Geological, Geochemical and Mineralogical Properties of Tajimi Iron Ore, Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1011-5450Keywords:
Geological, Geochemical, Mineralogical, Tajimi BIFAbstract
Despite its potential as a vital iron ore resource, the Tajimi iron ore deposit in North Central Nigeria remains understudied. The research investigates the geological, geochemical and Mineralogical properties of iron ore in Tajimi, part of Koton Karfe sheet 227SW, North Central Nigeria. Geological Field mapping reveals the study area comprises Banded Iron Formation (BIF), banded gneiss, granite gneiss, and oolitic iron stone. X-Ray Flourescence( XRF) analysis was employed to determine elemental composition, revealing average values of Fe2O3(46.50%), SiO2(47.62%), Al2O3(3.40%), CaO(0.11%), MgO (0.03%), K2O( 0.04%) and MnO (0.04%) X-Ray Diffraction and ore Microscopy were used to identify mineral phases and textures revealing hematite (37%), goethite (7.3%), clinochlore(9.2%) and quartz(46.3%) as major minerals. Calculated Fe content of 32.52% classifies the BIF as low grade. High SiO2 content indicates beneficiation is necessary for steel production. Geochemical analysis suggests a magmatic origin with metamorphism and also acknowledge the possibility of sedimentary origin typical of BIFs. The study provides crucial insights into the Tajimi iron deposit’s characteristics, informing future exploration strategies
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Copyright (c) 2026 Martins Onimisi, Jimoh Onimisi, Olawole O. John, Atodo Ajuma, Danjuma Shaibu, Ekele Paul
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