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

摘要

The tantalite deposits of Mai-Kabanji area of Zamfara State Nigeria was studied for the elementalcompositions by Energy dispersive x-ray fluoresce (EDXRF) spectrophotometry, physical properties andanionic 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 onignition (LOI 3.00%) and low alkalinity (8.51), grey colour, specific gravity range (7.2 - 8.0) and an averagesize of 0.12 mm. Sample was generally richer in tantalum oxide and other valuable mineral oxides ofniobium, titanium, iron and manganese than other samples it was compared with, hence, it iseconomically valuable for exploration.