Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Preliminary Geophysical Evaluation of Orin Bauxite Deposit Southwestern Nigeria
by Abel O. Talabi, Oladimeji L. Ademilua, Olusola Z. Ajayi and Simeon O. Ogunniyi

Abstract:
Economic viability of any metallic mineral deposit depends on its areal and depth extent as well as chemical composition amongst other factors. This study was a preliminary attempt to determine the depth to and the probable areal extent of the bauxite deposit at Orin-Ekiti. As part of the methodological approach, electrical resistivity geophysical survey method involving the vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique were carried out at nine (9) points at the environment of study and seven samples picked randomly were analyzed for Al2O3 chemical content using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Results of these investigations revealed two main sounding curves; QH (VES 1.1, 2.4 and 4.1) and KH (VES 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 3.1 and 3.4). Four to six layers subsurface lithological formations of nearly similar degree of saturation were delineated. Layers 3 of the sounding curves constitute the bauxite deposit with variable thicknesses range of 7.1 - 14.2m. Preliminary quality assessment revealed bauxite of 25.10 - 61.26% Al2O3 (average 42.17% Al2O3) content. The purpose of this study therefore is to confirm the possible occurrence of bauxite of sufficient quantity and quality at Orin-Ekiti as a first indication and invitation for further investigation of a wider scope towards the exploitation for economic development.

Keywords: metallic mineral, bauxite, vertical electrical sounding, sounding curves, formation.

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