A Review of Exploitation Techniques of Barite Deposits of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The potential of Nasarawa State’s barite resource is not in doubt except for the operational flaws and environmental challenges associated with the current exploitation techniques. Most of the problems facing barite productions in Nasarawa State stem from lack of proper evaluation of their design integrity, poor infrastructure, and lack of skilful workforce. Investigation into poor performances at the mining sites revealed problems about the true profile of the barite deposit and appropriate exploitation and processing techniques. There is therefore none of the barite mining pits producing optimally; a large volume of waste rocks is compulsorily excavated to access barite while maintaining safe slope angles within the mining pits. Indiscriminate stacking of these materials impacts negatively on the barite mining. It is imperative therefore, to characterize all likely mineable materials (both waste rocks and barite ores) for sustainable mine development, enhanced mineral resource base, wider industrial applications, and higher project viability.