3 research outputs found
Geology and Occurrences of Limestone and Marble in Nigeria
Limestone occurs only in the sedimentary basins in Nigeria. It occurs mainly in the Benue Trough (Lower, Middle and Upper), Sokoto, Dahomey and Borno (Chad) Basins. Limestone-forming environments (shallow coastal marine conditions), appear to have occurred several times in the geological history of the basins. However, the limestone deposits of the Benue Trough (Lower, Middle and Upper), appear to contain the largest and most economically viable limestone resources in the country. Nearly all the limestone deposits in the country are used for the manufacture of cement. Marble, a metamorphosed limestone occurs within the migmatite-gneiss-schist-quartzite complex as relicts of sedimentary carbonate rocks. These are Upper Proterozoic schist belt metasediments which are normally marked by a general absence of carbonates. Such marble deposits appear to be limited to the western portions of the south and central parts of the country. Several of these marble deposits are currently being exploited for cement (Ukpilla and Obajana) and decorative stone (Jakura, Kwakuti and Igbetti) with some production of ground rock for industrial use. Limestone and marble are among the few industrial minerals and rocks that have been utilized to any great extent in the country. This article summarizes the information available on the country’s limestone and marble deposits (the geology, occurrences, characteristics, reserves, production and quality). Recommendations are proposed for developing the limestone and marble industry to make a positive contribution to the national economy. Keywords: Nigeria, Sedimentary, Precambrian, Calcite, Dolomite, Carbonate Rocks
Appraisal of the Economic Geology of Nigerian Coal Resources
The coal deposits discovered so far in Nigeria are located mainly in the Lower, Middle and Upper Benue Trough. The coal deposits of the Anambra Basin in the Lower Benue Trough, located in southeastern Nigeria contain the largest and most economically viable coal resources. In the Lower Benue Trough, lignite and sub-bituminous coals occur within the Mamu Formation (Middle Campanian – Late Maastrichtian). High-volatile bituminous coals are found within the Awgu Formation (Middle Turonian – Early Santonian) in the Middle Benue Trough while the Upper Benue Trough contains lignites and sub-bituminous coals in the Gombe Sandstone Formation (Early Campanian – Late Maastrichtian). On the economic geology, the sub-bituminous coals in the Lower and Upper Benue Trough are best for combustion, power generation and chemical production and better for liquefaction while the high-volatile bituminous coals in the Middle Benue Trough, besides its best for liquefaction, are the most suitable as raw material for coke making in steel manufacture. Keywords: Nigerian Coal, Benue Trough, Sub-bituminous, Bituminous, Coking
Quality Evaluation of Udane–Biomi Coal in the Northern Anambra Basin of Nigeria
Communication in Physical Sciences 2021, 7(4): 444-453
Authors: Felix Bamidele Fatoye* and Michael Adewale Ibitomi
Received: 29 November 2021/Accepted 08 December 2021
Coal is a significant fuel for several industrial operations, however, its scope of application depends on some quality parameters. In this study, a geochemical investigation of Udane–Biomi (in Northern Anambra Basin) coal deposit has been carried out to ascertain its potential relevance to possible industrial applications. Results from the proximate analysis indicated that the average composition of the coal includes 4.49 % moisture, 76.06 % ash, 11.76 % volatile matter and 7.69 % fixed carbon. The ultimate analysis also reveals that coal consists of 10.58 % carbon, 1.66 % hydrogen, 0.29 % nitrogen, 6.82 % oxygen, 0.12 % sulphur and 0.02 % phosphorus. The average heating value of the coal is 1891Btu/1b and a free swelling index of 0.0 (zero). This observed composition of the investigated coal contradicts with data expected for cooking coals. However, coal is appropriate for electricity generation, heating boilers and ovens in industrial process heating. Coal can also be useful in the cement, glass, ceramic, paper and brick industrie