Specification: Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), Malachite Cu2CO3(OH) with Gold and Silver
Available at: DIC Materials’ Nassarawa Deposit
Area of Deposit: 35 Cadastre or 787.5 Hectares
Size of Deposit: 2.5 Million Metric Tons
Occurrence:
Copper occurs as a natural mineral. Native copper occurs rarely as isometric cubic
and octahedral crystals, but more typically as irregular masses and fracture fillings. It has a reddish, orangish, and/or
brownish color on fresh surfaces, but typically is weathered and coated with a green tarnishof copper(II) carbonate
(also known as patinaor verdigris). Its specific gravity is 8.9 and its hardness is 2.5–3
Uses of Copper: The major applications of copper are in electrical wires, roofing and plumbing and industrial machinery. Copper is mostly used as a pure metal, but when a higher hardness is required it is combined with other elements to make an alloy such as brass and bronze. It is also used in production of compounds for nutritional supplements and fungicides In agriculture.