Investigation of Kazaure Iron Ore in Jigawa State: A Comprehensive Analysis of Chemical Composition and Mineral Phases for Industrial Application

Abstract

This research investigates the chemical and mineralogical composition of Kazaure iron ore located in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Iron ore is a critical raw material for steel production, playing a crucial role in infrastructure development and economic growth. Despite the abundance of iron ore deposits in Nigeria, the Kazaure deposit remains largely unexplored. The study aimed to characterize the ore through chemical analysis using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and mineralogical analysis using X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The XRF analysis revealed the presence of 41.78% iron content, making the ore of medium grade quality suitable for metallurgical processes. The XRD analysis identified the mineral phases of Goethite (60%), Montmorillonite (15%), and Quartz (22%). The results suggest that Kazaure iron ore possesses significant metallurgical potential but requires further beneficiation to optimize its industrial use. The findings contribute to understanding Nigeria’s underutilized mineral resources and offer insights for improving local steel production capabilities.