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

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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

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