Geology, Geochemistry, and Economic Potential of Hydrothermal Baryte Mineralization in the Gombe Inlier, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria

Abstract

The Gombe Inlier, located in the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, hosts significant
hydrothermal baryte mineralization within altered Bima Sandstone. This study
investigates the geology, geochemistry, and structural controls of the baryte
occurrences in the Gombe-Liji area to evaluate their economic potential and compare
them with other Nigerian and global deposits. Field observations reveal that the
mineralization is structurally controlled, occurring in NE-SW trending veins along major
fault systems within the inlier. The geochemical analysis shows BaO content ranging
from 70.87% to 71.46%, indicating high purity, while SiO₂wt.% levels (15.55–15.60%)
suggest quartz contamination. The baryte exhibits elevated Sr concentrations
(10,540.5 ppm), comparable to Peruvian and Moroccan deposits, suggesting
hydrothermal origins. Comparative analysis with other Nigerian occurrences shows that
the Gombe-Liji baryte is geochemically similar to deposits in Azara and Duguri but
contains higher SiO₂ than Lower Benue Trough deposits, which are more industrially
suitable. The mineralization is associated with hydrothermal basinal brines, with
structural controls facilitating fluid movement and precipitation. Despite the lack of
isotopic and fluid inclusion studies in this research, previous studies in the Benue
Trough indicate thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) and seawater-derived fluids
as key sources of baryte mineralization. The Gombe-Liji baryte deposit meets
industrial requirements for drilling fluids in the oil and gas sector but may require
beneficiation to reduce silica content. This study enhances the understanding of baryte
mineralization in the Upper Benue Trough and highlights its economic significance
within Nigeria’s growing mineral sector.