A Review of Geophysics Study of Graphite Occurances in Balai Sebut Complex, Sanggau, West Borneo
Rizki Fajar Maulana (a), Deska Sulyana (a), Himmes F.Y. (a), Fajar Hendrasto (a), Budi Wijaya (a), Mira Meirawaty(a*)

a) Geological Engineering Department, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta City, Indonesia

*email: mira[at]trisakti.ac.id

Abstract

Graphite is a non-metallic polymorph mineral formed by carbon. Graphite has become indispensable in worldwide industry due to its widespread applications, such as industrial uses, energy transition, and even electricity. It is a critical anode element for Lithium-ion batteries. Graphite has a unique physical characteristics. It has a very low specific gravity and extremely soft but highly conductive material and is exceptionally heat-resistant, making it applicable in metallurgy and manufacturing. Due to all characteristics, graphite occurrences in Indonesia are slightly unknown. In contrast, there is a possibility, according to some Palaeozoic metamorphic host graphite in several parts of Indonesia. This study will enlighten early step exploration of graphite potency in Balai Sebut, Sanggau Regency, West Borneo. We combined airborne and ground geophysics by using Active Directory Migration Tools (ADMT) to estimate graphite distribution in the surface and subsurface. We also did laboratory analysis to validate graphite content using petrography analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Carbon analyzer (LECO) of some representative rock-bearing graphite from fieldwork. Graphite in the research area is exposed to the surface, like in Empiyang, whereas potential graphite in the Terati area lies 70 m below the subsurface. Petrography analysis shows that graphite occurs as flake graphite that is characterized by widespread distribution with low thickness. Both LECO and XRD confirmed the occurrence of these graphite-bearing rocks, with the total amount of graphite ranging from 0,91-1,58%. This research is expected to provide suggestions in the early stage of graphite exploration based on thematic cases as graphite occurrences in the Balai Sebut Area.

Keywords: Active Directory Magnetoteluric (ADMT)- Geophysics- Graphite- West Borneo

Topic: Engineering