CHARACTERIZATION OF GUJENI IRON ORE DEPOSIT, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

CHARACTERIZATION OF GUJENI IRON ORE DEPOSIT, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract:

The characterization of Gujeni iron ore was carried out in the course of this research work. The iron ore deposit is located in Gujeni village, Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The Samples were taken from four different pits 1, 2, 3 and 4 at 100m apart and at 3m depth. The four samples were mixed together to form composite sample. The composite sample was crushed, pulverized, analysed and characterized using XRF, XRD and SEM/EDS techniques. The result of the chemical analysis revealed that the composite sample contained 48.6%Fe, 0.2%Mn, 12.01%Ti, 2.06%P, 0.2%S, 6.0%Si, 4.4%Al on the average. Physical properties of the ore such as specific gravity, density and electrical conductivity were determined and the values are within the standard values specified for iron ores. Mineralogical analysis showed that the ore contained the following minerals in major quantity; haematite, goethite, rutile while, manganese oxide, zincite, zirconium and silicate minerals are present in minor quantities. The SEM/EDS analysis results revealed that the iron bearing minerals are separated from other minerals contained in the ore by smooth boundaries hence, they can be liberated from other associated minerals simply by crushing and grinding. Petrological results revealed that the structure of the iron bearing minerals are in the form of plates and river line which are the characteristic of haematite and goethite. Particle size/mineral assay analyses revealed that the various mineral phases are evenly distributed in all the various sieve size fractions(+355µm to -50µm). The liberation size of the iron bearing minerals was found to be -250+180µm, containing the highest percentage assay of iron (48.80%Fe). The work index of the ore was found to be 13.96kWh/t and classified as a type B ore with soft medium texture. The results obtained are compared with that of the literatures cited. Gujeni iron ore may be another potential source of iron ore deposit that can be beneficiated and supplied to iron and steel making industries in the country.

CHARACTERIZATION OF GUJENI IRON ORE DEPOSIT, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.