Barite (BaSO4) mineralization occurs within Pan African fracture systems in the Gombe inlier. Gombe Inlier is a Basement dome within the Gongola Basin (Upper Benue trough in Nigeria) which exposes most of the stratigraphic sequence (Bima Sandstone, Yolde Formation, Pindiga Formation and Gombe Sandstone). Fieldwork was conducted from March 23rd – 29th 2007, 20 minerals and rock samples were taken from the veins and host rocks, and then Geochemical, petrographic and structural analysis were conducted to ascertain the quality of barite, associated minerals, nature of host rock and also the type of chemical as well as structural barriers for the mineralization. The results shows that the principal planar planes hosting mineralizations were found to trend mostly in NE – WSW direction which conforms well in smaller scale with the trend of strike slip faults that faulted the inlier and on a larger scale conforms with the general trend of the Benue trough. The fractures are therefore probably subordinate to the general structural trend of the Benue trough. The main associated mineralization was inferred to be anhydrite (CaSO4) which is also a sulphate like barite. This suggest competition for SO32+ by Ba2+ and Ca2+ but the deeper fractures host barite because Ba2+ originate from mantle and brought up by hydrothermal fluid through fractures while Ca2+ could be a dissolved ion in sea water. The quality of the barite in some veins is well over 70% BaSO4 which is economically viable. Part of barite in some veins were leached and recrystallized into spindle crystals by later hydrothermal fluid with little effect on its chemistry. The petrographic studies also revealed the purity of some barite veins and also indicated the presence of other associated minerals and also indicates the nature of the silica chemical barrier for the sulphate mineralizations.
Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1 Introduction
2. Chapter 2 Literature Review
3. Chapter 3 Materials and Methodology
4. Chapter 4 Interpretation of Results
5. Chapter 5 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
This research aims to determine the origin and economic potential of Barite mineralization within the Gombe Inlier, utilizing chemical analysis, petrographic studies, and structural analysis of fracture systems to evaluate the deposit's viability and geological context.
- Chemical composition and quality assessment of Barite and associated minerals.
- Petrographic analysis of mineral textures and hydrothermal alterations.
- Structural analysis of fracture trends and their relationship to strike-slip faulting.
- Evaluation of the economic potential and resource status of the deposits.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Statement of Problem
Gombe Inlier is a Basement dome within the Gongola Basin which exposes most of the Stratigraphic sequence (Bima Sandstone, Yolde Formation, Pindiga Formation and Gombe Sandstone). Most of the works done in that area are on the exposed Stratigraphic sequence at the flank of the inlier.
Barite Mineralization was reported from Gombe inlier but no detailed work has been done to study the Barite along side other accessory minerals. The fracture systems hosting the Barite on the Gombe inlier was also least understood because it has not been studied in detail let alone to understand the chemistry and the economic implication of the Barite Mineralization and the accessory minerals. The relationships between the fractures hosting the mineralizations and the strike slip fault that affacts the inlier is also least understood.
Only unregistered miners patronize the Barite in Gombe inlier and so the impact of the mineralization on the economy is almost in-assessable.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1 Introduction: Defines the research problem regarding Barite mineralization at Gombe Inlier and outlines the study's objectives, location, and scope.
Chapter 2 Literature Review: Provides a comprehensive geological overview of the Benue Trough, including regional stratigraphy and various tectonic models regarding its origin and evolution.
Chapter 3 Materials and Methodology: Details the field mapping techniques, sampling procedures, geochemical XRF analysis, and petrographic study methods used to analyze the samples.
Chapter 4 Interpretation of Results: Presents and interprets the geochemical data, HCl test results, macroscopic observations, and structural analysis of fracture poles.
Chapter 5 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation: Synthesizes the findings to evaluate the origin of Barite-Anhydrite mineralization, confirms the resource potential, and suggests future research directions.
Keywords
Barite, Gombe Inlier, Gongola Basin, Benue Trough, Mineralization, Geochemical Analysis, Petrography, Anhydrite, Stratigraphy, Strike-Slip Fault, Hydrothermal, Silica, Tectonics, Structural Analysis, Mineral Resource
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
This research focuses on investigating the origin, chemical composition, and economic potential of Barite and Anhydrite mineralization located within the Gombe Inlier of the Gongola Basin, Nigeria.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers structural geology, sedimentary stratigraphy of the Upper Benue Trough, hydrothermal mineralization processes, and geochemical assessment of ore minerals.
What is the main research question or objective?
The main objective is to determine the nature and economic viability of Barite veins and to understand the relationship between the fractures hosting these minerals and the tectonic evolution of the Gombe Inlier.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The study uses field mapping, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for geochemical analysis, petrographic thin-section microscopy, and stereographic projection for structural analysis of fracture planes.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the geological setting, details the methodology for sample preparation and analysis, presents empirical geochemical and structural data, and discusses the hydrothermal processes influencing mineralization.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Barite, Gombe Inlier, Benue Trough, Hydrothermal Mineralization, Geochemical Analysis, and Structural Analysis.
How does the study conclude regarding the economic grade of the minerals?
The research concludes that both Barite and Anhydrite samples tested show an economic grade of over 70%, successfully upgrading the site from a simple mineral occurrence to a potential mineral resource.
What role does silica play in the mineralization process?
Silica acts as a stabilizing agent and a cementing medium; the study shows a consistent relationship where silica quantity influences the quality and purity of the associated Barite and Anhydrite deposits.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Ahmed Isah Haruna (Author), 2007, Geology and Economic Potential of Barite Mineralization on Gombe Inlier, Gombe State, Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/212495
