Analysis of Self-Potential Data at a 0.6 km2 Swath of the Southern Phase II Development, Gidan Kwano Campus, Minna, Northcentral Nigeria

Abstract

A segment of northeast-southwest rock-body has been discerned at the Gidan Kwano Campus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; this rock-body can be correlated with the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt. Thus, this study is concerned with the analysis of a body of self-potential (SP) data-field at the upslope of these discerned fault-traces with a view to detailing its possible mineralisation character. The SP survey was at 5 m ground-interval for the 600 m southeasternmost reaches of the area of survey where the landform slope is greatest; this survey was accomplished by the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. Qualitative analysis of the SP data field of this study proceeded by the route of producing contour maps for the four distinct depths of survey for this study and these are the 5-m, 10-m, 15-m, and 20-m depths. Only at Profile 14 Station 3 (P14-3: latitude 9031′04.28′′ and longitude 6026′21.12′′) can a prominent negative SP anomaly be identified with a maximum SP value at the 5 m depth-mark corresponding to -183 mV. This prominent negative SP anomaly occur along a flat dip; any such prominent negative SP anomaly on a flat dip is indication of mineralisation. This study recommends that a detailed geological work be conducted at the location of P14-3 to determine the surface characteristics of the source of the prominent negative SP anomaly. Also, detailed induced polarisation and vertical electrical sounding geophysical surveys should be conducted as follow-up studies at this location.