TITLE:
Petrographic, Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Boundou-Waadé Bauxite Deposit (Sangaredi, Republic of Guinea)
AUTHORS:
Chontcheihon Virginie Traoré, Mohamed Samuel Moriah Conté, Daouda Keita, Abdoulaye Kadiatou Diallo, Mamoudou Diallo, Mamoudou Conde
KEYWORDS:
Bauxites Aleuro-Argillite, Dolerite, Gibbsite
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.12 No.12,
December
11,
2024
ABSTRACT: The demand for useful ores has been growing steadily, especially since there is increasing interest in bauxite ores. This growing demand is prompting researchers to justify a large number of research projects on bauxites. The aim of this work is to characterize the Boundou-Waadé bauxite deposit. The proposed methodology is mainly based on sample collection, stratigraphic logs, cross-sections and geological maps. Samples were analyzed at the Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée laboratory. Geochemical data were processed using statistical methods. Devonian sedimentary formations and Mesozoic dolerites characterize the study area. The Boundou-Waadé bauxite deposit was developed on Devonian and Mesozoic formations. Stratigraphic logs show the succession of formations, with the bedrock overlain by the alteration crust. The bauxitic zone, the transition zone and the ferruginous laterites are the subject of petrographic studies, with both zones (bauxitic and transition) containing some ferriplantite. Mineralogical analysis clearly shows that gibbsite, goethite, alumogoethite, rutile and clay minerals are present. The geochemical study of the major elements shows that as SiO2 and Fe2O3 content decreases, Al2O3 content increases and TiO2 and Al2O3 content increases in the same direction.