An Appraisal of the Barite Resources of Cross River State, Southeastern Nigeria: Origin, Distribution and Economic Potentials

The occurrence of barite mineralization in both the sedimentary and basement rocks in Cross River State shows a genetic linkage in relations to source of the metal for fluids that drain the basements. This agrees with current opinion based on isotopic and fluid inclusion data obtained by previous workers who on the basis of observed strontium data, Pb isotope composition of galena and rare earth element patterns in fluorite suggested that the basement rocks in the Benue trough or their weathered equivalents are likely sources of metal for mineralizing fluids in the Benue trough. The gentle dip of the basement rocks are believed to have generated slow migration of the fluids, a condition that is necessary to prevent quick flushing thereby allowing adequate time for enough leaching of barium from the basement rocks to form the barite deposits. The NE-SW trend of the barite veins, the identified sinistral faults as well as the fact that the barites that are associated with wall rock alteration usually display well developed crystal habits are suggestive that the barite mineralization is structurally controlled. Ore fluid formation from juvenile and circulating connate brines have been proposed for the formation of the barite deposits in Cross River State and indeed in Nigeria.