Global Journal of Earth and Environmental Science

Reconnaissance geological and geochemical studies were carried out on the rocks at Erijiyan area to determine its mineral potentials thereby providing a framework for its exploration. Ten fresh rock samples were collected using grid controlled sampling method at a sampling density of one sample per 100sq km². The rocks were subsequently prepared for petrographic studies followed by geochemical studies. The petrographic studies involve thin sectioning of the rocks into slides using the standard procedures while the geochemical studies include sample preparation and analyses for its major oxides and trace elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). The result of the geological mapping revealed three distinct lithologic units such as quartz schists, quartzites and pegmatites with well delineated boundaries, and the major or dominant foliation trend in the NE-SW direction. However, the results of the petrographic analysis showed dominant quartz with minor specks of muscovite while results of geochemical analysis revealed the dominance of Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ with the quartz having an average percentage composition of 64.73%. Al₂O₃ indicated presence of aluminosilicate-bearing minerals such as feldspar, micas, and feldspathoids. The results of the trace elements analyses revealed that Mn is the most abundant with an average value of 1065.2 ppm while the average concentrations of other trace elements showed that Ba (1166.9 ppm), Zr (819.4 ppm), Sr (227.9 ppm) and Zn (130.7 ppm). Conclusively, The weathering index shows that the rocks in the study area are moderately weathered implying that the rocks are suitable for geochemical or mineralogical exploration.Considering the geochemical properties of the rocks in the study area, It could be deduced that Pb, Cu, Zn concentration is indicative of copper-zinc or sulphide mineralization. while. Pb, Sr, Ba and Zr also indicated the radio active nature of the rocks.