Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Wakjira Tesfaye

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13

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Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Wakjira Tesfaye^*

Published in Science Discovery Environment (Volume 1, Issue 1)

Received: 30 December 2025 Accepted: 26 January 2026 Published: 6 February 2026

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Abstract

The industrialization of the Ethiopian economy necessitates the identification and characterization of high-purity mineral resources to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on expensive imports. This research provides a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the silica sand deposits located in the Mugar area, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The study focuses on the Koffe-Mute sector within the Mesozoic sedimentary architecture of the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin. Analytical techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF and granulometric sieving were utilized to evaluate the suitability of these sands for industrial applications, specifically glass and ceramic manufacturing. The results indicate that the Mugar silica sand is exceptionally pure, with quartz content ranging from 96% to 98% and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) concentrations averaging above 96%. Major impurities, primarily Fe₂O₃, range from 0.08% to 0.33%, falling within acceptable limits for sheet and container glass production. Mineralogical analysis reveals high crystallinity and high textural maturity, with sub-rounded to well-rounded grains. Physical property assessments show that over 75% of the grain size distribution falls within the 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm range, which is ideal for efficient melting in glass furnaces. The study concludes that the Mugar deposit represents a strategic resource for the national mineral development strategy, offering significant potential for import substitution in the burgeoning Ethiopian glass and construction sectors. Beneficiation strategies, particularly acid leaching, are recommended to further elevate the purity for specialized high-tech applications.

Published in	Science Discovery Environment (Volume 1, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13
Page(s)	26-32
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Silica Sand, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Beneficiation

References

[1]	Adugna, Mesfin, and Solomon Gebresilassie. “Industrial Properties and Uses of Silica Sand from Blue Nile Basin, Central Ethiopia.” Journal of African Earth Sciences 200 (April 2023): 104873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2023.104873
[2]	Kouadio, K. C., S. Oyetola, and S. S. Soro. “Production of High-Purity Silica Sand from Ivorian Sedimentary Basin by Attrition without Acid Leaching Process for Windows Glass Making.” Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering 9, no. 4 (2021): 362–74. https://doi.org/10.4236/jmmce.2021.94025
[3]	Maina, H. M., and J. T. Barminas. “Characterization of Silica Sand Deposit from River Dadin-Kowa.” International Journal of Glocal Academic Research and Development (2025).
[4]	“A Study on Silica Sand Quality in Yazaram and Mugulbu Deposits for Glass Making.” Semantic Scholar. Accessed December 30, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.400504
[5]	Delve. “Supporting the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines to Develop ASM.” 2020.
[6]	“Ethiopia National Mineral Development Draft Policy.” Scribd. Accessed December 30, 2025.
[7]	Adugna, Mesfin. “Provenance and Paleotectonic Setting of the Triassic to Lower Jurassic Adigrat Sandstone Around Yejube, Blue Nile Basin, Central Ethiopia.” ResearchGate, 2024. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14659.21287
[8]	Wolela, Ahmed. “Sedimentation of the Triassic–Jurassic Adigrat Sandstone Formation, Blue Nile (Abay) Basin, Ethiopia.” Journal of African Earth Sciences 52, no. 1-2 (2008): 30–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2008.03.003
[9]	Wolela, Ahmed. “Geochemistry and Lithostratigraphy of the Mugher Mudstone: Insights into the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Clastic Sedimentation in Ethiopia and Its Surroundings.” ResearchGate, 2020. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20300.97926
[10]	Adugna, Mesfin, Solomon Gebresilassie, and K. V. Suryabhagavan. “Physicochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Silica Sand from the Lemi Region, Blue Nile Basin, Central Ethiopia: Evaluating Industrial Applications and Resource Potential.” Scientific Reports 14, no. 1 (2024): 17654. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68697-x
[11]	SPECTRO Analytical Instruments. “Analysis of Silica Sand Using ED-XRF for Purity Control.” Accessed December 30, 2025.
[12]	“XRF Analysis of Silica Sands Samples.” ResearchGate. Accessed December 30, 2025.
[13]	Adugna, Mesfin. “Provenance and Paleoclimate of the Triassic to Middle Jurassic Adigrat Sandstone, Blue Nile Basin, Central Ethiopia.” ResearchGate, 2024.
[14]	“Five Efficient Methods of Removing Iron from Silica Sand.” 9 silica. Accessed December 30, 2025.
[15]	U.S. Geological Survey. “Silica 2018 Minerals Yearbook.” USGS Publications Warehouse, 2018.
[16]	“Ethiopia: Mineral Resources Exploration, Development Promising Start.” allAfrica.com March 6, 2025.
[17]	“Silica Sand Promotion Document Final 2.” Scribd. Accessed December 30, 2025.
[18]	Ekwere, A. S., and S. O. Edet. “Chemical Evaluation of the Glass Making Potentials of Silica Sand Deposits Along Cross River in Cross River State, South–East of Nigeria.” European Journal of Engineering and Technology Research 6, no. 6 (2021). https://doi.org/10.24018/ejeng.2021.6.6.2559
[19]	“Geo-Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Ethiopia: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Solutions.” Frontiers in Environmental Science 13 (2025). https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1505202

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APA Style

Tesfaye, W. (2026). Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Science Discovery Environment, 1(1), 26-32. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13

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ACS Style

Tesfaye, W. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Sci. Discov. Environ. 2026, 1(1), 26-32. doi: 10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13

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AMA Style

Tesfaye W. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Sci Discov Environ. 2026;1(1):26-32. doi: 10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13,
  author = {Wakjira Tesfaye},
  title = {Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia},
  journal = {Science Discovery Environment},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {26-32},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sdenv.20260101.13},
  abstract = {The industrialization of the Ethiopian economy necessitates the identification and characterization of high-purity mineral resources to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on expensive imports. This research provides a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the silica sand deposits located in the Mugar area, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The study focuses on the Koffe-Mute sector within the Mesozoic sedimentary architecture of the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin. Analytical techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF and granulometric sieving were utilized to evaluate the suitability of these sands for industrial applications, specifically glass and ceramic manufacturing. The results indicate that the Mugar silica sand is exceptionally pure, with quartz content ranging from 96% to 98% and silicon dioxide (SiO2) concentrations averaging above 96%. Major impurities, primarily Fe2O3, range from 0.08% to 0.33%, falling within acceptable limits for sheet and container glass production. Mineralogical analysis reveals high crystallinity and high textural maturity, with sub-rounded to well-rounded grains. Physical property assessments show that over 75% of the grain size distribution falls within the 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm range, which is ideal for efficient melting in glass furnaces. The study concludes that the Mugar deposit represents a strategic resource for the national mineral development strategy, offering significant potential for import substitution in the burgeoning Ethiopian glass and construction sectors. Beneficiation strategies, particularly acid leaching, are recommended to further elevate the purity for specialized high-tech applications.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
AU  - Wakjira Tesfaye
Y1  - 2026/02/06
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13
T2  - Science Discovery Environment
JF  - Science Discovery Environment
JO  - Science Discovery Environment
SP  - 26
EP  - 32
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13
AB  - The industrialization of the Ethiopian economy necessitates the identification and characterization of high-purity mineral resources to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on expensive imports. This research provides a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the silica sand deposits located in the Mugar area, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The study focuses on the Koffe-Mute sector within the Mesozoic sedimentary architecture of the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin. Analytical techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF and granulometric sieving were utilized to evaluate the suitability of these sands for industrial applications, specifically glass and ceramic manufacturing. The results indicate that the Mugar silica sand is exceptionally pure, with quartz content ranging from 96% to 98% and silicon dioxide (SiO2) concentrations averaging above 96%. Major impurities, primarily Fe2O3, range from 0.08% to 0.33%, falling within acceptable limits for sheet and container glass production. Mineralogical analysis reveals high crystallinity and high textural maturity, with sub-rounded to well-rounded grains. Physical property assessments show that over 75% of the grain size distribution falls within the 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm range, which is ideal for efficient melting in glass furnaces. The study concludes that the Mugar deposit represents a strategic resource for the national mineral development strategy, offering significant potential for import substitution in the burgeoning Ethiopian glass and construction sectors. Beneficiation strategies, particularly acid leaching, are recommended to further elevate the purity for specialized high-tech applications.
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Wakjira Tesfaye

Chemical and Fertilizer Input Research Department, Ethiopian Mineral Industry Development Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0002-5459-4417

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APA Style

Tesfaye, W. (2026). Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Science Discovery Environment, 1(1), 26-32. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13

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ACS Style

Tesfaye, W. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Sci. Discov. Environ. 2026, 1(1), 26-32. doi: 10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13

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AMA Style

Tesfaye W. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Sci Discov Environ. 2026;1(1):26-32. doi: 10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13,
  author = {Wakjira Tesfaye},
  title = {Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia},
  journal = {Science Discovery Environment},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {26-32},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sdenv.20260101.13},
  abstract = {The industrialization of the Ethiopian economy necessitates the identification and characterization of high-purity mineral resources to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on expensive imports. This research provides a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the silica sand deposits located in the Mugar area, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The study focuses on the Koffe-Mute sector within the Mesozoic sedimentary architecture of the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin. Analytical techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF and granulometric sieving were utilized to evaluate the suitability of these sands for industrial applications, specifically glass and ceramic manufacturing. The results indicate that the Mugar silica sand is exceptionally pure, with quartz content ranging from 96% to 98% and silicon dioxide (SiO2) concentrations averaging above 96%. Major impurities, primarily Fe2O3, range from 0.08% to 0.33%, falling within acceptable limits for sheet and container glass production. Mineralogical analysis reveals high crystallinity and high textural maturity, with sub-rounded to well-rounded grains. Physical property assessments show that over 75% of the grain size distribution falls within the 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm range, which is ideal for efficient melting in glass furnaces. The study concludes that the Mugar deposit represents a strategic resource for the national mineral development strategy, offering significant potential for import substitution in the burgeoning Ethiopian glass and construction sectors. Beneficiation strategies, particularly acid leaching, are recommended to further elevate the purity for specialized high-tech applications.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Silica Sand Deposits in Mugar, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
AU  - Wakjira Tesfaye
Y1  - 2026/02/06
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13
T2  - Science Discovery Environment
JF  - Science Discovery Environment
JO  - Science Discovery Environment
SP  - 26
EP  - 32
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdenv.20260101.13
AB  - The industrialization of the Ethiopian economy necessitates the identification and characterization of high-purity mineral resources to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on expensive imports. This research provides a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the silica sand deposits located in the Mugar area, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The study focuses on the Koffe-Mute sector within the Mesozoic sedimentary architecture of the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin. Analytical techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF and granulometric sieving were utilized to evaluate the suitability of these sands for industrial applications, specifically glass and ceramic manufacturing. The results indicate that the Mugar silica sand is exceptionally pure, with quartz content ranging from 96% to 98% and silicon dioxide (SiO2) concentrations averaging above 96%. Major impurities, primarily Fe2O3, range from 0.08% to 0.33%, falling within acceptable limits for sheet and container glass production. Mineralogical analysis reveals high crystallinity and high textural maturity, with sub-rounded to well-rounded grains. Physical property assessments show that over 75% of the grain size distribution falls within the 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm range, which is ideal for efficient melting in glass furnaces. The study concludes that the Mugar deposit represents a strategic resource for the national mineral development strategy, offering significant potential for import substitution in the burgeoning Ethiopian glass and construction sectors. Beneficiation strategies, particularly acid leaching, are recommended to further elevate the purity for specialized high-tech applications.
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
ER  -

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