Major geological discoveries unearthed in Semporna by Curtin Malaysia researchers

Miri, Sarawak – 8 August 2024 – In an exciting and significant geological expedition, a team of researchers from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has unveiled remarkable findings in the Semporna region of Sabah. The week-long field trip, led by Dr. Vijay Anand S, a lecturer of Applied Geology, included Higher Degree Research (HDR) students Manobalaji, Ranjen Chandra Segaran, and Natasha Cindy Anak Richard Pie.

Dr. Vijay and his team focused on Semporna’s rich and varied geological landscape, recognised for its outstanding research potential, particularly in carbonate mineralisation.

“Semporna’s submarine environment is not only stunning but also holds crucial geological insights. The region’s history is marked by subsurface intrusions, lava flows, and the formation of milky quartz geodes, which are essentially hollow rocks lined with crystals. These findings provide a unique window into the geological past,” Dr. Vijay remarked.

The nearby Semporna quarry added to the excitement with its treasure trove of diverse lithological features. “We discovered Miocene fossiliferous limestone interbedded with volcanic rock and ignimbrite deposits, intruded by hydrothermal carbonate veins. The strong mineralisation in the quarry, including abundant carbonate minerals, indicates potential economic value and reveals a history of contact metamorphism due to submarine volcanic activity,” he explained.

The team’s exploration also revealed significant geological phenomena, such as andesite volcanic rock with a lithophyte structure, suggesting late-stage crystallisation of milky quartz within rock cavities. Evidence of deformation in the orientation of limestone and faults, along with ignimbrite deposits formed from explosive eruptions, was observed.

At Tagasan Hill, the researchers uncovered a complex stratigraphy with rhyolite underlain by intermediate volcanic rocks, including andesite and dacite, and fine-grain volcanic rocks layered with felsic and trachyte formations. These findings, highlighted by well-developed columnar jointing reflecting lava cooling, are not only scientifically valuable but also visually captivating.

The Nagos region and Mount Conner further showcased Semporna’s geological diversity with hydrothermally altered rocks and vesicle-rich volcanic formations, respectively. These discoveries underscore Semporna’s geological significance and complexity.

Dr. Vijay expressed his enthusiasm about the discoveries, stating, “Our field trip to Semporna has opened new research avenues and has the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of the region’s geological evolution. These geological treasures not only enrich our scientific knowledge but also highlight the natural beauty and complexity of earth’s processes.”

The findings from this expedition are poised to stimulate further research and could pave the way for economic opportunities in mineral exploration and tourism in Semporna. This endeavour reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to advancing knowledge through field-based research, yielding valuable insights into the natural world.

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Manobalaji, Ranjen, Natasha from Curtin University Malaysia alongside Prof. Dr. Baba Musta from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. (3rd – 6th from right), visiting gold mines in Semporna.

A stunning geode, showcasing the intricate crystal formations within

Columnar jointing in volcanic rocks from the submarine environment

Pillow structures as evidence of historical lava flows

A striking carbonate vein

A quartz geode, highlighting the hollow formations

Fossil discoveries within limestone, showcasing the region’s ancient history