Geochemistry of termite mounds in the sediment-hosted Lead-Zinc Mining District of Yolo, Gongola Sub-basin: A guide for lead-zinc exploration in the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria

Abstract

Yolo lead-zinc mining district is an important area in Gongola Sub-basin of the Upper Benue Trough with paucity of rocks outcrops but abundant termite mounds. The termite mounds and their adjoining surface soils were analyzed for Pb, Zn, Ti, Cu, Sb, As, U, Cr, Zr and Li in an attempt to test their effectiveness in defining favorable areas for lead-Zinc mineralization in the Upper Benue Trough. The result shows a general trend of higher elemental concentration in termite mounds relative to their adjoining surface soils. The ore elements Pb, Zn together with Ti have the highest average concentrations of 503, 2136.5, and 6285 ppb in termite mounds compared to 356, 1662 and 2250 ppb respectively in adjoining surface soils. Biological Absorption Coefficient, calculated to evaluate their degree of concentration, shows 141 values of Biological Absorption Coefficient within enrichment category with only 59 values in the depletion category. The relatively high concentration of the ore elements Pb, Zn and the associated trace elements in termite mounds and the elevated contents of BAC values in the enrichment category together suggest that Pb, Zn and Ti in termite mounds can be effectively used for lead-zinc exploration in the Upper Benue Trough. \n \n Key words: Lead-Zinc, termite mound, Gongola Sub-basin, Upper Benue Trough.