GEOLOGY OF PANTAI REMIS AREA WITH

EMPHASIS ON GEOLOGICAL RESOURCE

Mohamad Afiq Ikram bin Mohamad Asri

Bachelor of Technology (Hons)
Petroleum Geoscience
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Email: mohdafiqikram@gmail.com

Abstract Geological study conducted at Pantai Remis
area aims to map geological features of the area along with
petrographic and structural study. However, the main focus of this
study is to identify the potential geological resource for economic
purpose since Peninsula Malaysia has substantial granite belt
which can be used as resource. The study area happens to be in
Perak, a state known with Quarternary Sediments. Therefore, the
study area is identified to have granite and clay resource.
However, only granite is going to be assessed and ascertained as
viable source for supply of rock aggregate to be used in
construction. The granite cover 20 km2 from the whole study area
and is to be tested using rock aggregate tests before proposing new
quarry location. A geological map of 1:24, 000 is produced,
outlining the lithofacies in this area. The coverage area of the
lithology present is the area is also pointed out. Coarse grain
granite covers almost 70% of the area and alluvium from
Kempadang formation covers the remaining area. Common
coastal geological features is found out to be presented in the area.
Structural Analysis is to be done on the fractures of granite
outcrop to determine maximum principal stress direction.
Overall, the study reveals that Pantai Remis is capable to provide
geological resource for economic development.
Keywords- Quaternary Sediments, granite belt, geological
resource.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
This project focus on the geological resource
obtainable in the study area. Establishment of quarry by Lafarge
Aggregates indicates that the granite originates from the
offshoot of Main Range is qualified to be used in construction.
Therefore, this study will search for another potential location
for granite quarry to ensure continuation of the resource supply.
Before a quarry establishment is proposed in the area,
a series of rock aggregate test such flakiness, elongation,
specific gravity, water absorption, impact, crushing and ten per
cent fines will be conducted to ascertain that the granite
properties is fulfilling the limit set by British Standard (BS
882).
Last but not least, the geology data of Pantai Remis is
to be updated and documented. There are many geological
features that might have been overlooked in the previous study.
Overall, the study area is rich with geological features and
resource. So, it must be valued by doing proper study and
proposing the best course of action.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
There is a need to assess the potential of geological
resource in the area and highlighting the importance of
geological resource to the economy. Establishment granite
quarry in the area shows that the granite is capable of becoming
viable source of rock aggregate. However, the granite resource
will soon becoming exhausted. Therefore, study must be done
to find an alternative quarry location. Other considerations are:
Old geological map that need to be improved
Lack of geological study done in Pantai Remis.
1.3 OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this study is to assess the
potential of geological resource in the study area. With proper
test, the resource property can obtained and compared to the
limiting standard. At the end, an alternative quarry shall be
proposed to extract the resource. Other objectives are:
 To study the geology of Pantai Remis
To produce detail map in scale of 1: 24,000
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
This study is to map Pantai Remis region with emphasis on
economic geological aspect. During fieldwork, granite sample
is to be collected for tests to ensure standard specification meet
for use in building materials. The details on the scope of work
are elaborated and arranged chronologically below:
Previous studies and other relevant documents related
to geology of Pantai Remis and Lumut will be
reviewed.
The fieldwork for the study is to map the area in the
scale of 1:10,000 and to take samples for test. All
geological aspects including the lithological
boundaries and structural features will be recorded
onto the map.
Analysis of rock samples are done to determine the
composition of minerals in the sample through thin
section and petrographic studies. Rock aggregate test
will be done on the samples to measure the strength of
the rocks as building materials.
Interpretation of the test results and discussion of the
entire study especially on the economic geological
aspects.
Proposal on the establishment of an alternative quarry
at a suitable location.
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA
The Malay Peninsula is one of the principal
continental blocks that form SE Asian continental core of
Sundaland, Metcalfe [1]. It can be characterised by three north
south belts, which are the Western, Central, and Eastern belts.
The Western Belt forms part of the Sibumasu Terrane, the
blocks that originated from the NW Australian Gondwana
margin. On the other hand, the Central and Eastern Belts
represent the Sukhothai Arc constructed on the margin of the
Indochina Block before separating from Indochina by back-arc
spreading. In Early Triassic, The Sibumasu Terrane in the west
and Sukhothai Arc in the east come into contact and are
completely assembled in Late Triassic
During the collision, Palaeo-Tethys ocean basin,
located in between were destroyed. The Bentong-Raub suture
zone forms the boundary between the Sibumasu Terrane and
Sukhothai Arc and preserves remnants of the Palaeo-Tethys
ocean basin. During this event, PermianTriassic andesitic
volcanism and I-Type granitoids appeared in the Central and
Eastern Belts of the Malay Peninsula. Triassic cherts, turbidites
and conglomerates of the Semanggol Formation were
deposited in a fore-deep basin constructed on the leading edge
of Sibumasu and the uplifted accretionary complex. Collisional
crustal thickening, coupled with slab break off and rising hot
asthenosphere produced the Main Range (Late Triassic-earliest
Jurassic) S-Type granitoids that intrude the Western Belt and
Bentong-Raub suture zone. The Sukhothai back-arc basin
opened in the Early Permian and collapsed and closed in the
MiddleLate Triassic. Marine sedimentation ceased in the Late
Triassic in the Malay Peninsula due to tectonic and isostatic
uplift, and JurassicCretaceous continental red beds form a
cover sequence. A significant Late Cretaceous tectono-thermal
event affected the Peninsula with major faulting, granitoid
intrusion and re-setting of palaeomagnetic signatures.
2.2 GEOLOGY OF THE PANTAI REMIS AND LUMUT
The study area in Pantai Remis covers from the coastal
region to the mainland. On the coast, the main sediments
assumed to be from the Quaternary deposits. To be more
specific, the coastal part of Pantai Remis are mainly constituent
of Kempadang formation. Suntharalingam and Ghani [2]
introduced this formation to describe Pleistocene marine
sediments. The formation extends to Pahang, south Selangor
and south Perak. In Lumut area, a 20cm thick layer of marine
sediments with remains of marine shells, foraminifera and
mangrove pollen, is found within the Simpang formation at
depth about 40 cm. Overlying the sediment is an 8 cm thick
sequence of fluvial sediments that wedges out eastwards and
overlies a thick layer of gravelly sand.
At the mainland, there is still the presence of alluvium
from the Quaternary. However the most dominant geological
features observed are granitics originating from Permo-Triassic
Western granite belt. The study area has predominantly S- Type
granite or also known as sedimentary protolith granite. S-Type
granite resulted from partial melting of metasedimentary rocks,
in a process called anatexis or ultrametamorphism, Chappell,
[3]. During orogenic movements associated with granite
intrusion, depending on the relative hardness, granite form high
ranges while sedimentary rocks are folded into troughs.
Below is the latest geological map produced by
Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains (JMG) Malaysia that shows the
lithology of Pantai Remis and surrounding area. The main
lithology found in the study area are granite and alluvium (clay,
silt, sand and peat with minor gravel).

2.3 MINING RECORDS AND GEOLOGICAL
RESOURCE OF PANTAI REMIS, PERAK
There have been enormous geological resources in Perak and
that contribute to national economy. Tin mining in Perak started
during early 1600's with the Kinta Valley as the largest tin
producer in the world during the first half of 20th century. A
quarry has also been started.
However, the history of resources exploration of
Pantai Remis and Lumut were not well documented record.
According to Wong [4], the first mining in Lumut was dated to
1931. With a few setbacks, the mining industries in the area
went through ups and downs. Some of the mines till continue
today. In general, granite is the most dominant geological
resources that have been exploited.
There are many use of granite especially for building
materials. Granite can be distinguished in terms of its technical
characteristics as solid (grades 800-1200) and highly solid
(grades 1400-1600), frost resistant (grades 300-400) and low
flakiness index (5-23%) (Lafarge, 2014). However, tests must
be done before the rock can be used as aggregate in
construction. As example, Northstone [5] suggested that
bitumen does not stick well to quartz bearing rocks such
granite. Therefore, without testing, the construction of road
with granite as aggregate may be risky.
Clay is defined as a naturally occurring material
composed primarily of fine-grained minerals, which is
generally plastic at appropriate water contents and will harden
when dried or is fired. Not many study have been done to
classify the types of the clay in Pantai Remis. However, the clay
found in the study area is hoped to be able to support the
economic development of economy as useful resource.
According to malaysianminerals.com, aggregates
produced in Malaysia are obtained from two primary sources,
namely quarries and river beds. They consist mainly of granite
and limestone rock types, and are abundant throughout the
states of Perak, Selangor, Johore, Sabah and Sarawak.
Production of aggregates in 2012 is estimated to have increased
to 122, 000,000 tonnes from 118,509,699 tonnes produced in
2011.
As for clay records, Malaysia is a nation with abundant
clay resources. They include common clay, ball clay, fire clay,
shale, laterite and red earth. These clays are mainly used in
producing bricks, ceramic wares, and cement and also for
landfill. Clay deposits are located in the states of Pahang,
Selangor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perak, Kedah, Pulau Pinang,
Negeri Sembilan, Johore and Sarawak. Production of clays in
2012 is estimated to have increased to 29,000,000 tonnes from
28,383,719 tonnes in 2011.
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Desk Study
The desk study is done by reviewing all relevant
documents which concern about the study area. This includes
relevant topography plan, geological reports, various studies
done in the same area and any other references. Desk study also
facilitates the understanding of the location, topography and
general geology of the study area. The general geology of study
area is dominantly granite rock and alluvium of Kempadang
formation.
3.2 Fieldwork and Sample Collection
During fieldwork, the outcrop data of the area is
collected. It involves geological mapping, structural study and
sample collection in the field. Most of the data gathering
process is done by walkover survey. Firstly, the geological
mapping is done across an area of 4x4km using equipments
such as Brunton Compass, GPS, base map and stationery.
Based on the data acquired through the survey, the new updated
base map and geological map for the area will be constructed
using ArcGIS software. The cross section for the topography in
the area also illustrated accordingly. Secondly, the structural
study shall focus on physical description of rock structures and
it involves strike and dip measurements. The next step is to plot
rose diagram using the measurements taken in order to study
the structural trend in the area. Lastly, the rock sample is taken
for lab analysis and tests.
3.3 Laboratory work
Different tests is to be ran on the sample of granite by
using available equipment in UTP and Jabatan Mineralogi dan
Geosains Malaysia (JMG).
For granite, two analysis shall be conducted on the
samples. These two analysis are thin section study and rock
aggregate test. The composition and textures of the sample can
be observed by doing thin section study. The sample both from
existing quarry and new proposed area shall be tested for this
study.
On the other hand, rock aggregate tests are conducted
to test the rocks in order to know if the rock is strong and
suitable for the end-use it is to be put to. In the presence of any
weak strata in the rock, the quality of the rock will be
questionable and cannot be used for construction. As there is
granite quarry already being establish in study area, the quality
of aggregates are undeniably good. Therefore, the need of rock
aggregates test falls only onto the newly proposed location
sample. Below is the summarization of test for granite
aggregates.
obtained through the project, the most accurate conclusion in
economic geology terms shall be drawn.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Geological Studies
A geological map of Pantai Remis area is produced at
a Scale of 1:24 000. The map show all geological features
presence in the study area. The map cover area of about 30 km2.
One cross section of the area also produced.

Table 1: Tests for Granite From the map, it is observable that the area is
dominantly cover by granite as indicate by the red colour
Type of Test Purpose boundary on the map. The yellow colour area is showing the
Sample alluvium of Kempadang Formation. Most of the hills and higher
Aggregate Aggregate To investigate the elevation area are made up of granite whereas the lower area
Crushing Value resistance towards including the coastal area is made up from the alluvium.
crushing under
gradually applied In percentages, the granite covers almost 70% from
load the entire Pantai Remis area and the remaining 30% is covered
Aggregate To test the by the alluvium. From the map, Lafarge Aggregates quarry is
Impact Value compressive strength already establish in the area to extract the granite resource. A
in sudden loading few exposed outcrop can be found in the area with most of them
Flakiness Index To examine the flaky have fractures all over them.
particles in granite
whose least Lastly, among the geological features found in study
dimension (i.e. area also mark in the map. The features such as cape, estuary,
thickness) is less tidal flats, mudcracks and mangrove swamps noticed to be
than three-fifths of its present. The presence of tidal flat and estuary indicate low
mean dimension energy depositional environment. Therefore the coastline of
Los Angeles To test the resistance Pantai Remis is enclosed and filled with muddy sediments.
Abrasion Value towards physical
continuous abrasion
Soundness To investigate the 4.2 Structural Analysis
Value resistance towards
chemical degradation
Specific Gravity To find out the bulk
density
Ten Percent To measure ten
(10%) Fineness percent fines value
Water To examine the water
Absorption absorption rate under
specified conditions

3.4 Interpretation of Findings

Most of the fracture system found in Pantai Remis are
joints. The strike and dip for 94 joints in the area are gathered.
Based on the findings, the geological knowledge learnt
The data is measured at different pit stop throughout the study
will be applied to relate all available information on geology in
area. Dips software is used to analyse the data.
study area. Before quarry establishment in the area, the results
from aggregate test will be compared to Jabatan Kerjaraya
Figure 10 shows the rose diagram plotted using the fracture
Malaysia (JKM) standard. Lastly, with all the information
data from study area. It is observable that most of the fractures
in the area are showing NE-SW trend direction. Based on the
rose diagram, the direction of principle stress, 1 can be and elongation index test is done in order to determine the shape
determined to be ENE-WSW. The minimum stress, 3 which is factors of the aggregate. Specific gravity and water absorption
perpendicular to the principle stress can be seen acting in the is determine from one test involving soaking of the aggregate
direction of NNW-SSE. in water. The remaining test such as AIV, ACV, 10% Fines,
LAAS and soundness to check on the mechanical properties of
the aggregate. Toughness, crushing strength, hardness and
durability of the aggregate is able to be identified throughout
4.3 Rock Aggregate Test and Petrographic Studies
the series of tests done.
Rock Aggregate Parameter Comparison to British From the table above, the parameter of aggregate
Standard sample from Pantai Remis falls within the acceptable limit of
British Standard. Therefore, the aggregate from the study area
Table 2: Parameter of Aggregate Sample Compares to British is concluded to be good enough to be used in construction
Standard Limit works. Since this aggregate is workable, a new alternative
quarry should be opened in the area to extract the resource.
Rock Tested Acceptable Limit (BS 882)
Aggregate Aggregat Road Pavement Petrographic Studies
Paramete e Sample Surfacin Crushe Concret
rs g d Stone e
Base
Flakiness 28.46% 30% - 35%
Index MAX MAX
Elongatio 29.80% 30% - 35%
n Index MAX MAX
Sodium 4.59% 12% 20% 12%
Sulphate MAX MAX MAX
Soundnes
s Value
Los 48.29% - 50% 50%
Angeles MAX MAX
Abrasion
Value
Aggregate 27.38% 30% - 45%
Impact MAX MAX Form the percentages of quartz, plagioclase and
Value orthoclase mineral in both sample, the type of granite can be
Aggregate 34.77% 30% - - determined. In average, orthoclase constitute about 35% of the
Crushing MAX granite sample. Quartz dominates about 50% and leave out the
Value remaining 15% to plagioclase. So, by referring to the ternary
Ten Per 11.16 >10 - >5 Tons diagram of plutonic rock, the granite sample is found out to be
Cent Tons Tons syenogranite.
Fines
Value
Specific 2.74 >2.5 >2.5 >2.5 CONCLUSION
Gravity In conclusion, the granite found in the area is capable
Water 0.55 2.0 MAX 2.0 - of being viable aggregate source. Based on rock aggregate test,
Absorptio MAX the physical and mechanical properties of the granite has passed
n Value the limit outline by British Standard. An alternative quarry site
has been proposed and marked on the newly produced map.
Al-Harthi [6] narrated that the suitability of aggregates Besides that, base and geological map of Pantai Remis have
for usage in construction is determined by evaluation of been produced in scale of 1:24,000 in scale. As mention by the
material in terms of physical and mechanical properties. British past study, Pantai Remis lithology are majorly covered by
Standard limit is the acknowledged guideline for analysing granite. Alluvium from Kempadang formation is also found to
these properties. It also has been approved by JKM as the be present in the area. Higher elevation area such as hills are
accepted limiting standard of aggregate parameters. mainly made up by granite and the alluvium dominates the
lower elevation in the study area. Other than that, geological
Particles shape, specific gravity and water absorption features such as tidal flat and mangrove swamps can be
is among the physical property analysed in this study. Flakiness observed in the area in the area.
 FURTHER STUDY
The map can be completed with a smaller scale loaded with
more geological details. In order to optimize geological
resource extraction, geophysical methods may be included so
that geological resources underground can be delineated
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The guidance and help provided by my supervisor,

A.P. Dr. Chow Weng Sum has made this whole project a
success. All his effort and support given has been a vital part in
this project. Moreover, I would like to offer my gratitude to all
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS lecturers especially from
Petroleum Geoscience Department and also the lab technicians,
who have helped me throughout this project in many ways.

On the other hand, many thanks for the never ending

support given by both my parents throughout this project as
well as this final chapter of the whole degree program. Also, I
want to thanks to my fellow classmates, who have made this
whole project a lot easier. Lastly, special thank is also given
here to all staffs of Jabatan Mineralogi & Geosains (JMG)
Perak, in particular, Mr, Thiru and Mr. Shafie for all their help.

REFERENCES
1. Metcalfe. I. (2013). Tectonic evolution of the
Malay Peninsula. Journal of Asian Earth
Sciences. Volume 76, Pages 195213.
2. Suntharalingam, T. (1984). Quaternary
stratigraphy and prospect for placer tin in the
Taiping-Lumut area, Perak. Geol.Soc.Malaysia.
17. P. 9-32
3. Chappell, B.J and White, A.J.R., 1974, "Two
Contrasting Granite Types". Pac. Geol., v8,
pp.173-174

4. Wong, T. C. (1991) Geology and Mineral

Resources of Lumut-Teluk Intan Area, Perak.
Geological Survey Malaysia map Report 3.

5. Northstone (Ni) Ltd. (2005). Aggregate Test.

Quarry & Asphalt Division

6. Al-Harthi A.A. (2001). A field index to determine

the strength characteristics of crushed aggregate.
Bull Eng Geo Env 60. P. 193-200