Occurrence of Iron Mineralization around Owa-Onire, Sheet 224 Osi NW, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Reconnaissance geological sampling of the Owa Onire iron ore prospect on a scale of 1:25,000 was carried out to establish if the reported prospect is a mineralization show or an ore deposit as well as to ascertain its economic potential. Field observation and geophysical studies revealed that the prospect is extensive and its thickness and viability in terms of grade and reserve need to be determined for immediate exploitation. An old abandoned trench revealed about 0.5m to 1.2m thickness of lateritic iron ore. Personal communication with the inhabitants revealed that the old abandoned trench was dug in the past for iron production used for hunting, smelting and farming tools as the area was reputed as the home of iron in the ancient time. All these lend credence to the high possibility of having a good reserve of iron ore that could adequately support small to medium scale iron rod production if properly investigated.