Integrated Geosciences Prospecting for Gold Mineralization In Kwakuti, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Geoscience prospecting for gold mineralisation was conducted in Kwakuti town located within Latitudes 9.362500ºN to 9.387500ºN and Longitudes 6.920833ºE to 6.945833ºE in northern Nigeria. The deployed geosciences techniques comprise surface geological mapping, analysis of SRTM DEM using ArcGIS software, processing and analysis of aeromagnetic total magnetic field intensity data using Oasis Montaj software and X-ray fluorescence analysis of soil samples. Migmatites and gneiss dominate the rock outcrops in the area. The migmatites occupy high elevations on the north-eastern and eastern portion of the area, where they display low magnetic field intensity values. The schist occupies moderate to low elevation areas and they display high magnetic field intensity values. The migmatites are dotted with quartz veins which constitute the gold mineralisation zone. Oval shaped high magnetic anomalous zones within the schist indicate basic intrusive into the schist. First derivative map of the magnetic field intensity data reveal NE-SW trending lineaments. They likely conducted hydrothermal fluids from the basic intrusive into the migmatites on the northeast, where gold mineralisation occurred by metasomatic ionic exchange. Spatial concentration of TiO2 and MnO2 are highest within the oval shaped high magnetic anomalous zones in the southern portion of the study area. This strengthens the inference that basic intrusive underlie the area. Gold concentration distribution pattern in the area is skewed NE-SW, thereby suggesting that the NE-SW structures control the mineralisation. Mining activities will be more efficient if directed along the NE-SW structural trend. Keywords: Aeromagnetic data, Aero-radiometric data, Geologic mapping, Gold mineralisation, SRTM DEM, X-ray fluorescence.