Targeting Mineralization Zones Using Aeromagnetic data over Gusau and its Environs, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This study area is bounded by Latitude 12^o 00″ N to 12^o 30″ N and longitude 6^o30″ E to 7^o 00″ E with an estimated area of 55 square km². The region is predominantly underlain by the Migmatite–Gneiss Complex, with associated intrusive granites that complicate structural interpretation and mineral targeting. The present research used aeromagnetic interpretation to delineate potential mineralization zones in the area. High-resolution aeromagnetic data of the study area were processed using OASIS Montaj software version 8.4 to produce magnetic intensity maps, along with other edge detection techniques: tilt derivative, total horizontal gradient and lineament map. The result shows that the magnetic anomalies across the study area ranges from –43.0 nT to 74.0 nT.  These edge detection filters identified structural features such as faults, fractures, dikes and sills which could save as pathways for mineralizing fluids. These structurally controlled zones can be indicative of promising deposits of gold, banded iron formations (BIF), chromite, chamovite, and kaolin which are found mostly by artisanal miners in the area. The study demonstrates application of aeromagnetic data in as a mapping technique that provides a reliable and cost-effective framework for targeting mineralization zones and guiding future exploration in Damba and its surrounding areas.