Journal of
Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology

  • Abbreviation: J. Environ. Chem. Ecotoxicol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-226X
  • DOI: 10.5897/JECE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 197

Short Communication

EDXRF analysis of tantalite deposit of Mai-Kabanji, North-western Nigeria

  Y. Alhassan1*, A. I. Tsafe2, U. A. Birnin-Yauri2, O. J. Okunola1, G. I. Yargamji3, G. G. Yebpella1 and M. Ndana4
  1National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P. M. B. 1052, Zaria, Nigeria.  2Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.  3Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-ma, Kastina, Nigeria.  4Federal College of Education, Kontogora, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 18 July 2010
  •  Published: 30 September 2010

Abstract

 

The tantalite deposits of Mai-Kabanji area of Zamfara State Nigeria was studied for the elemental compositions by Energy dispersive x-ray fluoresce (EDXRF) spectrophotometry, physical properties and anionic composition by standard methods. The results indicated high concentrations of tantalum oxide, Ta2O5 (31.990%±0.83) and other valuable oxides of niobium, Nb2O5 (0.029%), titanium, TiO2 (1.702%±0.42) and iron, Fe2O3 (1.702%±0.30) were also high. Physical properties tested showed high resistance on ignition (LOI 3.00%) and low alkalinity (8.51), grey colour, specific gravity range (7.2 - 8.0) and an average size of 0.12 mm. Sample was generally richer in tantalum oxide and other valuable mineral oxides of niobium, titanium, iron and manganese than other samples it was compared with, hence, it is economically valuable for exploration. 
 
Key words: Tantalite, tantalum, niobium, EDXRF.

 

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

Back to Vol. 2 No. 7
Back to articles
  • Articles on Google by:
SUBSCRIBE TO RSS
SUBMIT MANUSCRIPT
CONFERENCES