The Lithofacies of Pandua Formation Shale in the Andowia Area, North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi and Its potential as Petroleum source rock

Abstract

Research on the Late Miocene of Pandua Formation shale in Andowia area, Southeast Sulawesi is fundamental because it is considered to have the potential as a source rock in Manui Basin. This study aimed to determine the lithofacies and its potential as petroleum source rock using megascopic, petrographic, and total organic carbon analyses in Pandua Formation shale. Based on the megascopic and petrographic analysis of outcrops, the shale can be subdivided into 11 lithofacies consists of clayey shale, massive claystone, clastic detritus-rich claystone, massive mudstone, mica-rich mudstone, iron oxide-rich mudstone, low-angle laminated mudstone, massive siltstone, carbon-rich massive siltstone, laminated siltstone, and carbon-rich laminated siltstone. The results of the analysis of 19 samples of shale showed that the total organic carbon (TOC) content was classified as poor to excellent (4%). The lithofacies with a high concentration of TOC are carbon-rich massive siltstone and carbon-rich laminated siltstone. Both lithofacies were categorized as potentially excellent source rock which the TOC value content is 5.78% and 5.74%.The result implies the better understanding of the depositional environment and hydrocarbon accumulation potential of the Manui basin for future exploration.