Geochemistry of Sedimentary Iron Ore in Shendi-Atbara Basin, River Nile State, Sudan

  • Abubaker A. M. A. Abasher
  • Sadam H. M. A. Eltayib
  • El Sheikh M. Abdelrahman
  • Mohammed M. A. Amlas
Keywords: Geochemistry, Iron ore, Chemical precipitation, Chemical analysis, Potentiality

Abstract

This paper emphasized on the geochemistry of sedimentary iron ore of Shendi-Atbara Basin, River Nile State, Sudan. The main geological units in the study area are composed of Basement Complex (Pre-Cambrian), Nubian Sandstone Formation (upper Cretaceous), Hudi Chert (Oligocene) and Quaternary superficial deposit in ascending chrono logical order. The aim of this study is to investigate the geochemical behavior and geochemical conditions affecting precipitation of sedimentary iron ore. The methodologies have been used to realize the objectives of this study included; fieldwork, geochemical data analyses. Geochemical investigation of studied samples includes chemical analysis such as major oxide analysis (Fe2O3, SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, K2O and Na2O) and trace element analysis (Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Mnand Ni) using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The results showed that the origin of iron ore is formed by chemical precipitation during chemical weathering of the rocks from surrounding areas. The study of iron ore showed that, the environmental conditions under which iron ore are formed were lacustrine environment and warm temperature. Concentration of Fe2O3 in the study area ranges between maximum 79.52% in Goz Alhaj area to minimum 27.22% in Alkarbican area and the average is 53.37% indicate that the quality of iron ore is good according to int ernational standards. All these results have been to construct isoconcentration maps of the iron ore distribution in study area and potentiality for future mining works.

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Published
2021-07-15
Section
Articles