Assessment of Graphite Deposits Potential in Birnin-Gwari L.G.A. Kaduna State for Energy Storage Applications

H. H. Jumare; M. Abdulrahman; H. Haruna

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.12.no5.2026.pg107.115

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Assessment of Graphite Deposits Potential in Birnin-Gwari L.G.A. Kaduna State for Energy Storage Applications

H. H. Jumare, M. Abdulrahman, H. Haruna

Abstract

This study assesses the graphite deposits in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State, with emphasis on their geological characteristics and potential for energy storage applications. Detailed field mapping, petrographic analysis, X-ray diffraction , and proximate analysis were carried out to determine the mineralogical composition, mode of occurrence, and industrial suitability of the graphite deposits. The study area is composed mainly of graphite schist, granite gneiss, biotite granite, granite, and amphibolite, reflecting the geology of the Nigerian Basement Complex. Field relationships indicate that the area experienced different stages of deformation, metamorphism, and granitoid emplacement during the Pan-African orogeny. Petrographic studies revealed the presence of quartz, graphite, biotite, muscovite, feldspar, and opaque minerals, with graphite occurring as aligned flaky aggregates parallel to schistosity, indicating recrystallization under regional metamorphic conditions. XRD analysis showed that the graphite-bearing sample is composed predominantly of graphite (38%), quartz (29%), muscovite (30%), and minor cronstedtite (3%). The sharp diffraction peaks indicate good crystallinity of the graphite and associated minerals. Proximate analysis of the head sample revealed moisture content of 14.33%, volatile matter of 15.56%, ash content of 27.89%, and fixed carbon content of 42.22%, indicating appreciable graphite concentration and moderate industrial quality. The occurrence of crystalline flake graphite suggests favorable properties for energy storage applications, particularly as anode material in lithium-ion batteries due to its good electrical conductivity and electrochemical stability. The study concludes that the Birnin-Gwari graphite deposits are metamorphic flake graphite deposits formed through regional metamorphism of organic-rich sedimentary rocks during the Pan-African event. Although beneficiation and purification processes are required to improve the graphite grade, the deposits possess promising economic potential for battery production, renewable energy storage technologies, and other carbon-based industrial applications.

References

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Assessment of Graphite Deposits Potential in Birnin-Gwari L.G.A. Kaduna State for Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

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