Assessment of kaolin resources using electrical resisitivity method in part of Ekiti state southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Consistent building of mineral database is very crucial to ascertaining the natural resources potential of a nation which may be valuable towards its development. Essentially, the study aimed at establishing the spatial extent and average thickness occurrence of the kaolin deposit in part of Ikere-ekiti, south western Nigeria using geophysical method. Seventy seven VES measurements and two parametric soundings were made. The data were processed and interpreted using IPIwin - a forward modelling software. The evaluated geoelectric parameers were used for the generation of maps(2D and 3D) depicting the mineral occurrence variation. Three-five subsurface layers were depicted within the study area with layer resistivity ranging from 1 to 7250 ohm-meters and layer thickness that range from 0.2 to 48 meters. Layers with a resistivity range of 1-150 ohm meters have been identified as the kaolin layers. Average thickness of the kaolin layer range from 0.8 to 46 meters. Overburden thickness were found to range from 0.3 to 44 meters.The lateral extents of the kaolin occurrence in the study site have been delineated by electrical geophysical sounding method. The obtained information may serve as database for detail exploration and exploitaion programme towards harnessing the reosurces.