3D-modeling and lithostratigraphic correlation of the subsurface upper cretaceous Duwi phosphates at Wadi Ash-Shaghab, East Sibaiya area, southern Egypt

The present work deals with the three-dimensional (3D) modeling of the subsurface phosphate ore body at Wadi Ash-Shaghab, East Sibaiya area, Southern Egypt. The construction of lithologic logs of 23 boreholes and 3D modeling in the region, is based on RockWorks2006, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Surfer 9 softwares. The outputs include stratigraphic cross-sections, solid stratigraphic models, stratigraphic Fence diagrams, structural elevation surface diagrams and isopach maps of both phosphate ore body and overburden rocks. The shape, thickness and quality of ore body, together with the overburden rocks have been estimated. The reserve of phosphate ore body at Wadi Ash-Shaghab area is suggested to be about 8673.280 tons, in the study area. However, the subsurface lithostratigraphic correlation in East Sibaiya area showed that the maximum thickness (3 m), of the ore body was found at Wadi El-Batur, Umm Salamah and El Mahamid El-Gedida, whereas the minimum thickness (60 cm–120 cm) was recorded at Umm Tundubah and Umm Hegarah. Moreover, this lithostratigraphic correlation showed that the overburden's thickness increases from east (3.0–7.0 m) towards the west (10–40 m) of the studied area.