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American Journal of  
Geospatial Technology (AJGT)

The Minerals That Make Up the Eastern Part of  the Balkhab Copper Mine and Its 
Nearby Rocks

Habibi Ghulam Jilani 1*, Rezazadeh Farid Ahmad 1, Farahmand Zuhal1

Volume 3 Issue 1, Year 2024
ISSN: 2833-8006 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajgt.v3i1.2830
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: June 29, 2024

Accepted: July 27, 2024

Published: July 31, 2024

Balkhab copper mine is located in the Balkhab district of  Saripul province in the Mir Sayed 
Murad region at coordinates E 66°46’ and N 35°35’. It is approximately 150 kilometers away 
from the center of  Saripul province and is one of  the largest copper mines in the world. The 
studied area is depicted on the geological map of  Balkhab, along with the locations of  the 
collected samples. The purpose of  this research is to determine the characteristics of  the 
minerals comprising of  the western part of  the Balkhab copper mine and its neighboring 
stones. To write this article, In addition to field and laboratory analyses, a number of  other 
resources mentioned in the references have been used to complete this article. The samples 
taken from the copper ores were subjected to mineralogical-petrographic and geochemical 
analysis. This research reveals that the fundamental minerals constituting the copper ore in 
this area include feldspar, quartz, copper, amphibole, plagioclase, pyroxene, and iron oxide. 
Additionally, trace amounts of  other minerals, such as pyrite, biotite, and OPECs, are pres-
ent. From the geochemical study, it is seen that in addition to copper, other elements such 
as Silicon (Si), Sulfur (S), Iron (Fe) and Aluminum (Al) are also included in the composition 
of  copper ore, but their amounts vary. These minerals are predominantly associated with 
andesitic rocks, including rhyolite, basalt, and dickite. Furthermore, sedimentary rocks like 
sandstone, pyrite clay, and silicic clay also contain copper minerals. The results obtained 
from mineralogical-petrographic analysis consistently support the same findings across var-
ious studies.

Keywords
Analysis, Copper, Petrographic, 
Pyroxene and Quartz

1 Sar-e-pul Higher Education Institute, Afghanistan
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: gh.jilani.habibi@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION 
Mines represent national treasures and valuable economic 
infrastructure in every country. Their role in production 
and industrial development is crucial, contributing 
significantly to the national economy. Afghanistan, our 
dear homeland, boasts abundant natural resources that 
underpin the country’s industry, agriculture, and economy. 
Despite its vast mineral wealth, much of  Afghanistan’s 
resources remain untapped and require further detailed 
study Notably, copper mines have been identified in several 
provinces of  Afghanistan, including Saripul, Logar, Herat, 
Farah, Kapisa, Kandahar, Zabul, and Kabul. Among 
these, four prominent mines, Ainak, Balkhab, Shida, and 
Zarkashan stand out as significant contributors to the 
country’s mineral wealth (Abdullah, 1977).

LITRATURE REVIEW
The Balkhab copper mine, situated in the Balkhab district 
of  Saripul province within the Mir Sayed Murad region, 
ranks as one of  the world’s largest copper mines. Its 
formation occurred during the Lower Carboniferous and 
Upper Triassic periods, resulting from the folding and 
deformation of  the Harsin formations of  the Kalchidani 
group and the massive sulphidic volcanic rocks, located 
in the northern Afghanistan base platform (Doebrich, 
2006). Balkhab copper mine was discovered in 1972 by 
Afghan and former Soviet Union geologists and contains 
1.66 percent pure copper. It spans 400 meters in width 

and approximately 5000 meters in length, with estimated 
reserves exceeding 150 million tons of  copper ore 
(Mikhailov, 1967).
The Balkhab mine has been studied by geologists of  
the Afghanistan Geological Survey (AGS) and the 
United States Geological Survey (USGS), which is very 
interesting and important in terms of  geological structure 
(Kafarskiy, 1972). The mine was contracted to the US 
Geological Survey (USGS) in 2002 and, along with other 
mines in Afghanistan, was remotely surveyed and mapped 
(Orris & Bliss, 2002).
In 1972, 1973 and 1977, Soviet geologists conducted 
extensive research on the Balkhab copper mine and 
drew its geological sketch. Later, the Balkhab area was 
mentioned by Abdullah Sharq and others in 1977 as a 
copper mineral phenomenon. Subsequent research by 
the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the 
Oceania in 1995, the Japan Metal Mining Agency, the 
US Geological Survey in 2002, and Dobrich and Peter in 
2006 showed that the Balkhab copper mine has massive 
mineralized copper deposits of  copper origin and is 
related to the origin of  the Hydrothermal metasomatic 
subvolcanic formation and volcanogenic mineral rocks 
are massive sulphides.
The maps and reports of  former Soviet experts show that 
the Balkhab area was formed in the Ordovician period 
≈450 million years ago and contains sandstones and 
siltstones, and younger rocks were formed by unfavorable 



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layers of  young sedimentary rocks of  the Jurassic period 
120-200 million years ago (Abdullah, 1977).
The research findings from samples taken at the Balkhab 
copper mine indicate the presence of  several minerals 
in addition to copper. These minerals include feldspar, 
quartz, sulfur, amphibole, plagioclase, pyroxene, iron 
oxide, and trace amounts of  other elements (referred to 
as OPECs) in varying percentages.

Research Topic
Petrography is the science of  studying various rocks, 
focusing on the diverse rock types that constitute the 
Earth’s crust. Petrography employs several methods 
to investigate stones, with thin section preparation 
being particularly significant. Further studies delve into 
mineral composition, including major, minor, accessory, 
and secondary minerals, as well as mineral size, mutual 
relationships, structure, texture, and microscopic 
characteristics.
Fourteen samples were collected from the study area to 
assess mineral composition. These samples were carefully 

labeled, noting the sample’s location, date, and purpose. 
Each sample was securely packed in specialized plastics 
and transported to the laboratory for thorough analysis.
In different parts of  the study area, specific samples 
were individually examined using specialized equipment 
to identify the minerals present. The results are detailed 
below.

METHODOLOGY 
For this article, we employed library, field, and laboratory 
methods. In the library method, we utilized books, 
reports, and magazines available in the libraries of  Jawzjan 
University and Saripul Higher Education Institution.
The field method encompassed various tasks, including 
sample collection and the study of  geological processes 
occurring in the field. Field research on the copper ore 
rocks involved the use of  equipment and hand tools, such 
as GPS, tape measures, hammers, pens, and pre-prepared 
notebooks for note-taking. Additionally, we used a 
camera, loupe, sulfuric acid, and a mountain compass. 
The images below depict some of  our field activities.

Figure 1: Geological map of  Balkhab copper mine prepared by GIS program

Figure 2: A view of  the expansion of  copper ore in the Mir Sayed Murad area of  the Balkhab district



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Laboratory Research Procedures
During laboratory research, the samples were 
systematically numbered and recorded in the database. 
Subsequently, each sample underwent thorough analysis 
and investigation.
For analysing by the device, 14 samples were transferred 
to the Geological Survey Department of  the Ministry of  

Mines and Petroleum on 1402/07/01 and were studied 
by petrographic and XRF methods and the results of  
all 14 samples were compared, the results of  which 
were conducted by the analysis machine, indicating the 
conformity of  the results and indicating the accuracy of  
the tests. Additional laboratory activities are depicted in 
the images below.

Figure 3: The flow of  laboratory work on the copper sinks of  Balkhab

Description of  Sample Number (3)
The sample under study is copper, and it represents 
high-quality copper. Mineralogical studies reveal that the 
mentioned sample consists of  approximately 90 percent 
copper, feldspar, quartz, and sulfur minerals, with less 
than 10 percent iron oxide minerals and other opaque 
minerals (referred to as OPECs). Structurally, the copper 
ore exhibits a slightly elongated form and a schist texture. 
The sample displays a pleasing color, and if  cut and 
polished, it will yield a very high-quality stone.
Mineralogical-petrographic studies of  copper minerals 
are essential to investigating, evaluating, and analyzing 
the relationship between copper minerals and nearby 
rocks. Accordingly, samples were collected from the 

copper minerals and adjacent stones, and subsequently, 
the mentioned samples underwent mineralogical-
petrographic analyses.
Microscopic observations were conducted using a 
petrographic microscope (Leica DM750P). An eyepiece 
with 63X magnification and an objective lens with 40X 
magnification were employed to assess the size of  calcite 
particles and crystals. Additionally, two Nicols were 
used to detect minerals with high interference colors 
and enhance observations of  mineral characteristics and 
torque angles. The slide prepared from the mentioned 
stone sample was examined using a Leica microscope 
manufactured in Germany, and its characteristics and 
results are outlined in the table below:

Table 1: The results of  petrographic studies of  sample number (3)
Microscopic characteristics
Color Degree of  nerosion Porosity Cover Against acids
Yellow, gray, colorless, 
and brown

Does not have Does not have Does not have Has resistance

Mineral composition Stone building
Major minerals Amount in 

percentage
Minor minerals Amount in 

percentage
Structure Slightly stretched

Feldspar, quartz, 
copper and sulfur

90 Iron oxide 7 Texture Shale
OPECs 3 Matrix Does not have

Vacuum Does not have
The origin of  the stone Metamorphic
Geological characteristics



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A: Under two Nicols (XPL) with a magnification of  
40x, the diameter of  the field of  view is 2.5 mm.

B: under a Nicol (PPL) at 40x magnification, the field 
of  view diameter is 2.5 mm.

Description of  Sample Number (15) 
The stone under study is copper, and it represents 
high-quality copper. Mineralogical studies show that 

the mentioned sample is composed of  approximately 
90 percent quartz, iron oxide, and calcite, with less 
than 10 percent biotite and opac minerals seen in their 
composition.
Structurally, the copper ore exhibits a slightly elongated 
form and a Granoblastic texture. The mentioned sample 
has a very nice color, and if  it is cut and polished, a very 
high-quality stone will be obtained from it. The slide 

Figure 4: Petrographic characteristics of  different sections of  the sample (3) are shown in the figure

Table 2: The results of  petrographic studies of  sample number (15)
Microscopic characteristics
Color Degree of  erosion Porosity Cover Against acids
Yellow, gray, and white Does not have Does not have Does not have Has resistance
Mineral composition Stone building
Major minerals Amount in 

percentage
Minor minerals Amount in 

percentage
Structure Slightly stretched

Quartz, iron oxide, 
and calcite

90 Biotite 5 Texture Granoblastic
OPECs 5 Matrix Does not have

Vacuum Does not have
The origin of  the stone Metamorphic
Geological characteristics
Asthma Petrographic class
Quartzite with copper Copper ore

Asthma Petrographic class
Shale with copper azurite and sulfur Copper ore

Figure 5: Petrographic characteristics of  different sections of  the sample (15) are shown in the figure



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prepared from the mentioned stone sample was studied 
under a Leica microscope made in Germany, and its 
characteristics and results are outlined in the table below.

A: Under two Nicols (XPL) with a magnification of  
40x, the diameter of  the field of  view is 2.5 mm.

B: under a Nicol (PPL) at x 40 magnification, the field 
of  view diameter is 2.5 mm.

Description of  Sample Number (13)
The sample under study is copper, and it represents 
high-quality copper. Mineralogical studies reveal that 

the mentioned sample consists of  approximately 85-
88% amphibole, plagioclase, pyroxene, and quartz, 
with less than 12% pyrite, biotite, and opaque minerals. 
Structurally, the copper ore exhibits a slightly elongated 
form and a granoblastic texture.
The mentioned sample has a very nice color, and 
if  it is cut and polished, a very high-quality stone 
can be obtained from it. The slide prepared from 
the mentioned stone sample was studied under a 
microscope, and its characteristics and results are 
detailed in the table below.

Table 3: Results of  petrographic studies of  sample number (13)
Microscopic characteristics
Color Degree of  erosion Porosity Cover Against acids
Gray, colorless, and yellow Does not have Does not have Does not have Has resistance
Mineral composition Stone building
Major minerals Amount in 

percentage
Minor minerals Amount in 

percentage
Structure Slightly stretched

Amphibole, plagioclase, 
pyroxene and quartz

85-88 Pyrite 7 Texture Granoblastic
Biotite and 
OPECs

5 Matrix Does not have
Vacuum Does not have

The origin of  the stone Metamorphic
Geological characteristics
Asthma Petrographic class
Amphibole Copper ore

Figure 6: Petrographic characteristics of  different sections of  the sample (13) are shown in the figure

A: Under two Nicols (XPL) with a magnification of  
40x, the diameter of  the field of  view is 2.5 mm.

B: under a Nicol (PPL) at 40x, magnification, the field 
of  view diameter is 2.5 mm.

Geochemical Results
In this article, the results of  the samples of  different 

types of  copper ores collected from the area of  Mir Seyed 
Murad Balkhab have been studied and geochemically 
analyzed. The geochemical results show that in the 
composition of  minerals, in addition to copper, other 
compounds: silicon (Si) about 10.86 percent, copper (Cu) 
10.63 percent, sulfur (S) 13.40 percent, iron (Fe) 5.04 
percent and aluminum (Al) 8.47 percent.

Table 4: Geochemical Composition of  Balkhab Copper Ores in Saripul Province
Al % Fe % S % Si % % Cu Sample NO
0 4.26 9.68 5.31 20.45 1
0 1.42 18.94 2.42 27.73 2



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The results of  the samples collected from the field show 
that the percentage of  copper is different in different 
samples and there is no single interval for them.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
The collected samples have been studied under a 
petrographic microscope. As evident, the evaluated 
samples predominantly consist of  copper, feldspar, 
quartz, iron oxide, calcite, amphibole, plagioclase, 
pyroxene, and sulfur minerals.
Interestingly, when examining the results obtained from 
the mineral composition study, it becomes apparent that 
all the studies yield consistent outcomes. The mineral 
composition of  the studied samples reveals the presence 
of  various minerals, including copper, feldspar, quartz, 
iron oxide, calcite, amphibole, plagioclase, pyroxene, 
sulfur, pyrite, biotite, and opaque minerals, albeit in 
different proportions. From the geochemical study, it 
is seen that in addition to copper, other elements such 
as Silican (Si), Sulfur (S), Iron (Fe) and Aluminum (Al) 
are also included in the composition of  copper mineral 
stones, but their amounts vary.
Therefore, a comparative analysis of  the petrographic 
study indicates that copper in the Balkhab area of  Saripul 
province is not monomineralic; rather, it comprises a 
mixture of  different minerals. Mineralogical studies 
involving nearby stones are essential to thoroughly 
investigate and evaluate copper. Consequently, samples 
were collected from the target area and subjected to 
mineralogical analyses.
This article delves into disputed copper samples and 
their petrographic analysis. The mentioned samples hold 
significant importance for petrographic studies, having 
been extracted from the expanding copper ore region.
Mineralogical studies demonstrate that the samples 
are primarily composed of  approximately 90 percent 
copper, feldspar, quartz, iron oxide, calcite, amphibole, 
plagioclase, pyroxene, and sulfur minerals. In terms of  
overall volume, these minerals outweigh the presence of  
pyrite, biotite, and opaque minerals. The results obtained 
from the study of  mineralogical composition can be seen 
that all the studies provide the same result.

CONCLUSION
Through the conducted research on copper in the Mir 

Sayed Murad area of  Balkhab District, Saripul Province, 
the general results of  mineralogical-petrographic and 
geochemical analysis reveal that the primary minerals 
constituting the copper ore in this region include feldspar, 
quartz, copper, amphibole, plagioclase, pyroxene, calcite, 
sulfur, and iron oxide. Additionally, trace amounts 
of  other minerals, such as pyrite, biotite, and opaque 
minerals (referred to as OPECs), are present in very low 
percentages. The host rocks for these minerals consist of  
andesitic rocks such as rhyolite, basalt, and dickite, which, 
in conjunction with sedimentary rocks like sandstone, 
pyrite-bearing clay, and siliceous clay, contain copper 
minerals.

Novelty of  Research
From the geochemical study, it is seen that in addition 
to copper, other elements such as Silicon (Si), Sulfur (S), 
Iron (Fe) and Aluminum (Al) are also included in the 
composition of  copper ore, but their amounts vary. These 
minerals are predominantly associated with andesitic 
rocks, including rhyolite, basalt, and dickite. Furthermore, 
sedimentary rocks like sandstone, pyrite clay, and silicic 
clay also contain copper minerals. 

Contribution of  Knowledge
The mineral composition of  the studied samples reveals 
the presence of  various minerals, including copper, 
feldspar, quartz, iron oxide, calcite, amphibole, plagioclase, 
pyroxene, sulfur, pyrite, biotite, and opaque minerals, 
albeit in different proportions. A comparative analysis 
of  the petrographic study indicates that copper in the 
Balkhab area of  Saripul province is not monomineralic; 
rather, it comprises a mixture of  different minerals.

Fulfillment of  Research Gap
For writing this article, the researchers faced some 
challenges such as; in our Higher Education Institute we 
do not have standard library in Geology and Mine field, 
as well as we do not have developed laboratory. And it 
is mentionable that, in our university as a researcher we 
do not have financial independence. Besides this, in this 
research the researchers used library method, we utilized 
books, reports, and magazines available in the libraries 
of  Jawzjan University and Saripul Higher Education 
Institution.

0 2.91 17.48 12.43 17.74 4
0 5.39 5.8 14.73 4.05 5
0 4.25 22.7 6.04 25.49 7
0 0.29 4.66 40.37 0.13 8
10.07 5.13 11.27 11.22 0.4 9
2.74 5.13 13.13 6.88 8.67 10
9.42 10.46 19.36 4.76 7.65 11
13.19 14.24 4.98 13.67 0.31 12
6.93 2 19.45 1.63 4.39 14



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RECOMMENDATIONS
To accurately explore the copper deposits in the Mir 
Sayed Murad area of  Balkhab’s creep copper mining 
region, a more precise study of  its copper-bearing layers 
is essential. If  modern equipment suitable for geophysical 
exploration is available and can be effectively used in 
metamorphic rocks, the exploration process for the 
copper-bearing mineral area should employ geophysical 
methods.
As the work of  stripping and preparing the mine 
approaches its final stage, the exploitation phase 
(extractive operations) will commence. Based on the 
study of  samples from the Mir Sayed Murad copper field, 
it is evident that they exhibit good quality. Additionally, 
apart from copper minerals, sedimentary stones such as 
gravel, pyrite-bearing clay, and silicified clay are present 
in the studied area. These materials can potentially be 
utilized for construction purposes.

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