Gordon Foli

• Ph.D
• Associate Professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

A multivariate statistical analysis was performed on multi-element soil geochemical data from the Koda Hill-Bulenga gold prospects in the Wa-Lawra gold belt, northwest Ghana. The objectives of the study were to define gold relation-ships with other trace elements to determine possible pathfinder elements for gold from the soil geochemical data. The...

Mass balance estimates take into account every component of the environment under consideration, offering the most straightforward approach and enhancing assessments of heavy metals pollutions. This study estimates environmental pollution using mass balance values of Cd, As, Pb, Hg, and Fe in some wetlands at Obuasi, Ghana. The specific objectives...

Remote sensing technique, which is not limited by accessibility, financial status, unusually large areal extent and climate when used at the initial stage, together with other geological data sets, will make an exploration process faster, easier and most importantly very efficient and cost-effective. There is limited information on this belt due to...

The Lower White Volta River Basin (LWVRB) is known to have frequent borehole drilling failures. The basin is experiencing water scarcity due to the drying up of surface water bodies and frequent borehole drilling failures. Hence, the suitability of the electromagnetic method for groundwater exploration was evaluated. Ten communities were selected w...

Surface water quality at Abuakwa South Municipal has received threats from surrounding mining communities, which are becoming a major concern to the public. As a result, this study aimed to assess water quality by examining the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) pollution in surface water. Fifteen samples were obtained from sur...

Intrusion-hosted gold deposits within the Birimian terrane in Ghana have become attractive targets for exploitation. However, similarities between intrusion-related gold deposits (IRGDs) and orogenic gold deposits (OGDs) generally result in misclassification of these deposits. This paper reviews the literature on gold deposits hosted in intrusions...

The Tano Basin in Ghana, situated within the South Atlantic margin, is a significant area for petroleum exploration. Previous studies have recognized the presence of source rocks rich in organic matter from the Cretaceous period in this basin. However, the specific origins of this organic matter, as well as the thermal maturity and depositional env...

This study uses Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as a support tool for gold exploration to distinguish between true and false soil geochemical anomalies at the northern segment of the Asankragwa gold belt in the Paleoproterozoic Kumasi Basin, Ghana. The main objective of this study is to identify potentially mineralized zones within the north...

The Paleocene mudrocks in Ghana’s Tano Basin have received limited attention despite ongoing efforts to explore hydrocarbon resources. A thorough geochemical analysis is imperative to assess these mudrocks’ petroleum generation potential and formulate effective exploration strategies. In this study, a comprehensive geochemical analysis was carried...

Contamination of the environmental receptors with heavy metals due to mining is a major topical environmental issue in Ghana. This research investigates the possible ecological and human health risks of heavy metal impacts due to mining in the Amansie West District in Ghana. A total of 18 soil samples were taken from the Bontesso illegal mining sit...

Wetlands are water-logged depressions bounded by elevated landscape; its environments and potential usage defined its specific diversity. This research seeks to characterize three wetlands designated as; Kyrika Waterfall Wetland (KWW-Basin), Ahonfena Stream Wetland (ASW-Basin) and Apitikoko-Awura Upstream Wetland (AUW-Basin) at Obuasi, Ghana. The s...

Recent studies have focused on the processing of biowaste to obtain added value and to reduce organic waste in the general stream. This study investigated the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) from magnesium-rich Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seeds for a precursor solution as a reducing agent via an eco-friendly method for the first time. The pumpkin s...

This paper evaluates the potential of the abandoned Anyankyirem waste rock dump located in Obuasi to cause acid mine drainage (AMD). Twenty (20) rocks were collected from various locations of the dump site and their elemental and physicochemical compositions were examined. XRD analysis was conducted on the samples to assess the mineralogy. Acid Bas...

The Campanian source strata of the Tano Basin, Ghana, have garnered exploration interest based on the recent discoveries of hydrocarbon shows in some offshore wells. This study reports on the bulk geochemical composition (Total organic carbon content and Rock-Eval pyrolysis parameters), molecular markers, and stable carbon isotope (δ13C) compositio...

Remedial action for heavy metal-contaminated soils is imperative for preventing heavy metal leachability and minimizing environmental risks. This study evaluated the use of limekiln dust (LKD) as a heavy metal stabilization agent for Ghanaian gold mine oxide ore tailing material. Heavy metal-laden tailing material (Fe, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Hg) was colle...

Improper discharge of cassava mill effluent (CME) has attracted much attention in major cassava-producing areas due to cyanide contamination. This study conducted a target survey on inhabitants and processors of the Akrofrom-Techiman cassava processing area in Ghana that aimed to assess their knowledge and perception of cyanide contamination from t...

This study uses petrographical and whole-rock geochemical data to determine the provenance, paleo-weathering conditions, tectonic settings, paleo-climate, and mixing proportions of the conglomerate and greywacke in the Chagupana area within the Paleoproterozoic Birimian in North-West Ghana. The conglomerate is foliated and composed of dominant meta...

Environmental contamination with trace metals has become an issue of concern to most developing or emerging countries such as Ghana. The study examined the concentrations of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in 40 reclaimed soil samples for their ecological risks assessment and spatial distribution after mining operations in t...

This study investigates the provenance, paleoweathering, and tectonic setting of some metasedimentary rocks at Ayanfuri, in the Paleoproterozoic Kumasi basin of Ghana. A total of 20 metasedimentary rock samples were taken from the Chirawewa and Fetish pits and environs for analyses of chemical composition using the XRF and ICP-MS devices. 10 sandst...

This paper demonstrates the application of geostatistical techniques to the design of optimum drilling/sampling density, to an epithermal mixed vein – and disseminated sulphide type gold deposit. The Obuasi Mine is situated within the Ashanti gold belt of Ghana. The mine has past production and current reserves exceeding about 1,200 tonnes (t) of g...

The study described in this paper involves the application of a conventional resource estimation method, inverse distance weighting (IDW), and univariate geostatistical technique, ordinary kriging (OK) to the gold grades data from the modified palaeoplacer Teberebie gold deposit, in Ghana. The deposit consists of 4 layered well-defined orebodies re...

The marginal basins located offshore Ghana has been noted for their hydrocarbon potentials. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the source rock potentials but most of these studies were localized for the stratigraphic interval studied. Thus, this study seeks to provide a better spatio�temporal overview of the organic-richness and ma...

Underground mining at Obuasi in Ghana has been in operation since 1947. This paper uses geostatistical methods to evaluate gold ore blocks to ensure reliable grades for mining large tonnage and low-grade resources. Historically, the principal ores were low tonnage, high grade and relatively homogeneous quartz stockwork with simple geometry and aver...

Trace metals contamination has recently been a major issue due to its damaging effects on public health and environmental receptors. This study focussed on the health risk assessment of trace metals (As, Pb, Cr, and Ni) associated with the direct intake of some selected food crops (namely cocoyam and plantain) at Abuakwa South Municipal, Ghana. The...

Information on the role fracture properties plays in groundwater flow and solute transport in crystalline rock masses abound. This study uses the discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling approach from 1128 fractures spanning along 238 m of linear scanline, and 14 circular scanlines to determine mean porosity and permeability of some crystalline roc...

This study assesses environmental receptors impacted by alluvial gold mining at Kibi Goldfields Limited in the Eastern region of Ghana to establish trace metals contamination risk. Specific objectives are to determine concentrations of (1) As, Cr, Ni and Pb in soils, drainage and food crops, using X-ray fluorescence, (2) Cl- in drainage using stand...

This study uses exploration data to optimise overburden thickness, cut-off grade and stripping ratio at some alluvial gold mines in the Kibi mining district to improve gold recovery in Ghana. The specific objective is to determine sampling location, overburden thickness, gravel thickness, gravel grade and gold contents. Secondary data are from 48 m...

This research conducted in the Upper East Region of Ghana characterizes Termitaria and residual clays from Navrongo to establish effective fluoride adsorbent from boreholes in Bongo area. Specific objectives are to determine (1) geochemical and mineralogical compositions of the clays using ICP-MS and X-ray diffraction devices, respectively; (2) flu...

This study investigates auriferous granitoids from the Esuajah and Fobinso pits within the Ayanfuri environment in the Paleoproterozoic Kumasi basin. The aim is to establish the geochemical characteristics of the granitoid gold ores and the possible deposit type which may influence mineral project development. 13 major and 51 trace elements were an...

This study investigates basin-type granitoid samples from the north-eastern margin of the Kumasi Basin in Ghana to establish their source and geodynamic setting. Petrographic analysis, TAS and A/NK-A/CNK plots classify the granitoids as metaluminous quartz diorite, metaluminous granodiorite, and peraluminous monzogranite; and exhibiting I-type sign...

The estimation of Mineral Resources/Reserves (MR) together with the quantification of the distribution of metallurgical attributes provide strong evaluation of the large alluvial gold deposits within Kwabeng and its surrounding , which occurs along the north western flank of the famous Atewa Range. This reduces the risk arising from uncertainties w...

Paleoproterozoic sedimentary rocks associated with the Man Shield of West Africa are perceived to be similar, irrespective of their locality. This research seeks to establish the provenance and tectonic setting of these rocks to ascertain any such similarity perception, based on information from two localities. The study uses modal mineral estimati...

This study evaluated the hyperaccumulation potential of four indigenous plant species: Chromolaena ordorata (CO), Paspalum viginatum (PV), Chrysopogon zizanioides (CZ) and Cynodon dactylon (CD) using soil polluted by the illegal gold mining activities. Nine treatments were used in this study: Control, CO, CZ, PV, CD, CO+PV, CO+CD, CZ+PV and CZ+CD s...

The construction of landfill systems usually require the compaction quality control of placed landfill liner material. The conventional geotechnical methods used in such compaction verification are however invasive, laborious and time consuming. This study thus explores the possibility of using electrical resistivity measurements in assessing the q...

In this study, datasets obtained from ground magnetic and electrical resistivity geophysical surveys were integrated with existing solid geology and structural lineaments to map out structures in the Sefwi Belt of Southern Ghana. The prospecting and exploration stages of mining involve long periods of investment with a high risk of failure. In view...

In this study, datasets obtained from ground magnetic and electrical resistivity geophysical surveys were integrated with existing solid geology and structural lineaments to map out structures in the Sefwi Belt of Southern Ghana. The prospecting and exploration stages of mining involve long periods of investment with a high risk of failure. In view...

Comparative Study of some Paleoproterozoic rocks occurring in the Upper West region and similar units in the Tarkwaian group:

A Thesis submitted to the Department of Geological Engineering (Faculty of Civil and Geo-Engineering) College of Engineering in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY JUNE 2017 (Editted Version: April 2019) ii DECLARATION I hereby declare that this submission is my own work towards the PhD and that, to the bes...

This study presents gold mineralisation and pathfinder elements characteristics in five surficial regolith profiles, with the aim of enhancing exploration strategies in the north-eastern Bole-Nangodi Gold Belt in Ghana. Samples were collected from mature soils and bedrocks in exploration pits and prepared for chemical and soil particle size analysi...

This paper evaluates some geochemical properties of trace metals in peri-urban drainage and bioaccumulation in cassava, plantain, lettuce and sugarcane in the Kumasi metropolis in Ghana, West Africa. The aim is to establish water quality and food safety. Water, sediment and the food crops were sampled along the profiles of Wiwi and Subin rivers for...

This paper uses risk assessment of socio-economic and environmental indicators to develop criteria for apportionment (AP) of funds to communities impacted by mining activities within a Forest Reserve environment in Ghana. A t-test statistic of assessment data shows that factors such as; cost of living, health conditions, air pollution, water contam...

Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) is a versatile short-term leaching protocol used to estimate the release of toxic metals from waste prior to disposal to a repository. This paper uses the integrated TCLP leachate data from tailings, tailings dam monitoring borehole data, and acidity ratio (AR) range of sulphide-rich ores to simulat...

This study assesses some environmental and safety impacts, causes of accidents and hazards associated with operations at 10 selected Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sites in Asankrangwa and Kenyasi areas. The aim is to establish the extent of the environmental and safety impacts and the risks associated with the hazards at the ASM sites and...

Solid Waste Disposal Site Characterisation

Acid–base accounting (ABA) is a static test used to evaluate pre-mining drainage quality of ores with interpretations based on a reference 3-data point model. The method is often complemented with a kinetic test to ensure certainty of results. The challenges associated with both methods compel companies to rely on only the ABA test, thereby comprom...

Simulation of acid generation capacity of multiple sulphide-rich gold ores and Arsenic leaching and management in mine using Acid-base Accounting, Toxicity Characterization Leaching Procedure and Laboratory and Field monitoring data

This research evaluated arsenic (As) intensity risk using sorption and geotechnical factors in the AngloGold Obuasi mine environment in Ghana. Water samples from tailings dam boreholes and surface stream were analysed for As contents over a time period of 24 months and over a distance of about 9 km respectively, under closed conditions, where there...

This study assessed arsenic (As) contamination and the characteristics of secondary minerals in mine drainage using integrated acid-base accounting (ABA) and toxicity characterisation leaching procedure (TCLP), aqueous and solid-phase media monitoring, as well as a textural and mineralogical analysis of tailings material at the Obuasi mine in Ghana...

The processes controlling gold (Au) mineralization in Chirano, a gold prospect in south-western Ghana have been investigated using a detailed geochemical dataset of 45 variables from 197 sampling locations. The data were subjected to advanced statistical analyses and bivariate graphical interpretations in the light of the underlying lithology. Four...

Arsenic (As) sorption characteristics in decommissioned tailings dam environment at the Obuasi mine, Ghana was studied. The aim was to outline effective remediation strategy for As, hence the objectives were to establish: (1) Arsenic degradation capacity of the decommissioned tailings dam environment and empirical model(s) to describe the degradati...

This study compared the conventional method used in surficial geochemical sampling to multimedia sampling method during reconnaissance surveys in gold exploration. The use of the conventional method in regional reconnaissance exploration surveys whereby surficial geochemical sampling is done step-wise, first by sampling stream sediments followed by...

This study assessed the levels of selected inorganic contaminants in streams and stream sediments in the effluent areas relating to the pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical treatment of gold ores in the Obuasi gold mine, Ghana. Water and stream sediment samples were taken from specific locations during the consecutive rainy and dry seasons, and...

This study assessed the geochemical impact of mine tailings reclamation on the quality of soils from the AngloGold Concession, Obuasi, Ghana. Soil samples from mine tailings reclamation sites were evaluated for the concentrations of plant nutrients and trace metals. Contaminations of trace metals, using geochemical pollution indices were used to as...

This study assessed the geochemical impact of mine tailings reclamation on the quality of soils from the AngloGold Concession, Obuasi, Ghana. Soil samples from mine tailings reclamation sites were evaluated for the concentrations of plant nutrients and trace metals. Contaminations of trace metals, using geochemical pollution indices were used to as...

This study investigated the geochemical and geological characteristics of the Homase mineral deposit(s) environment in Ghana. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize, the signatures influencing the composition of natural drainges in the area. Streams, hand-dugout wells and a borehole samples in the catchment area were analysed for wat...

This study assessed the major and selected trace elements i.e., vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr), zirconium (Zr), barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), yttrium (Y) concentrations in soils sampled from the B-horizon from selected communities in the Upper East region...

This study investigated the geochemical and geological characteristics of the Homase mineral deposit(s) environment in Ghana. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize, the signatures influencing the composition of natural drainges in the area. Streams, hand-dugout wells and a borehole samples in the catchment area were analysed for wat...

Arsenic (As) contamination of water bodies in the Obuasi mining district of Ghana which has significantly affected the socio-economic life of inhabitants of most of the surrounding villages has been reported (Actionaid, 2006). The gold ores contain high sulphide minerals composed mainly of the primary As bearing mineral, arsenopyrite (Osae et al.,...

The prediction of pre-mining water quality from non-weathered sulphide ores using the Acid-Base accounting (ABA) procedure was studied at the Anglogold-Ashanti, Obuasi mine and located on the Ashanti metallogenic belt in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to establish database for use during preliminary mining project evaluation, mining project pe...

Stream sediment samples were analyzed for the concentrations of some trace metals in the Obuasi gold min-ing environment, Ghana. The objectives were to determine the possible impacts of mining operations in the area on sediments' trace metal load, and the resulting effects on agriculture and livelihoods. The concentra-tions of arsenic (As), copper...

This paper analysed the factors that affect the technical efficiency of cocoa farmers in the Offinso district in Ghana. The study also analysed the basic determinants of technical efficiency, as well as the socio-economic variables that affect their performances. Primary data was collected through the administration of questionnaires. Stata statist...

This paper evaluated the effectiveness of the planning and implementation stages of the ISO 14001 Standards Environmental Management System (EMS) at the Obuasi gold mine in Ghana. The purpose was to identify growth factors, challenges and opportunities for improving process efficiencies through ISO 14001 Standards EMS implementation. A modified ISO...

This study investigated the issue of tailings dams as a potential source of trace elements contamination in soils at the Obuasi gold mine in Ghana. Soil samples taken from depths of up to 12 cm and within a radius of 400 m from the tailings dams (active and decommissioned), were analysed for As, Cu, Pb and Zn using atomic absorption spectrometry. A...