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
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Materials and Methodology
- Chapter 4: Interpretation of Results
- Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation
Objectives and Key Themes
This research aims to determine the origin and economic potential of barite mineralization within the Gombe Inlier. The study involves chemical analysis to evaluate the barite's composition and economic viability, along with structural analysis to understand the geological structures hosting the mineralization. The research also seeks to generate baseline data on the chemistry and petrography of all mineralizations.
- Origin and economic potential of barite mineralization in the Gombe Inlier.
- Chemical composition and characteristics of barite and associated minerals.
- Structural analysis of barite veins and their relationship to geological structures.
- Geological mapping and characterization of the Gombe Inlier.
- Impact of barite mineralization on the local economy.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the Gombe Inlier, a basement dome within the Gongola Basin, focusing on the barite mineralization found within its stratigraphic sequence. It highlights the lack of detailed research on the barite, its associated minerals, and the fracture systems hosting it. The chapter establishes the research's aims and objectives, emphasizing the need to understand the origin, economic potential, and geological context of the barite mineralization, along with the creation of a geologic map. The study area's location, accessibility, topography, drainage, climate, and vegetation are also described, providing essential context for the subsequent research. The limited economic impact due to unregistered mining practices is also noted.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: (No text provided for Chapter 2. A summary cannot be created.)
Chapter 3: Materials and Methodology: (No text provided for Chapter 3. A summary cannot be created.)
Chapter 4: Interpretation of Results: (No text provided for Chapter 4. A summary cannot be created.)
Keywords
Barite mineralization, Gombe Inlier, Gongola Basin, geological structures, economic potential, chemical analysis, structural analysis, petrography, geological mapping, Nigeria.
Gombe Inlier Barite Mineralization Research: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic of this research?
This research focuses on the barite mineralization found within the Gombe Inlier, a basement dome in the Gongola Basin, Nigeria. It aims to determine the origin and economic potential of this mineralization.
What are the key objectives of this research?
The research objectives include determining the origin and economic potential of the barite, analyzing its chemical composition and characteristics, understanding the geological structures hosting the mineralization, conducting geological mapping and characterization of the Gombe Inlier, and assessing the impact of the mineralization on the local economy.
What methods were used in this research?
While the specific details of the methodology are not provided in this preview, the research involved chemical analysis to evaluate the barite's composition and economic viability, and structural analysis to understand the geological structures hosting the mineralization. Geological mapping was also conducted.
What are the key themes explored in the research?
Key themes include the origin and economic potential of barite mineralization in the Gombe Inlier; the chemical composition and characteristics of the barite and associated minerals; the structural analysis of barite veins and their relationship to geological structures; geological mapping and characterization of the Gombe Inlier; and the impact of barite mineralization on the local economy.
What is the significance of the Gombe Inlier in this research?
The Gombe Inlier serves as the study area. The research focuses on the barite mineralization within its stratigraphic sequence, highlighting the lack of previous detailed research on this specific mineralization and its associated geological context.
What is included in the Chapter Summaries section of the preview?
The preview provides a summary of Chapter 1 (Introduction), which introduces the Gombe Inlier, its barite mineralization, and the research aims. Summaries for Chapters 2-4 (Literature Review, Materials and Methodology, Interpretation of Results) are not provided in this preview.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Barite mineralization, Gombe Inlier, Gongola Basin, geological structures, economic potential, chemical analysis, structural analysis, petrography, geological mapping, Nigeria.
What is the overall goal of this research?
The overall goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the barite mineralization within the Gombe Inlier, including its origin, economic viability, and geological context, contributing to the existing knowledge about this region and its mineral resources.
- 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.grin.com/document/212495
