Silica Sand Potential of the Ebenebe Sandstone, Anambra State, Nigeria

The Ebenebe Sandstone is a component of the Paleocene Imo Formation in south-eastern Nigeria. The deposit in Anambra State was subjected to textural and chemical analyses to establish the silica sand potential, and suitability for various industrial applications. The research is a contribution to government’s effort toward solid mineral exploration and exploitation to support industrialization of the State. The research strategy involved (i) detailed sampling of outcrops of the Ebenebe Sandstone deposit in Anambra State, (ii) grain size analysis to evaluate the textural parameters critical for various industrial applications, and (iii) x-ray fluorescence analysis to establish the chemical composition and industrial quality of the sandstone. Evidence from grain size analysis shows that the sandstone is medium to coarse-grained, moderately well sorted, positively-negatively skewed, and thus texturally mature and adequate for the production of various glass wares. X-ray fluorescence studies revealed that the Ebenebe Sandstone is a quartz arenite containing Silica (90.5%), Aluminium oxide (5.30%) and Titanium oxide (0.24%), among others. The observed percentage of silica is far below the British Standards specification of 99.99% for the manufacture of solar panel and various glass wares. On the other hand the observed percentages for the oxides of Aluminium, and Titanium are far above the 1.5 % and 0.1% minimum concentration required in the glass industry. Appropriate beneficiation processes (such as magnetic separation and acid leaching) are therefore required to upgrade the silica concentration of the Ebenebe Sandstone to the required 99.99%, to meet the specification for use as raw material for the manufacture of solar panel, and various kinds of glass wares. Industrial exploitation of the sand deposit by government is thus strongly recommended to sustain a glass industry and boost the economy of Anambra State