Assessing silicon deposits in Zilfi province, Saudi Arabia, using XRF and XRD techniques
The aim of this project is to create a geochemical database of the Nafud Desert in Zilfi Province, which lies 260 km northwest of
Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, and assess its potential as a silicon mine. The area of study was surveyed during December
2012 collecting 21 geological samples from 7 places (Alsabla, Almatal, Shlwan, Alaaga, Jaway, Magra and Althuare).
Elemental composition was determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, while mineral content and crystallography
analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction.
Analysis results revealed that silicon was abundant in the area, in fairly homogeneous amounts. Silica was found in concentrations
of around 93% per sampled mass, and silicon concentrations were around 42%, in the surface layers down to the depth of
40 cm.
Other elements (Al, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Sr, Zr and Pd ) were present in very low concentrations, except for aluminium oxide,
which was present in three areas (Jaway, Magra and Althuare) at concentrations around 5%, while Alsabla samples showed higher
concentrations of CaO. Thus, according to the results, the Nafud Desert is a rich source of silicon that can be exploited very cheaply
because of the presence of the raw material on the surface.
Laboratory measurements and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to investigate the feasibility of
employing a (reflector/shield) to improve the efficiency of a thermal neutron irradiator…
The aim of this project is to create a geochemical database of the Nafud Desert in Zilfi Province, which lies 260 km northwest of
Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, and assess its potential…