ASSESSMENT OF MAJOR OXIDE GEOCHEMISTRY AND FERTILIZER PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF MAGNESITE MINERALIZATION IN SAKASIMTA, NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency in agricultural soils has become an increasing challenge affecting crop productivity, particularly in tropical regions where intense weathering, nutrient leaching, and continuous cultivation contribute to depletion of essential nutrients. This study evaluates the geochemical characteristics, resource potential, and suitability of the Sakasimta magnesite deposit in Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, as a potential raw material for magnesium fertilizer production. The deposit occurs within a weathered basaltic environment and is associated with magnesium-bearing minerals such as olivine and serpentine, suggesting formation through alteration and carbonation processes of magnesium-rich silicate minerals. Representative magnesite samples were subjected to X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis to determine major oxide compositions, including SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MgO, CaO, Na₂O, K₂O, TiO₂, MnO, Cr₂O₃, BaO, and loss on ignition (LOI). The results revealed significant magnesium enrichment, with MgO concentrations ranging from 29.19 to 39.09 wt.%, with an average value of 34.04 wt.%, confirming the magnesitic nature of the deposit. The samples recorded moderate SiO₂ contents ranging from 6.60 to 20.84 wt.% (average 13.14 wt.%), while Fe₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ showed relatively low concentrations with average values of 1.22 wt.% and 2.90 wt.%, respectively. The high LOI values (39.1–48.0 wt.%; average 43.81 wt.%) indicate significant carbonate content associated with magnesium carbonate decomposition. Resource evaluation of the deposit estimated approximately 53,460 metric tonnes, indicating potential for small-scale mineral development. The high MgO content, favourable impurity levels, and available resource volume suggest that Sakasimta magnesite has potential as a raw material for magnesium fertilizer production. However, beneficiation studies, fertilizer formulation trials, and agronomic evaluations are recommended to optimize magnesium recovery and confirm its effectiveness as an agricultural input.