International Journal of Economic and Environmental Geology
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Lithium Deposits in Africa: A Synthesis of their Economic Geology and Metallogeny with Implications for Regional Mineral Exploration
Full text linkLithium minerals are critical raw materials in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and the energy storage infrastructure that drives the ongoing clean energy transition. The global surge in demand for lithium has sparked concerns about a potential future supply shortage, prompting a scramble to secure new resources. Currently, approximately 75% of the global lithium supply is derived from salt brines and clays, whereas 25% is obtained from hard-rock pegmatite deposits, which are generally considered a more reliable source of lithium. Africa is a continent endowed with abundant mineral wealth, including lithium, which is contained in the rare-metal pegmatites that were previously mined intermittently for tin and tantalum in many parts of the continent. Africa has now emerged as a destination of choice for several mining companies and investors in the “rush” for the “white gold”. Africa is currently a significant contributor to the global lithium supply chain, accounting for more than 10% of the world's production from several countries that host lithium deposits of varying sizes and ore grades. This paper provides an overview of the economic geology and metallogeny of lithium deposits in Africa, highlighting their geological settings, deposit types, spacetime distributions, ore-forming processes, and ore genesis in relation to orogenic cycles. The paper also discusses the potential for exploring lithium in Africa and identifying new frontier areas and mineral exploration strategies in tropical lateritic terrains. Keywords: Lithium deposits, Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, lithium pegmatites, metallogeny, lithium minerals, mineral exploration
Geological and Geochemical Characteristics of Sharote Copper Deposit Kohistan Island Arc, Gilgit Baltistan
Full text linkThis study presents first report on hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit in the Sharote Valley some 29 km North-West from Gilgit city in the northern Kohistan Island Arc Gilgit Baltistan. The deposit is formed of extending sulphide veins. The minerals in associated rocks are identified as quartz, biotite, muscovite, epidote, plagioclase and hornblende amphibole with accessory minerals chlorite, sericite with opaques. The XRF analysis of investigated rocks shows that the major oxides are Na2O (6.10-6.70 wt. %), CaO (2.73-5.49 wt. %), SiO2 (66.6968.10 wt. %), Fe2O3 (1.0-3.92 wt. %) Al2O3 (4.55-8.59 wt. %), and K2O (2.1-2.28 wt. %), which indicate that the associated rock is quartz monzonite which is more Calc-alkaline and less tholeiitic based on AFM diagram. Based on the analysis of ore samples using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, the trace elements Cr, Zn, Co, Pb, Fe, Mn, Ni, Au, and Ag are investigated. The concentration (Wt.%) of Au, Ag, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Co, Zn are 0.04-0.296, 4.242.55, 851.25-20025, 2.25-12.9, 2.1-1105, 0.1-28.25, 78.75-252.5 and 17.45-280.45. Cu shows positive trends with Co, Cr, Zn, Ag and Pb. These geochemical signatures, petrographic results and field observations show that sulphide veins dominated by chalcopyrite and bornite, accompanied by secondary azurite and malachite, and hosted within quartz monzogranite are best interpreted as products of a magmatic-hydrothermal system linked to the emplacement and crystallization of the granitic intrusion. As magma evolved, metals such as Cu, Au, Pb, and Fe, along with volatiles (H₂O, S, Cl, and CO₂), became progressively concentrated in the residual melt. Upon reaching fluid saturation, metal-bearing hydrothermal fluids were exsolved from the crystallizing quartz monzogranite. These fluids, enriched in Cu–Au complexes, constituted the primary source of the sulphide mineralization
Impact of Seawater Intrusion on Coastal Aquifers of Karachi, Pakistan: Impact of Seawater Intrusion on Coastal Aquifers of Karachi, Pakistan
No full textGroundwater is an important resource for domestic and agricultural use. In several countries coastal
regions are facing groundwater salinization due to seawater intrusion. The coastal aquifers of Karachi are
continuously at risk of salinization. The deeper aquifers in the study area are mainly hosted in Nari (Oligocene)
and Gaj (Miocene) formations, while shallow aquifers are situated in Holocene and Pleistocene unconsolidated
deposits. In order to evaluate the impact of seawater intrusion on groundwater quality of Karachi region, 25
groundwater samples were collected from different wells (ranging from 12 to 46 m) of Chanesar Gotth, Karachi,
Sindh for determining their physical and chemical characteristics. The analytical results of physical (turbidity, pH,
TDS, EC, hardness, odor, and chemical (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, nitrates, bicarbonate,
sulfate, zinc, nickle, cobalt, copper and iron) constituents showed that EC and TDS range between1828- 5190
μS/cm, and from 1550 to 4920 mg/L, respectively. The results indicate that groundwater EC and TDS are above
the guidelines set by WHO and did not satisfy the requirement for various purposes like domestic and agricultural
use. Data revealed that groundwater is dominated by sodium and chloride, and dominant water types in the area
are NaCl>NaHCO3>CaCl. Seemingly, low Na/Cl ratio suggests that groundwater is severely affected by seawater
intrusion. High Na/Cl ratio in few water samples reflect impact of infiltration of polluted surface water. In addition
Gibbs plot showed evolution of groundwater from seawater intrusion to evaporative process. Durov diagram
revealed the mixing of fresh water with seawater. Furthermore, sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and Wilcox
diagrams showed that water is highly saline and is unsuitable for irrigation purpose. The natural cause of seawater
intrusion is sea-level rise, which has significantly impacted the groundwater salinization dynamics in the study
area.
Keywords: Seawater intrusion, groundwater salinity, hydro-geochemistry, Karachi
Petrophysical Evaluation and Volumetric Estimation of Hydrocarbon Reserves in Otio Field, Niger Delta
Full text linkThis research presents a comprehensive petrophysical evaluation of the Otio Field, located in the onshore Niger Delta Basin, with a focus on characterizing hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating well log data and seismic interpretation to analyze key petrophysical parameters across five hydrocarbon-bearing horizons (Sands D, E1, E2, H, and J). The petrophysical analysis revealed porosity values ranging from 18% to 27%, water saturation between 20% and 31%, and Net-To-Gross (NTG) ratios of 59% to 96%. These parameters were used to evaluate the reservoir quality and hydrocarbon potential of each horizon. The structural framework of the field was also evaluated, with 16 faults mapped, including major trapping structures F6 and F7. Time and depth structure maps were generated for each horizon, enabling accurate volume estimations. The results indicate that the North-Eastern prospect is the most promising, particularly in Sand E2, which exhibits the highest hydrocarbon volume in place. This study provides valuable insights into the petrophysical properties of the Otio Field reservoirs, offering a basis for prospect ranking and guiding future exploration efforts.
Keywords: Petrophysical analysis, volumetric estimation, hydrocarbon reserves, well logs, seismic interpretation
Sustainable Waste Management in Open Pit Mines: Rethinking Inner Dumping Practices in Modern Mining
Full text linkInner dumping, also known as in-pit dumping, is a waste management practice in open pit and open cast mining where waste materials are deposited within the mined-out area. While touted for its potential to reduce environmental footprint and transportation costs, inner dumping presents distinct operational challenges that can affect mining efficiency. This paper examines key operational challenges including space constraints, logistical complexities, increased operational costs, and impacts on mine design. Strategies for optimizing inner dumping practices are explored, emphasizing advanced planning, integrated waste management systems, innovative techniques, enhanced coordination, and technological investments. By addressing these challenges effectively, mining operations can enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in waste management practices. This research contributes to insights essential for improving inner dumping methodologies in modern mining operations.
Keywords: Open-pit mining, waste-material management, In-pit dumping, operational challenges
Drinking Water Quality Assessment in Selected Areas of Rawalpindi by Physico-Chemical and Biological Parameters
Full text link: In this study drinking water quality of some densely populated areas of Rawalpindi was analysed. The main sources of water in the area are water filtration plants and bore tap waters. As water demand has exceeded the supply, many locals have installed bores in order to meet their water needs. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of drinking water, and to determine whether it is related to gastrointestinal diseases. For this study, water samples were collected from filtration plants, and tap water. Both physicochemical and microbiological parameters play role in determining water quality. Hence, the pH, EC, Salts, TDS, Turbidity, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Total Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Carbonates, Arsenic, and microbiological parameters like salmonella, and shigella, E. coli and total coliform were analysed by standard procedures. The results showed all the parameters were within the permissible limits, except for EC and TDS, indicating that ions are present in greater amounts in water samples. In case of microbiological parameters, growth of salmonella and shigella, as well as E. coli was found, and permissible limit for total coliforms exceeded in few samples suggesting that water from these sources is contaminated and not fit for use. In comparison, tap water samples were found more contaminated with bacteria as compared to samples from filter plants.
Keywords: Drinking water quality, physico-chemical parameters, gastrointestinal diseases, microbiological analysis, arsenic
GIS Based Universal Soil Erosion Estimation in District Chakwal Punjab, Pakistan: GIS Based Universal Soil Erosion Estimation in District Chakwal Punjab, Pakistan
No full textSoil erosion is a serious environmental problem faced by district Chakwal. Unpredictable short term and high intensity rainfall, improper cultivation and deforestation have accelerated the soil erosion in the district. The agricultural productivity of the study area can be enhanced by understanding, estimating and controlling the root causes of soil erosion. This study was undertaken to estimate and spatially represent the rate of average annual soil erosion in Chakwal using GIS/RS techniques. The soil erosion was estimated using Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model. To find out parameters of USLE, ASTER GDEM of 30 m resolution was used to estimate slope length and elevation of the study area. Landsat 8 satellite imagery of year 2019, was used to prepare land use map using supervised classification. Soil map with texture and geomorphology was used to identify soils of study area and rainfall data of last 7 years was also studied. Finally, the soil loss has been computed using raster calculator of ArcGIS 10.2 software. The average annual soil loss was predicted up to 268,619 tons/acre/year, of which maximum soil erosion was occurring near the steep slopes and river channels. It is necessary to adapt sustainable land management practices to reduce the risk of further soil erosion, by adopting rainwater harvesting and choosing right crops for suitable soil type
Connection between the South and East Asian Monsoons: Comparing Summer Monsoon Rainfall of Pakistan and South Korea: Connection between the South and East Asian Monsoons: Comparing Summer Monsoon Rainfall of Pakistan and South Korea
No full textThis study investigates the tele-connection of the southeast Asian monsoon systems by comparing the summer monsoon (June to September) rainfall variability between Pakistan and south Korea. The daily data sets (1981- 2014) of rainfall of Pakistan and south Korea are utilized to explore the possible link. The data products of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) were also used for the understanding of the large-scale atmospheric environments. The patterns of summer monsoon rainfall on a daily basis between Pakistan and south Korea followed to each other throughout the year. Sub-seasonal differences of the summer monsoon revealed that July is the wettest month in both countries. The large-scale atmospheric environment of higher geopotential height revealed that the Tibetan high and the western north Pacific subtropical high are showing positive anomalies during positive phases over south Asia and east Asia, respectively. The anomalies of zonal wind are negative during positive phase and adverse in the negative phase between 20-40oN. The reduced westerly is interpreted as the seasonal variation and moving of jet streams from the east Asian route. The Tibetan high, northwestern Pacific subtropical high and the east Asian jet stream have reliable and sufficient linkage between the Pakistan and south Korea summer monsoon system
Major, Minor and Trace Elements Existence in Surface Sediments from Gwadar to Jiwani Coastal Areas of Pakistan : Major, Minor and Trace Elements Existence in Surface Sediments from Gwadar to Jiwani Coastal Areas of Pakistan
No full textThis study was carried out along the western coastal parts of Balochistan from Gwadar east Bay to Jiwani. The local anomaly of major, minor and trace elements were studied in this area. Zone-I (Gwadar east and west Bay) indicates that calcium oxide, potassium oxide and titanium dioxide have higher or average concentrations, while Zone[1]II indicates higher or average concentrations of calcium oxide, titanium dioxide and ferric oxide. Trace elements zirconium, chromium, europium, strontium, and copper are in higher or average concentrations in both zones. Gwadar west Bay and Jiwani are intermediate in carbonate, which show a high degree of maturity, suggesting the high rate of weathering in the source area. Sediment samples from Ganz, Jiwani, and Gwadar east Bay represent the quartz-rich fields in this region. Gwadar east Bay has a positive correlation between aluminium oxide and potassium oxide which suggests that abundance of potassium oxide is controlled by variation in K-feldspar contents. A positive correlation between strontium and calcium oxide suggests that strontium is associated with calcium oxide in biogenic carbonate material in Gwadar west Bay. The positive correlation between aluminium oxide, copper, and zinc in Pishukan indicates that the abundance of these elements is due to limited silt and clay fractions present in sediments. Enrichment factor shows that chromium and strontium are probably of anthropogenic origin in this region
SHORT COMMUNICATION Mapping Flood Risk Assessment by Remote Sensing in District Chiniot, Pakistan: SHORT COMMUNICATION Mapping Flood Risk Assessment by Remote Sensing in District Chiniot, Pakistan
No full textSHORT COMMUNICATION
Mapping Flood Risk Assessment by Remote Sensing in District Chiniot, Pakista