Mineral and trace element composition of the Lokpanta oil shales in the Lower Benue Trough, Nigeria

► A new method of trace element determination in oil shales was investigated. ► The method is very accurate and precise for the determination of a wide range of trace elements in oil shales. ► Lokpanta oil shales from Lower Benue Trough, Nigeria are highly enriched in some potentially hazardous trace elements (V, Cr and Ni).