General Geology of Simpang Pulai Area with Emphasis on Kaolin Resources

This project focuses on the geology of the Simpang Pulai area with emphasis on the kaolin deposits in the area. Different rocks sample from the outcrops were collected during the field work and thin section analysis were conducted. Also a detailed geological mapping of the Simpang Pulai area was produced on the scale of 1:50000. A few kaolin samples were taken from the outcrops for detailed physical and chemical analysis. The chemical, mineralogical and textural characteristics of the kaolin deposits in Simpang Pulai area were studied using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and thin section analysis. In order to investigate the quality of the kaolin and its suitable uses in the industry, particle size distribution, brightness, whiteness and yellowness test, and LOI were conducted. Based on the field data and laboratory results, the Kaolin in Simpang Pulai area is a product of primary (in-situ) and hydrothermal weathering of minerals in granite especially feldspar. The occurrences of quartz-feldspar vein and nearby hotspring are proofs of hydrothermal fluid influx system of the area. The fact that the kaolin occurrence was found within the granite and at the slope of the hill instead of a flat ground further proves the primary formation of the kaolin. The dominant mineral of Kaolin is kaolinite, with subordinate quartz and feldspar. The silicon dioxide content in Kaolin ranges from 75.1% to 76.1%. The Alumina content is around 16% and they have very low iron content and alkali content, average 0.03% and 0.01% respectively, showing its low impurities. Particle size distribution results show almost 100% of particle size are under 30μm for developed kaolin deposits, while 85% for underdeveloped kaolin deposits. The LOI percentages of all samples of Kaolin are around 6% which indicate its low firing shrinkage. The brightness of Kaolin in Simpang Pulai is around 84% which is considered excellent, with high whiteness and low
yellowness percentage supporting the result. It is estimated that the undeveloped kaolin deposits, U, have reserves about 5000m3. The kaolin is suitable for several industrial
applications such as ceramic industry, filler industry, and fertilizer industry.