ASSESSMENT OF SOME INDUSTRIAL MINERAL DEPOSITS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA: INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPERATIVES

Abstract

Physical mapping and geochemical characterization of some industrial mineral occurrences in North-Central Nigeria have been undertaken as a basis for identifying the locations of their occurrence, the economic quantities, modes of occurrence and physico-chemical characteristics as raw materials for industrialization in the region. The North-Central region of Nigeria comprises the geopolitical states of Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory. Physical mapping-surveys have been carried out on clay, marble and talc deposits in Niger State; barite and clay deposits in Nasarawa State and on clay, marble and feldspar deposits in Kogi State. Deposits of clay have been mapped in Niger State at Mashegu, Kutigi and Lemu, marble and clay at Kwakuti and talc at Kagara. In Nasarawa State barite deposits were mapped at Azara and Wuse and clay deposit at Shabu while in Kogi State clay deposits occur at Ahoko and Ojodu, marble at Jakura and Obajana and at Allo/Itobe and feldspar at Ajaokuta. All the mapped industrial minerals occur in economic quantities, although the exact reserves have not yet been measured. The exploitation of these mineral deposits and investment in the corresponding mineral-based industries will spur economic growth and engender positive social transformation in the sub-region.