Abstract:
This research focused on the mapping of Okeluse-Arimogija limestone deposit using
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. To achieve
this, satellite imagery, namely Landsat 7 and Aster were acquired from where limestone
mineralization in the study area were identified and extracted. Samples were collected
from the study area and analyzed to determine its grade at different locations. Spatial
distribution of the major oxides’ grade was investigated using geostatistics method.
From the Landsat analysis carried out, three band ratios combinations (4/2 5/3 4/3, 4/3
5/2 3/1 and 5/3 4/3 4/1) were produced. The band ratios indicate the presence of
limestone as dark-reddish, molted purplish and greenish brown. The results for the
major oxide composition revealed that CaO, Fe2O3, SiO2, MgO, and Al2O3 have
average values of 50.14%, 1.69%, 3.35%, 1.52% and 1.11% respectively. The spatial
distribution for concentration of CaO and Loss of Ignition (LOI) decreases from west
to east while others oxides increases from west to east. The area of limestone was carved out using the indications from the band combinations and was determined to be
3549.731Ha using GIS geometry tool. A total of 2.3 billion tonnes was reported as
limestone reserve for Okeluse-Arimogija deposit. This result shows that that the
limestone in the study area is economically viable.
