GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF GUNUNG KANDU, KINTA VALLEY, PERAK

Limestone hills are one of the significant features that can be found in Kinta Valley area. The limestones contain mainly calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate with minor silicon dioxide, iron oxide and also aluminum oxide. The purpose of this study is carried out to determine the potential use of limestone in Gunung Kandu to the industries. In addition, the data collected during the research is to understand geology of Gunung Kandu and surrounding area and finally, to produce a geological map. Different methods were done in collecting data across three different geological outcrop which are granite in Gaharu Tea Valley and limestone in the central point of Gunung Kandu. Samples were collected and dip measurement were made. This main purpose of this study is to conduct a research to review the geological resources in the study area which focuses on the variation of calcium and magnesium content of limestone in the study area. A few tests have been made which are thin section analysis, XRF analysis, XRD analysis and lastly rock aggregate test. From the XRF analysis and XRD analysis tests, it can be conclude that the samples from Gunung Kandu are calcium-rich limestone. Meanwhile, for the economic use based on rock aggregate test, sample 1 is suitable only for the use as crushed stone base for road pavement construction, and as structure for concrete. For sample 2, it is suitable only for the use as crushed stone base for road pavement construction, airfield pavement for both surface and crushed stone, and as structure for concrete.