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ISSN Print: 2381-1099 ISSN Online: 2381-1102

International Journal of Geophysics and Geochemistry

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Geochemical and Geophysical Investigations of Kaolin Deposits of the Maastrichtian Mamu Formation, Northern Anambra Basin, Nigeria

International Journal of Geophysics and Geochemistry
Vol.5 , No. 2, Publication Date: May 30, 2018, Page: 45-52

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Authors

[1]	Baba Yahaya, Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
[2]	Omali Aurelius Ojoina, Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
[3]	Usman Ayatu Ojonugwa, Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.

Abstract

Geochemical and Geophysical investigation of clay deposits at Ofe-Jiji, Aloji and Udane-Biomi, Northern Anambra Basin, has been carried out in a view of delineating the chemical contents and the thickness of the clay deposit within the study area. Geochemical analysis of the clay deposits were carried out using Minipal 4 XRF Analyser to analyse the chemical contents of the clay deposits while the vertical electrical sounding of the Schlumbergier arrays was used to delineate the lithologic unit across the mapped area. Results of the geochemical analysis reveals that SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ are the major oxides found in the clay deposits. SiO₂ is 65.91% at Ofe-Jiji, 61.53% at Aloji and 70.59% at Udane-Biomi. Al₂O₃ has a reverse trend to SiO₂ ranging from 19.42% at Ofe-Jiji to 21.72% at Aloji, and 16.67% at Udane-Biomi. Minor oxides are Fe₂O₃, MgO, CaO, Na₂O, K₂O, TiO₂, MnO, V₂O₅ and Cr₂O₃. Geochemical parameters, such as Al₂O₃/TiO₂ and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios suggest that the 3 kaolin deposits studied have been derived from intermediate source rocks. Results from the geophysical interpretation show that the average thicknesses of the clay unit at Ofe-Jiji, Aloji and Undane Boimi are 62.7 meters, 14.1 meters and 9.7 meters respectively and the average resistivity values of the clay unit in each of the location are 554.33 Ωm, 583.15 Ωm and 421.77 Ωm. The geochemical results also show that the kaolins meet the criteria for use as, ceramic and brick clay raw materials.

Keywords

Geochemical Analysis, Resistivity Survey, Clay Minerals, Kaolinite, Provenance, Conductivity

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