Evaluation of hydrocarbon potential of shale outcrops in the flanks of Anambra Basin

Abstract

The research aim is to determine the organic productivity and hydrocarbon potential of the exposed shale lithology along Uzebba road and Bawa hills near Auchi, Southwest Nigeria.Twenty two (22) shale samples were acquired from the study area; twelve (12) from the outcropping section along Uzebba road, and the remaining ten (10) samples obtained from Bawa hills. The samples were then subjected to organic geochemical analysis using Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Rock Eval Pyrolysis to evaluate the organic enrichment, organic quality and thermal maturity espectively.Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content of the twentytwo samples ranges from 3.42 – 4.88 wt. %, affirming a high organic enrichment. Shale samples from Uzebba segment and Bawa hills falls within the Type I and Type II Kerogen class respectively. The former is indicative of immature – sub mature organic matter with no hydrocarbon formation prospect whilst the latter exhibits great hydrocarbon (oil) generation potential Thermal maturation assessment for both samples apparently ranges from immature to mature organic matter. From the Rock-Eval pyrolysis result, all the twenty-two (22) samples were confirmed to be organically enriched. However, the type I kerogen of Bawa at favourable geothermal gradient can potentially serve as a suitable source rock for petroleum generation.