Integration of Ground Magnetics and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Ilmenite Prospection in Magaoni, Kenya
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Date
2016
Authors
Otieno, George Oduor
Githiri, John Gitonga
Ambusso, Willis Jakanyango
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
The geology of Magaoni area is associated with the presence of heavy minerals [1]. Magaoni’s
neighbours Maumba and Nguluku where ilmenite was discovered by Tiomin Resource Inc. in 1996,
using drilling and chemical analysis [2]. Ilmenite mineral is known to be magnetically weak, but
provides observable magnetic response [3]. In this study, ground magnetic survey method was
carried out to map magnetic anomalies of established stations, associated with ilmenite bearing
formations. The magnetic contour map plotted showed weak and shallow magnetic signatures
spread throughout the study area. 2D Euler deconvolution solutions revealed presence of magnetised
formations from near surface to a maximum depth of about 450 m at some points. The
weak magnetic formations of near surface indicated presence of ilmenite. Energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy was done on soil samples collected randomly from the study area to determine the
percentage of iron and titanium oxides. The results showed elevated values of titanium dioxide,
ranging from 1.5% to 13% which is way above the global average of about 0.7% [4]. The percentage
of iron oxide was low, ranging from 1.5% to 4%, this being the reason for weak magnetisation
of the study area
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Ilmenite, Magnetic Survey, Euler Deconvolution, Spectroscopy
Citation
Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 2016, 6, 79-88