ENERGY DISPERSIVE X-RAY FLUORESENCE SPECTROMETRY EVALUATION OF ROCK MINERALS IN GUJENI AND TSOHON BIRNIN GWARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The elemental evaluation was carried out by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. The Gujeni iron ore contained Fe (76.07%), Cu(0.039%), S(1.10%), Zn(0.061%), Au(5 x10^-5%), Hg(0.0012%), Ga(0.01%), As(0.0082%), Bi(0.058%), Si (20.05%) and Al(2.60%) and Tsohon Birnin Gwari gold ore contained Au(0.009%), Pb(0.045%), Ag(0.019%), Zn(0.053%), S(0.56%), Fe(90.44%), Cu(0.014%),Ga(0.043),  As(0.202%), Bi(0.25%), Hg(0.27%), Si(7.0%) and Al(0.25%). The results of the analysis showed a high percentage contents of Fe in both samples but low percentage of gold. The low percentage of gold might be due to interlocking of the gold with aluminiumsilicate phase which require high pressure and temperature to release the gold metal. The results also provide baseline information on anthropogenic impact on environmental information on the mining community and the basis for planning strategy by regulated bodies for better quality environment.