GEOLOGI DAN SUMBER MINERAL KAWASAN KUALA TEMBELING PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR

The study area is located at central Pahang covering the whole topographic map Sheet 69 Kuala Tembeling, Series L 7010 with an area of coverage approximately 1,200 km2. It is dominated by low to medium terrain with 60% of the area covered by primary and secondary forest. Six lithostratigraphic units are the Telong Formation, Semantan Formation, Kaling Formation, Kerum Formation, Mangking Sandstone and Termus Shale.

In the study area, the Telong Formation is divisible into two informal members namely the Kayu Ara member and Kenong member. The Kayu Ara member is essentially made up of argillaceous and pyroclastic rocks, whereas the Kenong member consists mainly of calcareous rocks. The Telong Formation was probably deposited during the late Middle Permian to Middle Triassic. The age is based on the occurrences of algae, foraminiferas and corals found in the Kenong member.

More than half of this area is covered by the Semantan and Kaling Formations. The Semantan Formation comprises interbedded argillaceous and tuffs whilst the Kaling Formation is composed predominantly of argillaceous, arenaceous and rudaceous rocks. The presence of Posidonia, Daonella, Myophoria and ammonites indicates the age of the Semantan Formation is early Middle Triassic to Late Triassic. The age of the Kaling Formation is based on the lithologic correlation with the similar rocks that exposed in the Karak and Kuala Lipis areas.

The Kerum Formation, Mangking Sandstone and Termus Shale are continental deposits belonging to the Tembeling Group. These rock units were probably deposited during Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous period. The Kerum Formation and Termus Shale are characterized by reddish colour. The Kerum Formation comprised interbed tuffs and lava with arenaceous, rudaceos and argillaceous rocks. Quartzose sandstone is the main constituent of the Mangking Sandstone. The entire Termus Shale is composed of argillaceous rocks.

The emplacement of the intermediate and basic intrusive probably took place during the Middle-Late Triassic whilst intrusion of the porphyritic granite occurred in mid-Cretaceous.

Major tectonic event that believed to occur in Late Triassic produced major stress in NE-SW direction. Consequently, folding processes with NW-SE direction occurred. Subsequently, second tectonic event occurred during Middle Cretaceous.

The results of the reconnaissance geochemical sampling programme indicate that there are several anomalous areas for base metal and gold. Besides that, there is an open cast iron mine which is still operating at Sg. Gau area. High grade barites in the form of vein and boulders is found at Sg. Kesong. Potential limestone quarry which has an eslimated reserve of 1,070,000 m3 is situated at Kg. Lubuk Payong. There are 10 potential localities where sand and gravels could be commercially exploited.