Mine tailings and waste, a by-product of mineral extraction, represent both an environmental challenge and a potential resource for secondary mineral recovery and further use. In response to increasing global demand for critical raw materials and the drive toward sustainable mining practices, this study evaluates the economic and technological feasibility of tailings reprocessing. The research focuses on maximizing the recovery of residual minerals, repurposing tailings for industrial applications, and minimizing environmental impact. Key areas explored include the commercial viability of tailings utilization, cost-effective technological techniques, and a proposed processing scheme aimed at optimizing mineral recovery while reducing operational costs. Market analysis suggests strong demand for processed tailings in the production of whiteware ceramics, bricks, pipes, tiles and other materials essential for sustainable infrastructure. Hypothetical data indicate that approximately 70,000 tons of tailings could be repurposed annually, generating estimated cost savings of up to $5.5 million. These findings underscore the potential for transforming mine tailings from waste into a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable resource. The study contributes to ongoing discourse on responsible resource management and circular economy strategies in the mining sector.

Exploration success in hydrocarbon-rich provinces like the Niger Delta Basin is often constrained by subsurface uncertainties, particularly in structurally complex regions. In the onshore Niger Delta, fault seal behavior remains underexplored compared to offshore areas. This study investigates fault seal characteristics in the Akos Field, onshore Niger Delta, with the aim of mitigating exploration risk and improving hydrocarbon prospectivity. The analysis integrates 3D seismic interpretation, petrophysical data, and Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR) modelling to evaluate fault sealing capacity and the likelihood of cross-fault hydrocarbon migration. Two major faults (F1 and F2) were analyzed in detail. Fault F1 exhibited partial sealing with SGR values between 35–40%, suggesting a moderate barrier to fluid flow, while fault F2 showed enhanced sealing potential with SGR values exceeding 40%, indicating a more effective trap. These variations suggest significant implications for hydrocarbon entrapment, reservoir compartmentalization, and field development planning. Comparative insights from analogous offshore fields further highlight the structural dependence of hydrocarbon accumulation in Akos. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating fault seal analysis in exploration workflows to reduce risk and enhance predictive models in similar tectonically influenced basins.

An integrated electrostratigraphic investigation was conducted to assess the intrinsic vulnerability of the coastal aquifer at the Federal College of Education, Omoku, Rivers State. Twenty Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were employed, revealing a heterogeneous subsurface composed of four distinct geoelectric layers. The resistivity and thickness of the topsoil and unsaturated vadose zone were identified as the primary controls on vulnerability. The study utilized three vulnerability models: GOD, GLSI, and DRASTIC. The GOD index classified the area into low (33.3%) and moderate (66.7%) vulnerability classes. In contrast, the GLSI index, derived directly from VES data, provided a higher-resolution assessment, identifying two high-risk points (10%), a majority of moderate vulnerability (80%), and two low-vulnerability points (10%). The DRASTIC model consistently rated the entire area as moderately vulnerable, reflecting the inherent risk of the coastal hydrogeological setting. The comparative analysis concluded that the aquifer system is predominantly moderately vulnerable with localized zones of high vulnerability, particularly where protective layers are thin and conductive. The GLSI model proved most sensitive for pinpointing these high￾risk areas. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted groundwater protection strategies, land-use regulations, and continuous monitoring in the identified vulnerable zones to ensure sustainable water resource management in this coastal environment.

This study evaluates the petrophysical characteristics of Ogba Field in the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, using well log data (gamma ray, resistivity, neutron, and density logs) from two wells (Ogba-1 and Ogba-2) and core data from Ogba-4ST. The research quantifies key petrophysical parameters including shale volume, total porosity, water saturation, permeability, and net-to-gross ratios to understand reservoir properties. Results show that Ogba-1 generally exhibits lower shale content (Vsh 0.19–0.21), higher porosity (0.17–0.22), lower water saturation (0.02–0.14), and higher permeability (1851–2931 mD) compared to Ogba-2, indicating high reservoir quality. Well correlations reveal laterally continuous sand bodies interbedded with shale layers typical of a fluvio-deltaic depositional environment. Integration of well log and core data confirms distributary channel to mouth bar systems with periodic tidal influence. The study provides a practical workflow for reservoir characterization in data-limited siliciclastic settings of the Niger Delta.

This study integrates Lithostratigraphic descriptions, palynological analyses and gamma-ray wireline data from Uduak-1well at (340–3,510 ft) interval to characterize the lithofacies, establish palynostratigraphy and reconstruct depositional setting and paleoclimate of the Benin Formation in the Greater Ughelli depo-belt. Forty-three ditch-cutting samples were collected at ~60 ft intervals and were examined and combined with GR-log motifs and sand/shale ratios. Two principal lithofacies packages were identified: a sand-dominated continental unit (340–2,600 ft; sand:shale ≈ 98:2) and a continental–transitional unit (2,600–3,510 ft; ≈85:15). GR logs are generally low with intermittent peaks reflecting thin shaly interbeds/paleosols, while cylindrical and bell-shaped motifs indicate stacked channel and point-bar architectures. Palynological assemblages are dominated by freshwater-swamp taxa (e.g., Retitricolporites irregularis, Pachydermites diederixi) and Botryococcus, with only sporadic dinoflagellate occurrences near the base. Three palynozones/subzones (P624, P580, P560) were recognized and dated to the Rupelian–Chattian (Early–Late Oligocene), supporting a tentative Benin/Agbada boundary near ~3,490 ft. The sequence records a shift from marginal-marine/deltaic to fully continental, high-energy fluvial deposition under a warm, humid tropical climate. Integration of these data refines local biostratigraphy, improves lithofacies correlation for reservoir prediction, and enhances understanding of late Oligocene depositional dynamics in the onshore Niger Delta Basin.

The global energy transition is driving growing demand for critical minerals, especially manganese, important for both storing energy and making steel. With-in the DRC, the new discovery of minerals in the Luozi territory (part of Kongo Central province) exposes the country to big international economic worries and raises concerns about environmental damage, sharing mine income with the community and ensuring proper governance. This study investigates what is needed for the responsible, open and fair use of the Luozi deposit. It looks at the chance to use this resource thoughtfully, in light of history filled with over-harvesting by large corporations. Three areas were indicated to prevent similar errors, including: (1) making regulations and contracts clearer with the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative); (2) ensuring ESG (environmental, social and governance) guidelines are followed in mining; and (3) forming a lasting partnership with different local and national stakeholders. For the DRC, the Luozi deposit is an important chance, but it also puts the country’s mining management practices to the test. It can succeed only if this resource becomes a driver of sustainable development, equality and national financial independence, using a responsible model of mining that benefits everyone.

This study presents a gravity-based investigation of sedimentary thickness and structural trends within the Sokoto Basin, Northwestern Nigeria, bounded by latitudes 13°00′N–13°30′N and longitudes 4°30′E–5°30′E. Bouguer anomaly values in the area range from 66.16 mGal to 93.08 mGal, with lower values associated with thick sedimentary cover and higher values indicating basement uplift or intrusions. The regional Bouguer anomaly map shows gravity values between 64.07 mGal and 93.77 mGal, highlighting a north–south gradient likely related to basement relief and tectonic influence. The residual Bouguer anomaly map isolates local features, with anomalies ranging from approximately -5.98 mGal to +5.65 mGal, corresponding to variations in sedimentary thickness and shallow intrusions. Spectral enhancement through upward continuation to 1 km suppressed shallow noise and emphasized deep-seated structures, while the First Vertical Derivative (FVD) map revealed tectonic trends in SW–NE, NW–SE, and N–S directions, indicating active faulting and lithologic boundaries. Structural analysis using CET lineament mapping confirmed regional fault alignments and deep-seated fractures acting as potential hydrocarbon migration pathways. Depth estimations using Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) indicated basement depths ranging from 0.931 km to 5.174 km. Power Spectral Analysis revealed two depth layers: a deeper layer (D1) with depths from 0.92 km to 5.02 km (average: 2.505 km), and a shallow layer (D2) with depths from 0.132 km to 1.178 km (average: 0.568 km). Euler Deconvolution with Structural Index (SI) = 1 yielded depths between -683 m and 5078 m, while SI = 2 gave a broader range from -832 m to 5474 m. The central-western zone near 13.2°N and 4.8°E was identified as a major sedimentary trough, marked by the deepest basement relief and highest sediment accumulation. These findings underscore the Sokoto Basin’s resource potential and demonstrate the utility of gravity methods in characterizing sedimentary basins.

This research is aimed at integrating Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) methods to delineate potential aquifer zones in parts of MarabanRido, Kaduna, Northwest, Nigeria. The research area, located in Kaduna South, features a mix of deposits and basement rock formations, making it a challenging region for groundwater exploration. The ERT survey utilized the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 with multi-electrode configurations, while the SRT employed a 24-channel ABEM Terraloc Pro2 seismic acquisition system. Data from both methods were processed using advanced software—RES2DINV for ERT and ReflexW for SRT to generate 2D resistivity and velocity models. The topsoil layer exhibits a seismic velocity range of 650 to 800 m/s and a resistivity range of 50 – 400Ωm, overlying a weathered basement with seismic velocity range of 900 to 2000 m/s with resistivity values between 500 and 1000Ωm. A third layer with velocities from 920 to >1384 m/s corresponds to resistivity values of 2058–9486 Ωm, indicative of moderately to highly weathered granite transitioning into fresh basement rock. The average overburden thickness is approximately 8 m, with basement depths around 20 m. The depth ranges and structural patterns interpreted from the ERT data align strongly with the SRT results, confirming the reliability of the integrated geophysical approach. The strong correlation between wave velocity and resistivity distributions allowed for accurate identification of groundwater-bearing zones, particularly within fractured and weathered basement complexes. This integrated method proves to be a reliable tool for hydrogeological investigations in crystalline hard rock terrains, supporting its application in groundwater explanation.

Extinction events have played a pivotal role in shaping Earth’s biological and geological history, often leaving behind distinct markers in sedimentary and fossil records. These events, such as the Permian-Triassic and Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinctions, are characterized by significant biotic turnover, often triggered by catastrophic phenomena like volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, or rapid climate changes. The unique geological and sedimentary framework of the Bengal Basin, Bangladesh, constitutes an important archive with which to reconstruct these events at the regional scale. The paper is about potential geological markers of global extinction events within Bangladesh, focusing aspects of sedimentary sequences, isotopic anomalies, and fossil assemblages. The study examines key formations such as the Gondwana sediments, Sylhet Limestone, and Quaternary deposits, analyzing their potential to preserve evidence of mass extinctions and associated environmental changes. By correlating these markers with global extinction timelines, the research aims to provide new insights into the regional impact of these events, while addressing challenges posed by rapid sedimentation, tectonic activity, and erosion. The findings are very important in showing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and advanced analytical techniques to unearth the geological legacy of extinction events in Bangladesh, offering a foundation for future research on Earth’s dynamic history.

This review presents a detailed examination of how the aeromagnetic method has been utilized in the Ilesha region of Southwestern Nigeria, which holds considerable geological and economic importance within the Ife-Ilesha Schist Belt. This technique has proved vital for understanding subsurface complexities, especially in mineral exploration such as gold, structural analysis, estimating depths, assessing groundwater potential, and identifying geohazards. Research shows prominent NE-SW structural trends associated with the Pan-African Orogeny, which are critical for the movement of fluids and the formation of minerals. The progression of studies reflects a shift from qualitative analysis to integrated multi-geophysical and remote sensing methods, improving accuracy in mapping and resource identification. The findings underscore the success of methods such as Euler deconvolution and analytical signal in revealing hidden structures and estimating the depths of magnetic sources, which can differ considerably across studies. Despite improvements, there are still gaps in comprehensive petrophysical analysis, understanding the evolution of structures over time, quantitative evaluations of groundwater, and studies on the environmental effects of mining. Future investigations should emphasize integrated 3D modeling, advanced inversion techniques, machine learning implementations, and systematic comparisons of methodologies to enhance geological models and promote sustainable resource management. This review is designed to be a foundational resource for comprehending the aeromagnetic method’s significance and implications in this geologically critical area.