A Preliminary Appraisal Of The Composition And Industrial Properties Of Clay Deposits In Udubo Area, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

A preliminary appraisal of the composition and geotechnical properties of clay deposits at Tumfure, Rukwu and Tashar Garba in Udubo area, northeastern Nigeria has been undertaken and results related to their industrial suitability.
Mineralogical studies indicate that the clay is mainly kaolinitic while quartz and feldspar are accessory minerals. Chemical analysis of clay samples indicates that the major oxides are SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ with average values of 47.7% and 36.0%, respectively. Minor oxides are MnO, Fe₂O₃ (total), K₂O, Na₂O, TiO₂ and CaO with average values of 1.82%, 1.63%, 0.56%, 0.15%, 0.34% and 0.13%, respectively. Geotechnical study shows that the clays have liquid limits range of 29.0% to 29.6%, plastic limit range of 11.1% to 14.0% and linear shrinkage limit of 5.9-6.0%. The composition and geotechnical properties of Udubo clays indicate that they are potentially suitable for paint, ceramic and refractory production.


Journal of Mining and Geology Vol. 43 (2) 2007: pp. 117-124