Geochemical characterization of iron ore deposits of the Mozambique brlt, Ikutha area in Kenya.

Abstract

This project focuses on the geochemical characterization of the iron ore deposits of Ikutha area of Kitui County, which lies in the Mozambique mobile belt. The Ikutha iron ore deposits are situated about 250 Km to the south east of Nairobi. The deposits consist of apatite – bearing magnetite veins and mineralized country rock. They dip moderately to the west, with the veins injected on high grade metamorphic gneisses of the Precambrian Mozambique belt. The main quarry of the Ikutha iron ore deposits is located approximately 38o 11’ 40” S and 20 8’ 20” S, between 7 and 12 Km south of Ikutha market. The area is connected by a marrum roads to the Nairobi - Mombasa road at Kibwezi. It is approximately 250 Km SE of Nairobi. The physiography of the area is mainly gently sloping areas, some small hills and the Yatta plateau, which lies to the east of Ikutha. The Yatta plateau is most pronounced feature in the area. To the west of Ikutha town, the plateau reaches an altitude of just over 900 m above sea level. Ikutha is a hot and dry area with little rainfall during the year. It experiences two rain seasons – short and long rains during November- December and March – April respectively. The geology of the area comprises of the basement Mozambique belt which hosts the apatite bearing - magnetite ores, and volcanics to the east, forming the extensive Yatta plateau. Results from the project include the analyses of soil and rock units and magnetic profile analyses of the ore bearing rocks. Results indicate that the Ikutha magnetite – apatite ore gives reasonably good phosphate concentration for exploitation.