DSpace Collection: Geology

GEOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF KWAKUTI MARBLE, NORTH-WETERN NIGERIA

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: GEOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF KWAKUTI MARBLE, NORTH-WETERN NIGERIA Authors: Alabi. A. A., Olasupo, B. A. Abstract: Carbonate sedimentary rock formed at the bottom of lakes and seas as silt and organic matter that settle from the water body to the bottom. It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone. It is composed essentially of calcite (CaCO3), but it is called dolomite CaMg(CO3)2 when its magnesium content is high. Generally pure marble is composed of total CaCO3 content of between 97% - 99%, and pure dolomite is composed of 45.7% MgCO3 and 54.3% CaCO3 or 30.4% lime (CaO) and 21.8% magnesia (MgO). Despite abundant reserves of marble, not very much of the country’s marble has been properly utilized. Kwakuti marble has so far been underutilized, therefore this research will unravel geology and economic potential of the study marble. Ten (10) samples of marble were selected for analysis using XRD and XRF techniques. Comparison of the chemical composition of Kwakuti marble with typical calcitic and dolomitic marbles; the Kwakuti marble compare favourably with typical calcitic marbles from different environments. Comparing the study marble to standard and specification it revealed that the Kwakuti marble is well suitable for agricultural productions. Description: xxx

INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF AEROMAGNETIC, AERO-RADIOMETRIC AND GEOCHEMICAL DATA TO DELINEATE LITHIUM BEARING PEGMATITES IN KUJE SHEET 207 NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA (Page 133-161)

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF AEROMAGNETIC, AERO-RADIOMETRIC AND GEOCHEMICAL DATA TO DELINEATE LITHIUM BEARING PEGMATITES IN KUJE SHEET 207 NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA (Page 133-161) Authors: Alab. A. A., Sakariyau Tajudeen Abstract: The increasing global demand for lithium, driven by its critical role in rechargeable batteries and renewable energy technologies, has intensified exploration in under-investigated regions of the Nigerian Basement Complex. Despite favourable geological conditions, the study area remains poorly explored for lithium mineralization. This study evaluates its mineralization potential using an integrated geophysical, geological and geochemical approach. High-resolution aeromagnetic and aero-radiometric datasets acquired were processed using derivative-based and radiometric filtering techniques. Aeromagnetic data enhanced by first vertical derivative, tilt derivative, analytic signal, and Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) analysis reveal dominant NE-SW, NNE-SSW, and E-W trending structures consistent with regional Pan-African fabrics. Analytical signal maps define distinct magnetic domains, while Euler deconvolution indicates source depths ranging from shallow (<300 m) to deep-seated (>1,000 m), suggesting multi-level structural controls on mineralization. Radiometric analysis of potassium (K), equivalent thorium (eTh), and equivalent uranium (eU), including ternary and K/Th ratio maps, delineates zones of hydrothermal alteration spatially associated with structural features. Field mapping confirms lithologies dominated by migmatite, biotite gneiss, muscovite schist, and NE-SW trending pegmatite intrusions. Whole-rock geochemical data indicate silica-rich (51.03-75.34 wt.% SiO₂), aluminous (9.81–19.17 wt.% Al₂O₃), and variable alkali compositions, reflecting felsic to highly evolved melts with granitic affinity. Geochemical discrimination plots of Na₂O+K₂O+CaO vs. SiO₂, and A/NK vs. A/CNK) confirm a peraluminous granitic source, consistent with melts derived from crustal protoliths. Fractionation and mineralization potential were further evaluated using K/Rb vs Rb, K/Rb vs Cs, and Ta/(Ta+Nb) vs Mn/(Mn+Fe) plots, which indicate moderately evolved pegmatites belonging to the rare-metal LCT (Li-Cs-Ta) family. Trace element ratios (K/Rb <100) and enrichment patterns suggest significant fractionation and potential lithium mineralization. The integration of geophysical signatures with geochemical evidence highlights structurally controlled, fractionated pegmatite systems with significant lithium mineralization potential. These findings underscore the role of crustal evolution, magmatic differentiation, and structural controls in rare-metal enrichment. Description: xxx

GEOLOGY AND GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF GOLD POTENTIAL IN KORO, PART OF PATIGI SHEET 204SE, NIGERIA

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: GEOLOGY AND GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF GOLD POTENTIAL IN KORO, PART OF PATIGI SHEET 204SE, NIGERIA Authors: Alabi, OMOKORE, D. T. A. A. Abstract: This study evaluates the gold mineralization potential of the Koro area (Patigi Sheet 204SE), Kwara State, Nigeria, using an integrated approach involving airborne geophysical interpretation, geological mapping, petrographic analysis, and geochemical investigation. The study area lies within the northern extension of the Egbe-Isanlu Schist Belt of the Nigerian Basement Complex, a region recognized for structurally controlled mesothermal gold systems but relatively underexplored in this segment. Airborn-magnetic and radiometric datasets were processed using first vertical derivative, tilt derivative, analytic signal, and horizontal gradient techniques to delineate lithological boundaries, structural fabrics, and hydrothermal alteration zones. Results from the geophysical analysis reveal dominant NE-SW to NNE SSW structural trends, intersected by NW-SE cross-cutting faults that define potential pathways for mineralizing fluids. Geological mapping at a scale of 1:12,500 identified migmatitic gneiss, granites, amphibolites, and quartz veins, with evidence of deformation including shearing, fracturing, and veining. Petrographic analysis confirms mineral assemblages dominated by quartz, feldspars, biotite, and amphibole, alongside microstructural features indicative of tectono-metamorphic evolution. A systematic soil geochemical survey conducted on a 200m X 200m grid, with samples analyzed using ICP-MS, indicates generally low background gold concentrations but highlights discreteanomalous zones. Gold and associated pathfinder elements, such as arsenic, copper, lead, and antimony, show positive correlations and spatial clustering at NW-SE structural intersections, suggesting structurally controlled mineralization. The integration of geophysical, geological, and geochemical datasets confirms the presence of a structurally controlled hydrothermal gold system within the study area. The delineated anomalies and structural targets provide a strong basis for further exploration, including detailed infill geochemical sampling, trenching, ground geophysics, and drilling to evaluate subsurface continuity and economic potential. Description: xxx

GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES AND GEOCHEMICAL WEATHERING INDICES: IMPLICATIONS ON GROUNDWATER POTENTIALS IN PART OF MINNA,NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES AND GEOCHEMICAL WEATHERING INDICES: IMPLICATIONS ON GROUNDWATER POTENTIALS IN PART OF MINNA,NIGER STATE, NIGERIA Authors: Alabi , Kolawole, M. S, Abdullahi, S., Usman Zainab Abdulfatai, I. A A. A Abstract: The major structural features that favour ground water potential in basement rocks are fractures, folds and inter-connected and penetrative joints. Joints often impart a well-develop fracture induced permeability to bedrocks, as a result, joints strongly influence, even control the natural circulation of fluids, groundwater and pollutants within aquifers. The structural elements that accompany the tectonic event play different role in ground water quantity and quality within the basement complex of Nigeria. The study area falls within the north-western basement complex of Nigeria and extension of Kushaka Formation that comprises of migmatite, schist and granitiod of varying textural and mineralogical composition. Field mapping unrevealed the lithology and structural elements of the area while XRF was used to determine trace and major elements concentration in the sampled rocks. This study therefore unravels the lithology, geological structures and geochemical weathering intensity, and its control on groundwater potentials in Minna area. Correlation of all observed, measured structural elements and obtained bole-holes log with water yield potential in the study area varies with lithology. The average Ruxton Ratio Weathering Index value suggested of rocks in the area revealed weak weathering and intermediate weathering respectively. It is therefore worthy to note that Maitumbi, part of Tunga, Tunga Gade, Chanchaga and the Nigeria Army Barrack areas that constitutes the central part of the study area favored high yield ground water potential throughout the years. Its therefore recommended that the areas with low yield ground water potential and intermediate weathering index should be properly investigated before sinking borehole and a minimum depth of one hundred and eighty meters will increase water yield. Description: xxx