*H. I. Kamale1, M. K. Muhammad1, M. S. Maigana2, U. L. Dalorima3, A.S. Sa’ad1, I.A. Yerima1 and A. I. Lawan1
1Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
2Department of Geophysics, King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
3Zenith Bank Nigeria PLC, Maiduguri Main Branch, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s Email: hikamale@unimaid.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.07060501
ABSTRACT
Geological and structural mapping of the Liji area was conducted while the objective of the study is to geologically map and assess the structures and characterized the geochemical properties of the baryte and their host rocks of the Liji area. The result show that granite, pegmatite, Bima Sandstone, Yolde Sandstone, Pindiga Formation and Gombe Sandstone constituting the geology of the area. Structurally controlled vein-type epigenetic baryte mineralization is located within fractures in the granites, pegmatites and Bima Sandstone.
Tectonic structures deduced from aeromagnetic data show lineaments trending in NE-SW, E-W and N-S directions while the field structures largely trends in NNE-SSW, N-S and E-W with minor trends in NW-SE directions. Average specific gravity of baryte has value that qualifies it for utilization in manufacture of drilling mud for oil-well drilling among other industrial applications. Ten (10) representative samples were selected and analyzed for trace elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. The results show progressive increase in Ba and Sr contents from the distal samples through the proximal samples to the mineral separates with corresponding depletion of Rb from the distal to the proximal samples but with extremely low content in the baryte separates. The baryte separates show abnormally high Ba (>50,000 ppm) and Sr (10, 540.5 ppm) values indicating mineralization of baryte (BaSO4) and Celestine (SrSO4).
Keywords:
Baryte,
Mineralization,
Aeromagnetic,
Lineament
Liji