CHARACTERIZATION AND MINERALOGICAL STUDIES OF AKIRI COPPER ORE IN AWE LGA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA USING ED-XRF, XRD AND SEM-EDS

Authors

  • Amos Idzi Ambo
    Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • S. P. I. Ogah
    Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • Taofeek Abdulrafiu
    Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • Shekwonyadu Iyakwari
    Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria

Keywords:

ED-XRF , XRD , SEM-EDS , Akiri copper ore

Abstract

This study used ED-XRF, XRD, and SEM-EDS to evaluate the thorough characterization and mineralogical studies of Akiri copper ore in Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The ore's exceptional grindability and flotation behavior are suggested by its physical properties, which include bulk density of 3.58 g/cm3, compression test of 1.24 %, and hardness of 96.0N. For efficient copper recovery, the property might be investigated for leaching and solvent extraction. Over-size fractions above 250 μm were found in the +0-90, +125-90 μm, and +125-180 μm particle size analyses. According to the ED-XRF data, the raw copper ore's elemental composition was 2.711±0.003 %, with Loss on Ignition (LOI) at 3.11±0.750 %, moisture content (bMC) at 1.31±0.40 %, and a pH of 6.84±1.90, all of which were within the typical cutoff grades for copper mining. Pyrite (FeS2), Quartz (SiO2), and Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) were detected by XRD examination. The ore matrix contains 2.53 % copper as verified by SEM-EDS. These results imply that the ore may be used for mineral processing and extraction.

Author Biographies

Amos Idzi Ambo

Department of Chemistry

S. P. I. Ogah

Department of Chemistry

Taofeek Abdulrafiu

Department of Chemistry

Shekwonyadu Iyakwari

Department of Geology

Dimensions

Ambo, A. I. and Glass, H. J. (2020). Mineralogical and chemical characterization of sensor-based sorted copper ores. FUW Trends in Science and Technology Journal, 5(1), 190–198.

Ambo, A. I., Abubakar, S. A., Mohammed, A. M. and Alafara, A. B. (2023). Mineralogical and chemical analysis of ore resources in Nasarawa State for processing application. Science World Journal, 18(1), 31-36.

Barani, K., Zadi, A. and Movadpouri, M. R. (2021). Microwave pretreatment on copper sulfide ore: Comparison of ball mill grinding and bed breakage mechanism. Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, 38(5), 2209-2216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-021-00458-2

Dariusz Buchczik, Sebastian Budzan and Oliwia Krauzeand Roman Wyzgolik (2023). Moisture determination for fine-sized copper ore by computer vision and Thermovision methods. Intelligent Sensing and Monitoring for Industrial Process. Department of Measurements and Control Systems, Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.

Guo, H., Zhou, H., Xu, J. and Wang, Z. (2021). Characterization of morphological and textural features of iron ore by image analysis. Minerals, 11(2), 182. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/5/2258

Hamza, A. M., Geidam, I. G., Umar, S. A., Admau, U. M. and Umar, I. (2020). Radiometric evaluation of radionuclides in some selected mining sites across Azara Development Area of Nasarawa State Nigeria. Journal of Science and Mathematics Letter, 8, 27-36.

Ju, Y., Zhu, Y., Zhou, H., Ge, S. and Reports, H. X.-E. (2021). Microwave pyrolysis and its application to in. situ recovery and conversion of oil from tar-rich coal: An overview on fundamental methods and challenges. Elsevier. Retrieved https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/52352484721000226

Makhuvha, R., Arellano, M. and Harney, D. M. W. (2014). Determination of bulk density methods and impact: with a case study from Losbrorices Mine, Chile. Applied Earth Science: Transaction of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, Section B, 123(3).

Minyo Wisdom, Alabi Oladunni, Adewuyi Benjamin, and Ola-Omole Omoyemi (2024). Chemical, mineralogical, and grindability studies of Anka-Brabra Copper Ore. Advanced Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering, 4(2), 47-63.

Mohanraj, G. T., Rahman, M. R., Arya, S. B., Barman, R., Krishnendu, P. and Meena, S. S. (2022). Characterization study and recovery of copper from low grade copper ore through hydrometallurgical route. Advanced Powder Technology, 33(1).

Monika Wasilewa-Blaszczyk and Jacek Mucha (2019). The accuracy of the local assessment of the bulk density of copper-silver deposits in Legnica-Głogócopper District and its impact on the valuation of ore resource and mining production. Mineral Resources Management, 35(4), 47-68. https://doi.org/10.24425/gsm2019.128540/

Niu, P. P., Munoz, M., Mathon, O., Xiong, S. F. and Jiang, S. Y. (2024). Mechanism of germanium enrichment in the world-class Huiz, MVT Pb-Zn deposit Southwestern China. Mineralium Deposital, 1-2.

Oyebola, A. and Wahab, O. (2015). Characterization of Azara copper ore deposit, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria. https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/8296

Peter Blasko, Jozef Petrik, Marek Solc, Maria Mihalikova and Lenka Girmanoa (2024). Influence of the degree of tension and compression of copper on the indentation size effect: Microstructural characterization and property analysis of alloy. Crystal, 14(11), 913. https://doi.org/10.33/cryst14110913

Sobouti, A. and Rezai, B. (2026). Optimization of copper recovery from oxide-sulfide ores through gravity separation and flotation techniques. Scientific Report (in press). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-42015-y

Wang, L., Zhang, Y. and Li, X. (2020). Enhancing efficiency in copper mining through grindability studies. Applied Energy, 269, 115012.

Wang, L., Zhang, Y. and Li, X. (2020). Enhancing efficiency in copper mining through grindability studies. Applied Energy, 269, 115012.

Zulgarnain, A. A. and Joshua, M. W. (2019). Optimization of copper-ammonia sulfate electrolyte for maximizing Cu(I): Cu(II) ratio using pH and copper solubility. Waste, 2(4), 397-413. https://doi.org/10.3390/waste2040022

Published

29-06-2026

How to Cite

CHARACTERIZATION AND MINERALOGICAL STUDIES OF AKIRI COPPER ORE IN AWE LGA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA USING ED-XRF, XRD AND SEM-EDS. (2026). FULafia Journal of Science and Technology , 10(2), 141-146. https://doi.org/10.62050/fjst2026.v10n2.764

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): Fulafia Journal of Science and Technology (FJST)

Section

Physical Sciences
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

CHARACTERIZATION AND MINERALOGICAL STUDIES OF AKIRI COPPER ORE IN AWE LGA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA USING ED-XRF, XRD AND SEM-EDS. (2026). FULafia Journal of Science and Technology , 10(2), 141-146. https://doi.org/10.62050/fjst2026.v10n2.764

Similar Articles

111-120 of 173

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.