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This study aims to assess the source rock potential of the Upper Safa Member in the Khatatba Formation using an integrated approach.

June 19, 2026Scientific ReportsOpen Access

Integrated mineralogical, geochemical, and log derived TOC evaluation of source rock potential in the Khatatba Formation (Western Desert, Egypt)

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Randomized trial evaluates source rock potential in Khatatba Formation, suggesting improved exploration strategies.

This study aims to assess the source rock potential of the Upper Safa Member in the Khatatba Formation using an integrated approach.
Examined 100 ditch-cutting samples from four wells using XRD, XRF, TOC, TS, and Rock-Eval pyrolysis analyses.
Used calibrated log-derived TOC prediction to support continuous source rock characterization.
Integrated mineralogical and geochemical data to evaluate organic richness and thermal maturity.
TOC values ranged from 0.50 to 3.90 wt% with an average of ~1.8 wt%, indicating moderate to very good organic richness.
Rock-Eval data indicated mixed Type II/III kerogen with HI values of 99–186 mg HC/g TOC and Tmax values between 441 °C and 457 °C.
The Upper Safa Member shows fair to good hydrocarbon generation potential with strong source–reservoir coupling.

Khalaf et al. (2026) studied this question.

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