An evaluation of Palaeocene kaolin deposits in northeastern Nigeria

Journal article

Authors/Editors

Shemang, Elisha

Research Areas

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Publication Details

Author list: Shemang EM, Ekosse GE, Suh CE, Likkason OK, Maigari AS

Publisher: Schweizerbart Science Publishers

Place: STUTTGART

Publication year: 2004

Journal: Journal of Mineralogy and Geochemistry (0077-7757)

Journal acronym: NEUES JB MINER ABH

Volume number: 180

Issue number: 1

Start page: 33

End page: 44

Number of pages: 12

ISSN: 0077-7757

eISSN: 2363-7161

Languages: English-Great Britain (EN-GB)

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Abstract

Three kaolin deposits in the Palaeocene Kerri-Kerri sandstone-dominated basin in northeastern Nigeria have been evaluated with respect to their particle size distribution (psd) and colour, and mineralogical and chemical compositions. The kaolin is fine-grained (greater than or equal to80.75 wt % finer than 2 mum) and light grey to white. In terms of mineralogy, X-ray diffractograms show that the deposits are substantially rich in kaolinite and have subordinate amounts of quartz and illite whereas goethite, hematite and halloysite occur in trace amounts. CaO, Na2O and MgO concentrations are low (less than or equal to0.44 wt %) indicating that kaolinitisation resulted from weathering accompanied by leaching of the alkalis. This process resulted in complementary enrichment of SiO2 and Al2O3. Low Fe2O3 (less than or equal to 1.20 wt %) as well as low MnO (less than or equal to 0.03 wt %) makes the kaolin suitable for use in industrial applications in which colour in the end product is not desirable. With an estimated minimum reserve of 8.2 x 10(10) tons, these deposits are economically viable pending further detailed investigations.

Keywords

kaolinite, mineralogical and chemical composition, Nigeria, sandstone, weathering

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