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Research Paper | Geology | Nigeria | Volume 12 Issue 1, January 2023 | Rating: 4.4 / 10

Geology, Mineral Wealth and Tourism Potentials of Ekiti State, South-Western Nigeria

Oluwatoyin O. Akinola | Abel O. Talabi

Abstract: This paper investigated various rocks, numerous mineral resources deposits and different areas with tourism potentials in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria to elucidate possible economic benefits. Exhaustive geological fieldwork revealed that the study area is underlain by migmatite-gneiss-quartzite-complex, schist, granite, charnockite and pegmatite. Mineral endowments of Ekiti broadly fall into igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic groups depending on the host rocks. The igneous potentials are metallic Ta-Nb-Sn mineralization and industrial minerals (lepidolite, quartz, feldspar, micas) and gem tourmaline. Other potentials are massive igneous rocks (granite, charnockite and microgranite) which form myriads of crystalline aggregates that are useful for rock chippings and concrete mixing in construction industries. Talc deposit is associated with schist while metamorphic rocks abound in almost inexhaustible quantities. Other economic potentials of Ekiti include clastic sedimentary materials (cobbles, gravels, channel sand, laterites), bauxitic clays, kaolin and several clay deposits located in different parts of Ekiti. Ekiti equally pride herself in scenic tourists? resources, warm spring Arinta fall and a Memorial Park. These potentials, if adequately harnessed could be of tremendous economic benefits that can spur Ekiti State into industrial hub.

Keywords: Ekiti, mineral endowments, metallic Ta-Nb-Sn mineralization, industrial minerals, talc, gem tourmaline, scenic tourist resources

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 1, January 2023,

Pages: 774 - 788