Abstract: Oil Shales in Israel: A Source of Energy and Other Potential Applications

T. Minster

Organic-rich rock chalks are widespread in the Upper Cretaceous of Israel, especially in the subsurface, in synclines. This phenomenon particularly characterizes the Mishash (Campanian) and the Ghareb (mostly Maastrichtian) Formations. The organic-rich rocks of the Ghareb Formation have been traditionally termed "oil shales" although their inorganic fraction is dominated by carbonates rather than clays. The oil shales are associated with phosphorites, which are economical in places, and underlies the Ghareb Formation.

The Mishor Rotem-Yamin Deposit in northeastern Negev, is the most intensively investigated oil shale deposit in Israel. Present activity is targeted towards the establishment of several power plants of 75-125 MW each. The idea is to upgrade the currently producing 12 MW (of both steam and electricity) unit on an economical basis. Similar combustion units may be applied to other domestic oil shale deposits.

The bituminous phosphorites associated with the oil shales have potential economical value. Their organic matter content limits their present utilization but may prove to be the main advantage for their beneficiation.

Parts of the huge amounts of ash which may be generated during combustion of Israeli oil shales may be used, apart from refilling of abandoned mines, as additives to portland-cement, purification of industrial oils and treatment of industrial liquid wastes. Some ash is already marketed as cat litter.

Raw oil shales are natural mixtures of carbonates, clays and organic matter and thus could be an ideal raw material for making cement; an obstacle is their relatively high P₂O₅ content, but lab tests have shown that this can be overcome to some extent.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994