Study of Talc Mineral Resources and Processing Potential in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Talc occurrences in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, represent an underutilised industrial mineral resource with applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and paint manufacturing. This study investigates the geological setting, quality characteristics, and processing potential of talc deposits in the Birnin Gwari and Kaduna North districts. Field mapping and rock sampling were conducted at six talc occurrences, and samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and surface area analysis. Grinding tests using a laboratory ball mill assessed the energy requirements for producing talc powders of different fineness categories. Results indicate that the Kaduna talc is predominantly composed of the Mg-rich variety with talc content ranging from 68 to 86 percent, with chlorite, carbonate, and tremolite as the principal impurities. Whiteness indices range from 72 to 84 on the Hunter scale, suitable for ceramics and filler applications but requiring beneficiation for cosmetic-grade products. Selective hand sorting and froth flotation test work achieves a 92 percent talc concentrate with whiteness above 88. The study demonstrates that commercially viable talc concentrate production is achievable with modest beneficiation investment and recommends a feasibility study for a pilot processing facility. This research provides updated resource characterisation data to guide investment in Kaduna State's industrial minerals sector. Keywords: talc, Kaduna State, industrial minerals, characterisation, processing.