The Golden Triangle economic zone of eastern Egypt stretching between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea coast is a historical
mining area, which is vast and rich in geology. Although none single study can comprehend the entire geoheritage of this
area, field investigations and literature analysis permit to identify the eight most notable localities, which are interpreted
as geosites (Sukari gold mines, Al-Fawakhier gold mine, Um Greifat polymetallic ore quarry, Gebel Abu Sha’ar El-Qibli
manganese quarry, White Sand quarry, Gebel Duwi (including phosphate mines), Sodmein cave, and Meatiq dome). These
geosites represent broad spectrum of unique phenomena. The latter are assigned to the stratigraphical, palaeontological,
palaeogeographical, tectonic, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, mineralogical, geomorphological, economical, and geohistorical
geoheritage types. Semi-quantitative assessment of these geosites indicates on the biggest value of Gebel Duwi,
the Sodmein cave, and the Al-Fawakhier gold mine. The identified geoheritage of the Golden Triangle requires geoconservation
and exploitation for the purposes of science, education, and tourism (some experience has already been accumulated),
and the relevant initiatives can be managed within a geopark framework. This preliminary assessment proves geoheritage
richness of the study area, and it establishes frame for geoconservation activities, and, particularly, search for more geosites.
The presence of similar geologically rich areas in the other parts of Egypt makes urgent development and implementation
of the national approaches of geoheritage management. |
