GEOLOGICAL AND MINERAL RESOURCE EVALUATION OF THE UPPER BENUE TROUGH, NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA

The Upper Benue Trough, a sedimentary basin in northeastern Nigeria, holds significant geological and economic importance. Formed during the Cretaceous rift phase of the West and Central African Rift System (WCARS), the trough comprises of the Bima Sandstone Formation, Yolde Formation, and Pindiga Formation which has a total thickness of 6,000 meters of sedimentary rocks. Mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, barytes, gold, chromium, Uranium, and coal occur extensively throughout the region. Uranium, lead, zinc, and barytes deposits, particularly, exhibit potential for economic exploitation due to their diverse applications in energy storage, construction, manufacturing, and medical uses. This study provides an overview of the geology, tectonic evolution, and mineral resources of the Upper Benue Trough, highlighting its prospects for contributing to Nigeria's economic growth and development.