Authors
- Adamu, et al
Abstract
The present research used inorganic and organic geochemical techniques to evaluate the variations of inorganic constituents, as well as organic matter types to characterize shales of the Mamfe Formation. The aim was to determine its provenance, palaeo-weathering,tectonic setting and paleo-environment condition, and mineral resources potentials. The results revealed a provenance of predominantly terrigenous materials with limited older sediments of passive continental margin setting. Sediment accumulation in Mamfe Formation took place in an oxygen-rich fresh water setting. Shales in the study area are homogenous; they reveal zircon enrichment and a limited influence of mineral sorting. Also, they are enriched in rare-earth element (REE), P, Ba, As, Ce, Cs, Sc, Sr, Th and U, while few samples are enriched with Pb and W. There is moderate to high total organic carbon (TOC) in shales of Mamfe Formation. A wide range in hydrocarbon values of S1 and S2 and high hydrogen with oxygen indexes indicate immature to mature organic material and mixed types (Type-II and -III), suggesting good to fair prospect for hydrocarbon source rock. Exploration activities in the Ikom-Mamfe basin should be concentrated more on hydrocarbons and industrial minerals such as REE, phosphate, clay, evaporite, uranium and heavy minerals.