Evaluation of Kaolin Mineral Emplacement at Amaihe-Ukpor, Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria Using Spatial Layer Electrical Resistivity Tomography

Abstract

Spatial layer Resistivity tomography was carried out at a Kaolin Mining site in Amaihe-Ukpor of Anambra Basin, southeastern Nigeria. The tomograms were obtained at various depths with the aim of assessing the depths of emplacement of the Kaolin at the site. Firstly, apparent resistivity data Schlumberger-B electrode configuration was obtained from Seventy-five (75) Vertical Electrical Tomography (VES) along 6 transverses at the site. Using the VES data, tomographic plots of spatial distribution of the Kaolin minerals at depths were obtained. Interpreted tomograms showed the occurrence of Kaolin minerals bearing apparent resistivity values in the range of about (900 - 28,900 Ωm) occurrence within the depth range of 0.5 m at layer 2 to 115 m at layer 4 of the site. The tomograms show that layers 2 to 5 indicate traces of the occurrence of Kaolin, layers 2, 3 and 4 particularly showed prominence of the Kaolin. Layers 1 and 6 show no trace of the Kaolin formation enrichment on them. The spatial layer tomograms showed that the prominence of the Kaolin remains at the site occur mostly at the northern and southern zones of the surveyed site. Further mining at the site could lead to tertiary exploitation of the mineral. The site is therefore in threat of gross depletion of the environment. Hence, there is need for suspension of the ongoing extraction of the Kaolin at the site to give room for deposition and sufficient formation of the target mineral.