Geophysical Evaluation of Gold potential in Southwestern part of Kafin –Koro, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Kaffin-koro lies within the Kushaka schist Formation of the north-western block of Nigeria basement complex and Nigeria metallogeny province. The formation has been intruded by large volumes of granitic rocks that led to extensive migmatization of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks carrying substantial gold values, and it is suggested that the migmatization and metamorphic deformation of the metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks gave rise to dispersion of gold in quartz veins and alluvial lateritic cover. Ground geophysical survey involving Magnetic, IP and Resistivity surveys was carried out in the study area. Profile interpretation of the residual intensity magnetic data of the area shows a complete wavelength of magnetic anomaly. Total magnetic intensity map exhibits zonation and alteration. This indicates hydrothermal alteration which is usually associated with mineralization probably as a result of intrusion. Residual magnetic field intensity map of generally show majorly NNW/SSE and N/S trending anomalies. Five major anomalous bodies with diagnostic chargeability and resistivity response were identified from nine IP profiles within the study area (two in the western part, two in the central part and one in the eastern end). The identified chargeable bodies’ width ranges from 20m to maximally 60m.