Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis of mineral elemental concentrations in bore hole core samples from kisii area

Abstract

A total of fifty nine core samples at varying depths from nine different bore holes from Kisii area have been analysed using the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRFA) method with a cadmium-109 source and a 1ithium drifted silicon detector. The sulphide-ore samples were provided by the Department of Mines and Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources. The concentrations of the eleven elements of interest at various depths are tabulated in turn for each bore hole. Graphs indicating elemental variations with depth and the mean elemental concentration for each bore ho 1e have been presented. Results from standard samples have also been included to show the accuracy of the method. The maximum concentrations of typical elements in the various bore holes have been analysed and presented. A value of 4.86% manganese was evaluated at 131.57 to 132.39 meters in bore hole eight. A maxima of iron (37.78%) was observed at 96.01-96.42 meters, copper (4.57%) at 107.11-107.31 meters and zinc (7.84%) at 96.42- 96.57 meters in bore hole five. The highest value of lead (4910 ppm) was recorded in bore hole number one at a depth of 201.08-201.17 meters. EDXRFA method has proved to be a useful technique in the analysis of geological ore samples.