Evaluation and Comparative Analysis of Wet and Thermal Beneficiation of Nteje Clay for Possible Drilling Fluid Formulation

Drilling fluid, also known as drilling mud, is a critical component in oil and gas exploration, playing an essential role in facilitating the drilling process (Yang et al., 2023).Its primary functions include providing hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids from entering the wellbore, transporting cuttings to the surface, cooling and lubricating the drill bit, and maintaining wellbore stability (Khodja et al., 2010).The efficiency and success of drilling operations are significantly influenced by the properties of the drilling fluid, which must exhibit optimal viscosity, yield stress, and filtration characteristics to ensure smooth drilling operations (Saboori et al., 2018).One of the key materials in drilling fluid formulation is bentonite, a type of clay primarily composed of montmorillonite, known for its excellent swelling and rheological properties (Zhang, et al., 2020).Bentonite is widely used as a viscosifier and filtration control agent in water-based drilling fluids (Ali et al., 2022).However, the growing demand for high-performance drilling fluids, coupled with the increasing cost of imported bentonite, has necessitated the exploration of alternative sources of clay that can be locally sourced, processed, and used in drilling fluid formulation.Developing a cost-effective and sustainable substitute for bentonite is crucial, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where the oil and gas industry is a major economic sector.Nigeria is endowed with vast clay mineral resources, many of which remain underutilized due to a lack of detailed studies on their beneficiation and suitability for industrial applications (Adeniyi, et al., 2023).Among these clay deposits, Nteje clay, found in southeastern