EVALUATION OF INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL OF CLAY DEPOSITS IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF AKWA IBOM STATE SOUTHERN NIGERIA
Abstract
Clay is one of the natural resources that is present in Akwa Ibom State alongside hydrocarbons, limestone, gravel, etc. If the clay deposit is exploited by the government, it will generate foreign exchange for the country and also create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths, from the establishment of its associated industries. This study which was limited to clay deposits in Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Ini local government areas was aimed at determining the suitability in terms of their physical properties for industrial applications. Results from various tests suggest that clays from all the locations are suitable for paper production. From the grit result, clays from Ette, Ikot Oyoro and Asantim can only undergo wet processing. Based on the properties obtained from other tests including viscosity, hydrometer, firing and specific gravity tests, it can be said that the clays from Nkwot Ikot Umo in Ikono, Asantim in Ini, Ikot Obong in Ibiono Ibom, and those of Uniuyo ravine in Uyo are excellent raw materials for the production of paper, coating, filling and ceramics production with little or no additive.
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