Greener Journal of Geology and Earth Sciences

Greener Journal of Geology and Earth Sciences Vol. 4 (2), pp. 040-050, August 2016.

  ISSN: 2354-2268 © 2015 Greener Journals

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 062716108

(DOI: http://doi.org/10.15580/GJGES.2016.2.062716108)

 

Geological Site Suitability in Sokoto State, Northwestern Nigeria, for Phosphates Prospecting

 

*Christopher Oche Albert, Alaga Taofeek Abayomi,

Ogbole Owoicho John

 

Cooperative Information Network (COPINE), Advanced Space Technology Application Laboratory (ASTAL), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), P.M.B 022, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Sokoto State is in Northwestern Nigeria. Geologically, it represents parts of the south eastern sector of the Iullemmedan basin and it contained important phosphorite deposits. Field study and sampling from the type locality in Sokoto cement industry indicates that the phosphate rock varies in size and colour, occurring in beds and disseminations majorly in the Sokoto Group of sediments. The field data, geology, pedology and elevation data for Sokoto state was reclassified using geospatial analysis to access their suitability for phosphate rock prospecting, ranking from the highly suitable to the highly unsuitable. These data was now incorporated as one for spatial analysis and together with result from geochemical analysis of the phosphates rock was used to produce the suitability map for phosphates rock in Sokoto State. Result indicates that, Gwadabawa, Dange, Wurno, Shagari, Wamakko, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Kware, Bodinga and Illela Local Government Areas (LGA’s) provides major sites for phosphates prospecting and therefore very suitable. Geochemistry indicates average phosphates (P₂O₅) contents to be 33.89%; a very acceptable grade for raw phosphate rock. Final validation of study is based on the geospatial overlay of the sampled area and the suitable area on the map which gave a very good match.

 

Keywords: Iullemmedan basin, type locality, beds, disseminations, Group of sediments, geospatial analysis, suitability map.

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