Geochemistry and Socioeconomic Importance of Gypsum in Fune and Fika LGA, Yobe, North Eastern Nigeria

Artisanal mining have being taking place for decades in the study area. It serves as source of income and employment to the miners as well as revenue generation to both Yobe state and Fika and Fune LGAs. 15 representative gypsum samples were collected at Alangafe, Turmi and Mamunji active mining sites from a depth of 3m — 5.7m. X-ray fluorescence was used to determine the geochemistry of the samples. The result revealed that Turmi (TG) has the highest purity with 88.30%, Alangafe (AG) with 87.44% and Mamunji with lowest purity 83.92%. Percentage purity of gypsum were determined by calculating the percentage of Calcium Sulfate dehydrate (CaS04.H20) or by heating the mineral and quantify change in mass. When compared with imported gypsum from Morocco and Spain, it was found that the crystalline gypsum of the study area is of low grade but Turmi (TG) and Alangafe (AG) meet the required limit of 84 — 100% purity for industrial application while Mamunji (MG) falls below the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) limit with 83.92%. The order of purity is Turmi>Alangafe>Mamunji.For Socioeconomic analysis, six locations were considered and monitored for the period of eight (8) weeks and gypsum outputs were measured with head pan and sold per ton at the rate of ₦60, 000. It can be deduced that Ganguwale yielded 30% gypsum output, Garin Ari 19%, Bulaburin 15%, Mamunji 14%, Gawara 12% and Turmi 10% respectively. This implies income for the artisanal miners as well as State and local government. Another socioeconomic importance is that the gypsum serve as raw materials for certain industries such as cement, chalk paints etc. Proper monitoring is required to reduce environmental degradation, surface and groundwater pollution.