Geology and Possible Host for Bauxite Mineralization of Mambila Plateau, NE Nigeria

International Journal of Geoinformatics and Geological Science

© 2021 by SSRG - IJGGS Journal

Volume 8 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2021

Authors : Audu Mohammed Daya, Ahmad Isah Haruna, Abubakar Sadiq Maigari, Isah Yahuza

10.14445/23939206/IJGGS-V8I3P104

How to Cite?

Audu Mohammed Daya, Ahmad Isah Haruna, Abubakar Sadiq Maigari, Isah Yahuza, "Geology and Possible Host for Bauxite Mineralization of Mambila Plateau, NE Nigeria," SSRG International Journal of Geoinformatics and Geological Science, vol. 8,  no. 3, pp. 22-28, 2021. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939206/IJGGS-V8I3P104

Abstract:

Bauxites are normally formed from underlying aluminosilicate rocks as a result of tropical weathering. The most important mineral constituent of the bauxite ore is gibbsite, boehmite, or diaspore. The methods adopted for this study involved reconnaissance surveys, detailed geologic mapping, and petrographic studies. Two (2) major rock units were identified and collected for laboratory studies: basalt and trachyte. The basalt is black to dark green in hand specimen and generally displays columnar jointing structures. Its petrography showed plagioclase feldspar to be 55.33%, pyroxene 30.33%, and opaque mineral 14.33%. The trachyte, however, is generally light grey in hand specimen, massive, and displays a non-directional brecciation pattern. Its petrography showed sanidine to be 49.33%, augite 21.33%, oligoclase 11.00%, hornblende 9.00%, and opaque mineral 9.33%. The bauxites of the Mambilla Plateau are therefore found to be formed from residual chemical weathering of trachyte and occur as a blanket cover over saprolite.

Keywords:

Mambilla Plateau, aluminosilicate, basalt, trachyte, gibbsite, hematite, kaolinite, quartz

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