PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007
The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition
FURTHER EXPLORATION STRETAGY AT TAWAU GEOTHERMAL AREA, SABAH, MALAYSIA
Takashima, I1., Sanudin, T2., Eddy Sucipta I G.B. 3, Irzal Nur4 and Myint Soe1
1Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
2Univesiti Malaysia Sabah, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
3Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
4Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Five geothermal fields are recognized in Tawau area, SW Sabah, Malaysia. Geothermal potential of the Tawau area is not clear but surface manifestation, heat discharge and existence of heat source young volcanoes lead us to next exploration step. First priority area is the Apas Kiri where the maximum temperature is 75.6oC with neutral pH (6.8) and total heat discharge is 29.4MWt. Another four geothermal areas scattered throughout the Maria volcanic region. Accordingly, identify the whole geothermal system is very important. One of the heat source rock is Maria volcano with the age range of 0.35-0.45Ma determined by recent thermoluminescence (TL) dating. However, details of volcano stratigraphy and magma-geothermal system model are not established. For further exploration, we propose following four techniques. First is Remote sensing. Second is detailed volcano-stratigraphic survey combined with shallow drilling. Third is precise petrology of volcanic rocks including chemistry of whole rock and minerals, geo-thermometric/barometric evaluation. Fourth is dating to identify both volcanic rocks and alteration products. Remote sensing include newly proposed spectral analyses by field digital spectrometer (camera). We plan to develop and use modified multi-band digital camera for field observation of outcrops.
It is possible to get two dimensional mineral distribution by precise spectral analysis. Shallow drilling is an introduction of recently developed portable machine and can get a grade up geological map. Magnetite-Illumenite analysis gives the precise magma temperature and oxygen fugacity. TL dating is the best way to evaluate age of geothermal activity. Following to the construction of precise geothermal model, geochemical and geophysical exploration must be carried out for suitable areas not limited thermal
manifestation areas.
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