Geological and Geochemical Evaluation and Reserve Estimates of Ironstone Deposits of Ajali and Nsukka Formations in Owere Ezukala, Isuochi, Inyi, Achi and Environs, Southeastern, Nigeria

This study is to assess the geological distribution and chemical composition of ironstone deposits of Ajali and Nsukka Formations in Owere Ezukala, Isuochi, Inyi, Achi, and environs for their industrial quality and to evaluate their reserves. The methods of study include field mapping, pitting, laboratory study and reserve estimation. Laboratory methods include thin section petrography and geochemistry. Field mapping results show that the ironstones are interbedded with sandstones of the Ajali and Nsukka Formations of the Anambra Basin. The results of the petrographic studies of the ironstones show that they consist of hematite varying from 35-70% in modal composition, with goethite embedded in masses of angular to subangular quartz. The geochemical analysis of ironstone samples show that total iron content varies from 21.36% – 64.19%. While the Owere Ezukala and Isuochi ironstone deposits with 38.33% – 64.19% and 42.32% – 49.67% total iron content respectively is suitable as raw material feedstock for the iron and steel production, the Inyi and Achi deposits with 21.36% – 30.91% and 24.38% – 34.50% total iron content respectively can be used as aggregates in engineering constructions. The effect of the deleterious elements TiO2, P2O5, BrO2 and sulphur present as trace will be mitigated by the application of the reverse anionic flotation method. The preliminary reserve of the ironstone was calculated and the result obtained shows that about 4,891,892.700 Tons occurs in the area of study. This quantity encourages location of steel industry within the Anambra Basin if other factors are available