Abstract This study provides the first integrated mineralogical and physicochemical characterization and industrial potential of the Tegora silica sand deposit within the geological context of the Abay Basin, Ethiopia. Dry sieving, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques were applied to evaluate grain size distribution, morphology, chemical composition, and mineralogy. Granulometric results show that sand-sized particles dominate the deposit (96.40 ± 1.12 wt%), with minor gravel (1.25 ± 0.38 wt%) and mud (2.37 ± 0.74 wt%) fractions, indicating very well-sorted sediments. SEM observations reveal predominantly angular to sub-angular and less spherical quartz grains. Geochemical analysis indicates that SiO₂ is the dominant oxide component, averaging 92.25 ± 0.84 wt%, followed by Al₂O₃ (6.45 ± 0.08 wt%), Fe₂O₃ (0.63 ± 0.06 wt%), K₂O (0.30 ± 0.04 wt%), TiO₂ (0.17 ± 0.002 wt%), Na₂O (0.11 ± 0.01wt.%), P₂O₅ (0.08 ± 0.02 wt%), MgO (0.05 ± 0.001 wt%), and trace amounts of CaO, MnO, and Cr₂O₃. This geochemical composition suggests that the silica sand is chemically mature and is composed of more than 80 wt% quartz, with minor contributions from feldspar and accessory heavy minerals. The physicochemical characteristics confirm their suitability for various industries, including filter media, foundry, cement, and abrasives. With an estimated 3.42–5.11 billion tons of silica sand, the deposit can be sustainably extracted for 40–60 years, meeting Ethiopia’s annual demand of 84.5 million tons. This resource can fulfill local needs and reduce reliance on imported silica sand and related products.
Hussien Yessuf Ahmed (Wed,) studied this question.