Characterization of Rock Samples from Yale Area of the Upper East Region of Ghana

Abstract

Quantitative analysis of the mineral and elemental components of rock samples in Yale locality of Ghana, Africa has been done by using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Both the INAA and AAS tests independently showed that the samples were dominated by Mn. INAA showed that across all samples the average composition of Mn was 3322.90 +/-169.60 ppm. Ti (6625.299 +/- 344.68 ppm), Cr (291.27 +/-48.13 ppm) and Cu (16.50 +/- 1.43 ppm) were also revealed by the INAA test on the samples. The results from the AAS test confirmed that Mn was dominant, with an average composition of 6052.22 +/- 2219.03 ppm. The presence of Cr (67.32 +/-72.73 ppm) and Cu (91.61 +/- 69.53 ppm) was also confirmed in the samples from AAS tests. Additionally, Au (1.5 + /- 0.66 ppm) and Co (49.14 +/-15.18 ppm) were found, but an AAS test could not be used to confirm the presence of these elements. Gold was detected and estimated for the first time in the rock sample in that area of Ghana. These preliminary results indicate that the Yale area in the Upper East region of Ghana has substantial amounts of Mn, Ti and gold, and signify that the area is a potential mining zone for Mn and Au. The results of the present study add to information on the minerology of the Yale area.