By Engr Fatai Jimoh MNSME, R-comeg
Introduction
Silicate minerals, composed primarily of silicon and oxygen, form the largest group of minerals in the Earth’s crust. They are foundational to many industries and essential for various products ranging from construction materials to technological devices. Nigeria, with its vast geological diversity, hosts a variety of silicate minerals. Among the most notable are feldspar and quartz, two essential minerals in the silicate group. This write up explores the definition, types, occurrence, mining methods, economic importance, and differences between feldspar and quartz in Nigeria.
Types of Silicate Minerals
Silicate minerals can be broadly categorized based on their crystal structures and the arrangement of silicon-oxygen tetrahedral. The main types include:
– Quartz/Feldspar: These silicates have a 3D framework of SiO₄ tetrahedral.
– Pyroxene (chain silicates): These minerals feature chains of SiO₄ tetrahedral.
– Mica/Talc (sheet silicates): These have sheets of SiO₄ tetrahedral.
– Garnet (island silicates): These consist of isolated tetrahedral.
Occurrence of Silicate Minerals in Nigeria
Feldspar: Nigeria hosts extensive feldspar deposits, especially in the central and northern parts of the country. The mineral is widely distributed in the Jos Plateau, where it is found in pegmatite veins associated with granite rocks. Feldspar is also present in large quantities in parts of Kogi, Adamawa, and the southwestern regions of Nigeria.
Types:
– Feldspar is classified into three main types:
– Orthoclase (potassium feldspar),
– Albite (sodium feldspar),
– Anorthite (calcium feldspar).
Quartz: Quartz occurs widely in Nigeria, especially in the southwestern and central regions. Major quartz deposits are found in the Ekiti, Ogun, and FCT regions, where they are often associated with granite formations. The mineral is present in various forms such as massive quartz, vein quartz, and quartzite.
Types
– Quartz: Quartz has a few distinct forms, such as:
– Alpha Quartz (the most common form),
– Beta Quartz (high-temperature form),
– Amethyst (purple variety due to iron impurities),
-Citrine (yellow variety due to iron impurities).
Kaolinite: Clay minerals are present in Edo, Niger-Delta, Ogun state.
Mining Methods for Silicate Minerals in Nigeria
The mining of silicate minerals in Nigeria, including feldspar and quartz, typically involves surface mining techniques:
– Open-pit mining: This is the most common method for extracting feldspar and quartz deposits, particularly in regions with significant pegmatite and granite formations. Open-pit mining involves removing overburden to access the mineral-rich layers beneath.
– Quarrying: In areas where feldspar and quartz occur in veins within granite formations, quarrying is employed. This involves extracting large blocks of rock, which are then processed to obtain the desired mineral.
– Hand mining: In some cases, especially in remote areas, miners use hand tools to extract smaller quantities of feldspar and quartz.
Economic Importance/Uses of Silicate Minerals
Feldspar
– Used in the production of ceramics, glass, and porcelain.
– Acts as a flux in glassmaking to reduce the melting point of silica.
– Used in the manufacture of tiles, paints, and coatings.
Quartz
– Used in the production of glass, especially for high-quality products like glassware and windows.
– Employed in the electronics industry, especially in the production of semiconductors and oscillators.
– Used in construction materials like concrete and as a decorative stone.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, the following Action Plans are recommended:
1. Increased Exploration and Mapping of Silicate Mineral Deposits.
– Action: The Nigerian government and private investors should fund further geological surveys and mapping of silicate mineral deposits, particularly feldspar and quartz, to identify new reserves. Detailed geological data would assist in optimizing the extraction process and ensure sustainable mining operations.
– Impact: By identifying untapped mineral deposits, Nigeria can expand its mineral resource base and meet growing industrial demands.
2. Development of Modern Mining Techniques
– Action: Encourage the use of advanced mining technologies, such as automated excavation, precision mining, and eco-friendly extraction methods, to improve efficiency and reduce environmental degradation in silicate mineral mining.
– Impact: Modernized mining methods can boost production while minimizing the environmental impact, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive in the global mineral market.
3. Promote Local Processing and Value Addition
– Action: Establish processing plants to refine feldspar and quartz locally, turning raw materials into value-added products such as glass, ceramics, and electronics components. Public-private partnerships could be instrumental in achieving this.
– Impact: Local processing will create jobs, increase the value of exported materials, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported finished goods, thereby improving the national economy.
4. Diversification of Export Markets
– Action: Nigeria should explore and diversify its export markets for feldspar and quartz. In addition to traditional markets, the country should seek to tap into emerging markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas for industrial minerals.
– Impact: Diversifying export markets will increase revenue from mineral exports and stabilize Nigeria’s mineral export sector.
5. Environmental Management and Rehabilitation
– Action: Implement stringent environmental regulations and adopt sustainable mining practices to minimize the impact of silicate mineral mining on local ecosystems. This includes proper waste management, land reclamation, and water conservation strategies.
– Impact: Sustainable mining practices will ensure long-term availability of resources and reduce negative environmental consequences, fostering community acceptance and environmental preservation.
6. Capacity Building and Training of Local Miners
– Action: Provide training and capacity-building programs for local miners on modern mining techniques, safety protocols, and environmental stewardship. Government agencies, in collaboration with educational institutions and mining companies, can spearhead such initiatives.
– Impact: A well-trained workforce will increase productivity, reduce health and safety risks, and improve the quality of the extracted minerals, leading to better financial outcomes for local miners and the nation.
7. Research and Development on Mineral Uses
– Action: Invest in research and development (R&D) to explore new and innovative uses for feldspar and quartz. Nigeria could partner with universities and research institutions to develop new applications for these minerals in advanced industries like electronics, renewable energy, and technology.
– Impact: Expanding the uses of feldspar and quartz will open up new markets and increase the overall demand for these minerals, providing further economic benefits.
8. Improvement of Infrastructure for Mining Activities
– Action: The Nigerian government should invest in improving the infrastructure surrounding silicate mineral mining operations, including better roads, energy supplies, and transportation networks to facilitate the easy movement of mined materials.
– Impact: Improved infrastructure will reduce operational costs for mining companies, increase efficiency in the supply chain, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global mineral market.
9. Public Awareness and Education on Mineral Resources
– Action: The government should launch public awareness campaigns to educate local communities, investors, and policymakers about the economic potential of silicate minerals. This can include seminars, workshops, and media campaigns about the benefits of feldspar and quartz mining.
– Impact: Increased public knowledge will lead to greater support for mining initiatives, more investment, and informed decisions by local and national stakeholders regarding the use and development of these minerals.
10. Strengthening Regulatory and Legal Framework
– Action: The Nigerian government should continue to strengthen the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the mining sector. This includes enforcing fair labor practices, ensuring safety standards, and protecting the rights of communities affected by mining activities.
– Impact: A transparent and robust regulatory environment will promote responsible mining, attract more foreign investment, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth benefits its people in an equitable and sustainable manner.
11. The Miners association of Nigeria should look into a unified price of all solid minerals in the country. The present situation where the Chinese buyers determine the price of products need to be improved on. This will enable the indigenous small scale legitimate miners who work like elephants not to eat like ants.
