also be conducted for any anomalous feature, a clue for

mineral investigation.

6. Services of an expert economic/ exploration geologist of international

repute has to acquired for systematic assessment/ evaluation of Shinkai

prospects as well as appraisal of mineral potential of the entire ophiolite

belt in Waziristan Agencies.

7. Efforts should be made for a potential joint venture partner in the

international market for further investment in development of Shinkai

prospects, as well as in detail exploration to cover the entire ophiolite belt

in Waziristan Agencies.

8. All national and multinational mining companies may be approached/

contacted for investment in the region.

9. In addition to copper & allied base metal, the Waziristan ignous complex

may also be studied and explored for chromite, magnese, iron, soapstone

& talc deposits.

36

REFRENCES 1. Dr. Ihsanullah Mian

Associate Professor Department of Geology

University of Peshawar.

And

Muhammad Ihsan Afridi

Project Geologist, FATA DC, Peshawar.

Sulphide occurrence in Shinkai area of North

Waziristan Agency By

2. Badshah. M/s, 1985. Development potential of

Waziristan copper, record of FATA Development

Corporation, Peshawar.

3. Jan. M.Q. Windley. B. F. and Khan. A.S, 1985

The Waziristan ophiolite Pakistan General Geology

and Chemistry of Chromite and Assoicated phases.

Economic geology vol. 80.P 294-306

4. Copper Exploration and Evaluation Project

North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered

Tribal areas Development Corporation.

5. Muhammad Asim, Muhammad Majid, Muhammad

Tahir Shah

Geology, geochemistry and tectonic setting of

ophiolite rocks from ophiolite complex, N.W. Pakistan.

6. Zhitian Wang, Professor consulting Economic

Strategic Report on Potential evalutaiton, exploration

model and suggestion for Waziristan copper

37

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Mr. Ashfaq Sajjad, Project Director is thanked for his guidance, suggestion,

coordination, cooperation & review of the report. Mr. Ihsan Afridi, Project

Geologist is thanked for his valuable discussion regarding geology, exploration

history, mineralization and on time to time field visit to the Shinkai copper site. He

is also thanked for critical review of the report. Mr. Tariq Aziz acknowledged for

composing of the report.

38