Geochemical Characterization of Sedimentary Materials (Limestone, Gypsum, Coal, and Iron Ore) along the Nile River Basin, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Abstract

Sedimentary rocks are produced by the weathering of preexisting rocks and the subsequent transportation and deposition of the weathering products. Among the sedimentary rocks, especially limestone is a crucial raw material for cement production. The purpose of this study was to characterize the valuable industrial raw materials, limestone, gypsum, clay, coal, and iron ore, along with the Nile River basin. For sample collection, a random sampling method was applied. Different analytical methods were carried out for complete oxide analysis such as LiBO₂ fusion, HF attack, and gravimetric, calorimetric, and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The percentages of oxides detected in this study are in the range of acceptable values (high content of CaO ranging from 47.3 to 50.4% and less content of SiO₂ ranging from 8.72 to 11.24%) for good proposal as a potential raw material for cement production. The most dominant and wide-range coverage of limestone along with the Nile basin, particularly near Arsema Monastery, was found as matured limestone. The petrographic analysis of gypsum, sandstone, and clay samples indicated that all the samples taken from Wegidi revealed that the high percentage of gypsum ranges from 90 to 95%. Sandstone is dominantly preset in Kelala to Jamma road along with Beto River with high content of SiO₂ ranging from 61 to 95%. The results of this study indicate that the treated coal samples are relative to high calorific value, fixed carbon, and low ash content. Coal and iron ore from Jamma revealed that high calorific value is 4929.24 and hematite content is 52.2, respectively. The result of this study revealed that a huge amount of limestone reservoir is detected in Borena Wereda, Amhara, Ethiopia.