Geophysical Investigation Of Possible Gold Mineralization Potential Zones Using A Combined Airborne Magnetic Data Of Lower Sokoto Basin And ITS Environs, Northwestern Nigeria

M. M. Lawal, K. A. Salako, M Abbas, T. Adewumi, A. I. Augie, M. Khita

Abstract


Delineation of possible gold mineralization within the lower Sokoto basin from analyses and interpretation of airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets has been successfully carried out in this present study. In achieving this, some enhancing filters such as; first and second vertical derivatives, horizontal derivatives, and analytic signal

and center for exploration targeting were applied on the total magnetic field of the study area to delineate near-surface structures that might host the gold deposit in the study area. Also Source Parameter Imaging was used to estimate the depth of the buried structures. K/eTh ratio was performed to identify the hydrothermal alterations zones for gold mineralization within the study area. The first and second VD, the horizontal derivatives and the CET revealed major structures like trending NE-SW, NNE-SSW and NW-SE. The AS revealed the boundary demarcation between the crystalline rocks and the sedimentary rocks. The crystalline rocks occupy the eastern and western part of the study area with the sedimentary rocks in between lying NW-SE. The SPI result reveals a shallow depth of 68.21- 101.60 meters. The radiometric data enhancement (K/eTh) helped in identifying areas of hydrothermal altered zones; this could be observed at the NE and some portions along the SW zone of the study area which are favorable alteration environments for a variety of ore deposits. The areas affected by hydrothermal alteration are considered mineral potential zones and may be promising sites for gold mineralization.


Keywords


Aeromagnetic; Aeroradiometric; Hydrothermal Alteration: Center for Exploration Targeting (CET); Lineaments.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v30.1.3817

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