Exploration in Part of Kaduna and Niger States Using Innovative Approaches of Geophysical Study

Abstract

The study conducted a thorough assessment of remotely sensed data from two study areas in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State and Rafi LGA of Niger State to accurately infer the locations of potential gold mineralization occurrences. To accomplish the aforementioned goal, innovative approaches to geophysical study of airborne magnetic data, radiometric data, and satellite-acquired elevation interpretation were combined. The airborne magnetic data was analyzed to comprehend the variance in the region's magnetic susceptibility. The total magnetic intensity was filtered and translated into a number of additional maps in order to identify the regional and near-surface structures that may be in charge of regulating potential mineralization in the research area. The elevation data was integrated to better understand the physiography of the research area and the environment where the mineralization was deposited, especially for placer deposits. The relative enrichment of each of the three main radioactive elements was determined by interpreting the radiometric data. This was used to identify the lithological boundaries within the interpreted area. In order to have a better grasp of the geological and mineralogical background of the area, the results from the three sets of data were synchronized. The qualitative interpretation of the aeromagnetic and radiometric data shows that the tenement areas fall within crystalline terrain with evidence of intrusions. The synchronization of the geological map of Nigeria and radiometric data shows that the study areas are covered by rocks of the Older Granite Suite and the Migmatite Gneiss Complex. Intrusion within and around the study areas acts as a source for the mineralization fluids for the deposition of gold at depth. Both regional and localized lineaments were delineated within the two study areas. Birnin Gwari LGA possesses more regional lineaments compared to Rafi LGA, with most of the regional lineaments being in the migmatitic zones. Some fault systems were also delineated within study area A, and they play a significant role in the mineralization system within the study area.