Physicochemical characterization of Copper Ore from Akiri, Awe LGA, Nasarawa State

Abstract

The bulk density, compressional strength, hardness, particle study and chemical analysis of ore from Akiri were determined using standard methods and Energy Dispersive x-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRFS). The results obtained indicated that the ore bulk density was 3.58 (g/cm3 ), compressional strength 1.24 (%), and hardness 96.0(N). The particle size analysis of +0-90µm, +125-90µm, and +125-180µm, revealed over-size fractions above 250µm.The chemical composition of the ore in terms of oxide showed that the ore is composed of different minerals: 63.52% Fe2O3, 11.25% SO3, 7.62% CuO, 4.30% MOO3, 3.18% SiO2, 1.73% BaO,1.20% ZnO,1.12% MnO,0.86% PbO,0.60% Re2O7, 0.54% Eu2O3and CaO, 0.27% RuO2, 0.15% Cr2O3, 0.09% K2O, 0.08% Yb2 O3, 0.06% SrO, and TiO2, 0.04% Nd2O3, and CeO2, 0.03% Y2O3 and NiO respectively. The results of the elemental composition varied in the copper ore with an indication of a significant concentration of Cu compared to other elements, except Fe which showed a higher concentration. The value 35.% Fe, 6.10% Cu, 4.48% S, 3% Mo, 1.55% Ba, 1.48% Si, 1% Zn and Pb, 0.90% Mn, 0.5% Re, 0.45 Eu, 0.40% Ca, 0.21% Ru, 0.10% Cr, K, and Yb,0.04% Ti, Ni, Y, and Sr, 0.03 % Nd, and Ce obtained represent the individual elemental content in the ore. The result is an indication that the ore can be explored for the processing of valuable minerals.