Mineralogical and chemical characterization of Zarara hill copper deposit, Kano State, Northwestern Nigeria

A new copper deposit associated with the marginal granite porphyry of Banke Younger Granite Complex was discovered at Zarara hill, Kano State Nigeria. Preliminary study was undertaken with the main objectives of mineralogical and chemical characterization of the deposit. Twelve samples were obtained polished thin sections were prepared and studied using backscattered images and electron microprobe techniques. The results indicate that the ore mineralogical assemblage comprises of primary chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite and pyrite, while secondary minerals formed from the alteration of the primary ore minerals are malachite, azurite, chalcocite and goethite. The gangue mineral assemblage includes quartz, feldspar and hematite. Hence, chemical characterization of the deposit revealed that the economic metals include Cu, Pb, Zn, and S with trace concentrations of Cd, Co, Se, Ni, Mo etc. Therefore, adequate mineralogical and chemical characterization of mineral deposits is essential as a prerequisite for deposit’s evaluation because other elements with possible economic and environmental significance might be present within the ore minerals as solid solutions.