Ndengwe Alexander Tangwa^1,, Njoh Oliver Anoh¹, Nowel Yinkfu Njamnsi¹

The geotechnical and compositional characteristics of mudrock deposits in the Douala Sub basin were investigated using a combination of analytical methods, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, mineralogical (X-ray diffraction) analyses, and whole rock geochemistry. The goal is to characterize the nature and physicochemical properties of mudrock in order to determine its applicability in industries. Grain size analysis reveals that clay-sized particles dominate the samples, with a plasticity index ranging from 6.8% to 20.67%. The mudrock materials are primarily composed of kaolinite (16.8-49.4%), quartz (15.8-68.9%), and illite (00-15.3%), which are typical of the Douala Sub- basin sedimentary environment and morphoclimatic conditions. SiO₂ (42.77-73.5%) and Al₂O₃ (13.13-29.98%) are the most abundant oxides in the samples. Iron oxide content is moderate (1.73- 17.18%). Methylene blue values range from 1.12 to 6.95, confirming the clay content of (39.43-45.43%) and also attesting that the sediments in the study area are rich in 1:1 clay. They are suitable for ceramic applications such as (refractory bricks and tiles) and pottery due to the physicochemical parameters associated with mineralogical and geochemical data

Mudrock, clay mineral, characterization, valorisation, Douala Sub basin Cameroon