Grindability and Mineralogical Characterization of Ikpeshi Basalt for Effective Soil Amendment

Abstract

This study assessed the grindability and mineralogical composition of basalt rock collected from Ikpeshi town, Edo State, Nigeria. Using the work index approach, its suitability as an amendment for agricultural soil was evaluated while calcite rock was used for comparison as the reference ore. The samples were crushed, milled, and pulverized to pass through a sieve of 1180μm, after which 100g portions were subjected to sieve analysis (1000–63μm) to establish data for their grindability potential. Results revealed a work index of 10.10 kWh/t for calcite and 18.722 kWh/t for Ikpeshi basalt, with actual grinding energy for basalt determined as 3.52 kWh. The elemental and chemical characterization of both rocks was carried out using the X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray Diffraction (XR) approach, the mineralogical analysis revealed that the basalt rock contains minerals that are essential for improved soil fertility. The study highlights Ikpeshi basalt as a mineral resource with moderate grinding energy requirements and strong potential for sustainable use as a soil amendment.