Vol. 23 No. 1 (2025)

Physico-chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Kaku Iron Ore, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Oyeladun et al (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 1 - 12

The physico-chemical and mineralogical characterization of Kaku iron ore was carried out. The physical observation revealed that the ore has a metallic lustre, dark bronze, with irregular or uneven breakage. For Kaku iron ore the hardness was found to be 5.5 to 6.0 using Mohr’s hardness o scale, speciic gravity of 5.36 and thermal and electrical conductivity (at 40 C) were found to be –4 11.9 W/mK and 6.77 x 10 S/m respectively. The chemical analysis revealed that the ore contained 0.38%P O , 8.79%Al O , 22.55%SiO , 0.14%CaO, 1.31%TiO , 66.37%Fe O and 0.21%Ag O. The 2 5 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 mineralogical analysis of Kaku iron ore reveals only the presence of hematite, quartz, muscovite and orthoclase as the major mineral using XRD. The work index of Kaku iron ore was found to be 13.21 kWh/t. Engineering process route for Kaku iron ore can be design for economic and commercial purposes.

O. A. W. Oyeladun , N. A. Agbo and M. A. Usman
Department of Metallurgical Engineering Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kadana
Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna

Experimental Study of Combined Magnetic and Air Gravity Concentration of Feldspar Raw Material

Isa et al (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 13 - 15

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining magnetic separation and air gravity concentration table for separating Nb-Ta-rich phases and Li-mica from processed feldspar raw material. The results show that the processing method is most effective for a grain size range of 0.2/0.5 mm, resulting in a signiicant upgrade in the quality of the inal product. The economic implications of this research are substantial, with the potential to obtain several tons of valuable separates annually. The study employed a two-stage processing method, consisting of magnetic separation followed by air-gravity concentrating table. The initial material and the end-products of the separation process were subjected to chemical composition analysis using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results of the analysis showed that the processing method was effective in separating Nb-Ta-rich phases and Li-mica from the feldspar raw material. The indings of this study have signiicant economic and environmental implications. The use of magnetic separation and air gravity concentration table reduces the need for chemical processing and minimizes the generation of waste. This approach can help to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the mining operation and promote a more sustainable mining practice. Overall, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining magnetic separation and air gravity concentration table for separating Nb-Ta-rich phases and Li-mica from processed feldspar raw material. The results of this study have signiicant economic and environmental implications, and can be used to promote the sustainable use of mineral resources. Keywords: feldspar, magnetic separation, air gravity concentration table, Nb-Ta-rich phases, Limica, sustainable mining practice.

I., Isa, U. H. Abubakar and A. Umar
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

Design and Testing of a Gas Detector Device using Internet of Things

Idowu and Agoro (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 17 - 21

K. A. Idowu and N. N. Agoro
Department of Mining Engineering, University of Jos, Nigeria

A Review of Computational and Emerging Technologies in Mining Education and Research

Amoka et al (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 23 - 30

The mining industry has traditionally been slower to adopt new methodologies compared to other sectors. However, the application of such innovations is increasingly recognized as an imperative necessity for sustainable resource development. Harnessing the enormous beneits of cutting-edge solutions enhances geo-exploration data analysis and evaluation, optimizes unit processes of mining, beneiciation, and metallurgical engineering, and minimizes operational and environmental challenges. This paper explores the utilization and potentials of computational and emerging technologies in mining education and research. Leveraging advanced tools such as artiicial intelligence, machine learning, virtual and augmented reality, remote sensing, and specialized geographic information systems can radically improve curriculum development, teaching pedagogy, learning, assessment, decision-making, and research. Speciically, these technologies can be used to create immersive learning experiences, simulate real-world laboratory and ield scenarios, and facilitate collaborative research efforts. Thus, embracing the unprecedented opportunities of up-to-date tools would make education more impactful, interactive, and industry-aligned, and equip future generations of mineral resources professionals with the knowledge and skills required to drive sustainable development and address global concerns. Ultimately, the overall success in utilizing modern advancements entails careful consideration of crucial factors, which include infrastructure, training, and ethical implications. Keywords: Education, Emerging-Technologies, Geosciences, Mining, Research

J. A. Amoka, G. O. Amoka and I. S. Amoka
Mathematics Department, Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna,
Education & Technology Division, EchoGems Consult Ltd Kaduna,
Mining & Georesources Division, EchoGems Consult Ltd Kaduna

Technical and Economical Evaluation of an Over-pressured Prospect in Columbus Basin

Adebayo et al (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 31 - 38

Technical and economical evaluation of an over-pressure prospect in the Columbus Basin, Trinidad was conducted in an area covered by 3D seismic volume and characterized by high amplitude, continuous seismic anomaly. The area is covered by 3D pressure volumes and nearby well data comprising of 6 wells with a total depth of 73,248 feet. A challenge with the prospect is the presence of high pore pressures and abnormal pore pressures which are widespread in the tertiary offshore South-East (SE) Trinidad. The prospect was some distance from well control in this area. Due to the lack of well data present within the prospected area, rock physics modeling was used to understand the seismic amplitudes and anomaly present at the interested depth. The -3 -1 - results obtained for sand and shale acoustic impedance are 8070.8 gcm ms and 11615.03 gcm 3 -1 -3 - ms respectively; for density, velocity of primary wave and secondary wave - 2589 gcm , 4304 ms 1 -1 -3 -1 -1 , 902 ms and 3284 gcm , 2090 ms , 2457 ms respectively. Rock physics, acoustic impedance calculations and AVO modeling showed that the anomaly could be attributed to gas sand. The prospect was fully mapped and depth converted. After volumetric calculations, reserve estimates and risk assessments were completed, an economic evaluation was performed based on a proposed development plan. Taking into account the results from the studies, a recommendation was made to drill the prospect. Keyword: overpressure, amplitude, evaluation. modeling, prospect, technical

A. O. Adebayo , G. B. Egbeyale and O. S. Bamigboye
Department of Physics and Materials Science, Kwara State University, Malete., Nigeria.
Department of Chemical Engineering, Kwara State University, Malete., Nigeria.

The Effect of Different Collectors on the Flotation of Rishi Copper, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Isa et al (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 39 - 43

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining magnetic separation and air gravity concentration table for separating Nb-Ta-rich phases and Li-mica from processed feldspar raw material. The results show that the processing method is most effective for a grain size range of 0.2/0.5 mm, resulting in a signiicant upgrade in the quality of the inal product. The economic implications of this research are substantial, with the potential to obtain several tons of valuable separates annually. The study employed a two-stage processing method, consisting of magnetic separation followed by air-gravity concentrating table. The initial material and the end-products of the separation process were subjected to chemical composition analysis using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results of the analysis showed that the processing method was effective in separating Nb-Ta-rich phases and Li-mica from the feldspar raw material. The indings of this study have signiicant economic This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study examining the effectiveness of various collectors on the lotation performance of copper ore sourced from the Rishi deposit in Bauchi State. A systematic experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the lotation behavior of copper ore using different collectors and their combinations. The experimental results revealed that the combination of collectors Z11, AP3404, and SKIK BZ 2000, at dosages of 20 g/t, 8 g/t, and 8 g/t, respectively, produced the maximum copper recovery rate of 84.96%. This inding suggests that the synergistic effect of these collectors, at the speciied dosages, is highly effective in enhancing the lotation performance of copper ore from the Rishi deposit. The outcomes of this study have signiicant implications for the optimization of copper lotation processes, particularly in the context of Rishi Copper Mine. The optimal collector dosages can lead to improved copper recoveries, reduced reagent consumption, and enhanced overall process eficiency. Key words: Copper, Ore, Reagent, Flotation, Collectors.

I, Isa, U. H, Abubakar and H. H. Jumare
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resource s Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

Effect of Mining on Physicochemical Properties of Soil At Ifewara Gold Mining Site, Osun State, South-Western, Nigeria

Agbalajobi and Obaro (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 45 - 55

This study investigates the effects of mining on the soil quality of Ifewara gold mining site area, Osun State, through the determination of the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals composition of the soil within and outside the mine perimeter. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for the physicochemical parameters such as the soil pH, temperature, Total Dissolved solids using digital pH meter for the values. Soil electrical conductivity was determined using conductivity meter according to the method outlined. The sodium and potassium were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) after the samples were digested using aqua regia method, and other parameters determined by titration method (calcium, magnesium, sulphate and chloride etc). Also some heavy metal such as Fe, Co, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd were analyzed using standard analytical method. The pH values ranged from 5.1 – 6.8, EC values ranged 2+ from 1129 – 1500 μS/cm, TDS values ranged from 179 – 298 ppm, Na ranged from 13.24 – 41.21 + 2+ 2+ mg/kg, K range from 9.07 – 31.08 mg/kg, Mg ranged 10.43 – 22.28 mg/kg, Ca ranged from 2- - 18.12 – 49.28 mg/kg, SO ranges from 13.80 – 55.3mg/kg, Cl ranged from 5.22 – 8.30 mg/kg, TOC 4 range from 1.57 – 2.27%. Heavy metal analysis showed the concentration of Fe, Co, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cr, and Cd ranging from 3.1850 – 3.5725mg/kg, 2.033 – 3.166 mg/kg, 2.033 – 3.166 mg/kg, 0.462 – 0.672 mg/kg, 0.058 – 0.363 mg/kg, 0.0040 – 0.039 mg/kg respectively. The results show higher changes in soil physicochemical properties and high heavy metal concentration in the samples with the mine perimeter, which might have resulted from the mining activities and waste from the mine. The indices for analysisng the contamination level of the heavy metals generated on the samples cannot be ascertained due to the wet season. Keywords: Concentration, Heavy metal, Mining, Physicochemical, Properties, Soil.

S. A. Agbalajobi , and R. I. Obaro
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering Technology,
Institute of Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Optimisation of Reagent Dosage for the Flotation of Zankan Spodumene

Usman et al (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 57 - 62

This work presents optimization of reagent dosage for the concentration of Zankan Spodumene. Typically, Zankan lithium ore has existed without reported data on its beneiciation parameters for the process route development, and this has undoubtedly deprived the nation of the actual economic beneits from the mineral’s ore, at a time when the future of the oil economy is uncertain. The Spodumene sample obtained from Zankan Village in Kaduna State, Nigeria, was comminuted and lotation was conducted on the liberated sizes. Inductively Coupled Plasma—Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to determine the chemical composition, while the optimization process was observed by a three-factorial design. The optimal conditions to attain the possible recovery of lithium oxide was the ratio of 2:2:4 ml of Collector (Oleic acid), Frother (Pine oil), and Sodium silicate (Depressant) respectively. A feed of 2.39% LiO was enriched to 4.57% LiO concentrates for the metal extraction. Thus, it is 2 2 recommended that lotation reagents dosage for Spodumene should be a ratio of 2:2:4 ml to enhance signiicant value addition, and also, to be used as a basis for pilot scale extrapolation

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria.

Characterization and Evaluation of Laterite Soils from Kaduna and its Environs for Road Construction Applications

Olajide et al (2025) Nigerian Mining Journal, (23) 63 - 70

Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna