X-Ray Diffraction Characterization of Copper Ore Mineralogy and Implications for Ore-Forming Processes in the Plateau and Benue areas, Nigeria

Copper mineralization in Nigeria remains underexplored despite its significant geological potential within the Plateau and Benue regions. This study presents a detailed mineralogical characterization of copper ores using X-ray diffraction (XRD) with semi-quantitative Rietveld refinement to elucidate ore-forming processes. The identified copper-bearing minerals include chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, covellite, malachite, and brochantite, accompanied by gangue and secondary phases such as quartz, iron sulfides, copper oxides, sulfates, and carbonates. Quantitative phase analysis reveals variable proportions of hypogene, supergene, and oxidation-zone minerals, indicating a multi-stage mineralization history. The dominance of secondary sulfides and oxidized copper minerals suggests extensive supergene enrichment and weathering overprint on primary hydrothermal mineralization. These mineral assemblages closely resemble those documented in the Benue Trough and Plateau Basement Complex, highlighting the role of tectonic activity, hydrothermal fluid circulation, and tropical weathering in copper ore evolution. The results provide new mineralogical insights into Nigerian copper provinces and support their potential for economic copper mineralization.

Keywords: XRD, Copper mineralization, Ore-forming processes, Rietveld refinement, Benue Trough, Plateau Province, Nigeria.