Characterization of Rock Samples from Yale Area of the Upper East Region of Ghana
Loading...
Date
2017-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana)
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of the mineral and elemental components of rock samples in Yale locality of Ghana,
Africa has been done by using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy (AAS). Both the INAA and AAS tests independently showed that the samples were dominated
by Mn. INAA showed that across all samples the average composition of Mn was 3322.90 +/-169.60 ppm. Ti
(6625.299 +/- 344.68 ppm), Cr (291.27 +/-48.13 ppm) and Cu (16.50 +/- 1.43 ppm) were also revealed by the
INAA test on the samples. The results from the AAS test confirmed that Mn was dominant, with an average
composition of 6052.22 +/- 2219.03 ppm. The presence of Cr (67.32 +/-72.73 ppm) and Cu (91.61 +/- 69.53
ppm) was also confirmed in the samples from AAS tests. Additionally, Au (1.5 + /- 0.66 ppm) and Co (49.14
+/-15.18ppm) were found, but an AAS test could not be used to confirm the presence of these elements. Gold
was detected and estimated for the first time in the rock sample in that area of Ghana. These preliminary
results indicate that the Yale area in the Upper East region of Ghana has substantial amounts of Mn, Ti and
gold, and signify that the area is a potential mining zone for Mn and Au. The results of the present study add to
information on the minerology of the Yale area.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
INAA, AAS, X-ray Diffraction, Mineral content, Yale Ghana
Citation
Atarah et al • Characterization of Rock Samples from Yale Area