(Department of Geology and Mining, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2015-02-13) Amoka, I.S.; Jatau, B.S.; Ali, M.
Nigeria's talc reserves are considered suitable for a strong industry for both local and export
demands. However, there is only one active talc mining and processing operation, located in
Kagara, northwestern Nigeria. The talc resources occur in the schist belts, spread over several
geopolitical regions. The deposits occur mainly as massive talcose rocks, usually grayish to
greenish in colour. They are predominantly associated with chlorite, tremolite and magnesite.
Chemical compositions range from 42% to 60% SiO2, 27 - 32% MgO, 3.5 - 14% LOI, 0.8 – 4.1%
FeO and 1.1 – 7% Al2O3. Preliminary beneficiation tests on samples from the mine site show that
the quality of the talc deposit can be improved by froth flotation, after pre-concentration by
magnetic separation. The milled talc is mainly produced for fertilizers, and minor quantities for
ceramics. It is however envisaged that the brighter talc produced by flotation would be suitable
for paints, paper, plastics and textile. It is recommended that sub-surface exploration and further
flotation studies be carried out to enhance the industrial applications of the talc deposit