EDXRF analysis of tantalite deposit of Mai-Kabanji, North-western Nigeria

The tantalite deposits of Mai-Kabanji area of Zamfara State Nigeria was studied for the elemental compositions by Energy dispersive x-ray fluoresce (EDXRF) spectrophotometry, physical properties and anionic composition by standard methods. The results indicated high concentrations of tantalum oxide, Ta2O5 (31.990%±0.83) and other valuable oxides of niobium, Nb2O5 (0.029%), titanium, TiO2 (1.702%±0.42) and iron, Fe2O3 (1.702%±0.30) were also high. Physical properties tested showed high resistance on ignition (LOI 3.00%) and low alkalinity (8.51), grey colour, specific gravity range (7.2 - 8.0) and an average size of 0.12 mm. Sample was generally richer in tantalum oxide and other valuable mineral oxides of niobium, titanium, iron and manganese than other samples it was compared with, hence, it is economically valuable for exploration.