Mineralogical characterization of Ishiagu (Nigeria) complex sulphide ore

A combination of SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) combined with Energy-Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescent (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to characterize a bulk complex sulphide ore deposit in Ishiagu, in Ebonyin State, South Eastern part of Nigeria. A semi-geological study revealed characteristic hydrothermal vein deposits of the complex sulphide ore. Mineralogical analysis revealed the presence of siderite, sphalerite, galena, quartz, and traces of pyrite and copper bearing minerals. X-ray diffractometry showed that sphalerite mineral in the ore occurs as ferrous sphalerite with varied percentages of Zn and Fe within the various sizes. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed that the ore consist of fine to coarse grains, with less complex intergrowths of the constituent crystalline phases both at the interstitials and the boundaries with low interpenetrations.