Geo-Investigation for Gold Mineralisation Veins in Part of Kushaka Schist Belts, Niger State Nigeria, using an integrated approach

Abstract

The research attempt to delineate the exact position and depth to gold loads within sheets 164_Minna on latitude 9.30’ to 10.00 North and longitude 6.30’ to 7.00 East at the terminal end of Minna-Kushaka schist belt. The research employed magnetic, radiometric and very low frequency methods. Eight structural lineaments labelled F1 to F8 where mapped from magnetic data, these structures resulted from the deformation of the basement metamorphic rocks when intrude by volcanic intrusions. Majority of these faultiness area trending in the NE-SW direction. The Hydrothermal altered zones was investigated using K/eTh ratio, K_deviation and F_parameter derived from the Radiometric data, Regions with values Potasium-ratio_Thorium (K/Th) ranging from 0.3 – 0.5 %/ppm, K_deviation from 7.3 to 60.6 and F_Parameter from 0.8 to 1.3 respectively were delineated as having being considerably altered. A comprehensive analysis of these results, was used to produce a ternary image in which the delineated region of hydrothermal altered zones appearing in whitish and grey colour located around Minna and Tudun-Fulani, Shakwatu, Shekwata, Gunnu, Sarkin- Pawa, Shiroro, Gunni and Fuka villages. Euler analysis determine the of depths deposits ranging from 5 to 88 metres. Coincidentally mining activities are currently in progress around Shakwatu, Shekwata, Asha, Sarkin- Pawa which falls within the regions delineated. In view of the above, the study recommends the exploration for gold mineral along the profiles VLF A, VLF B, VLF C, VLF D, VLF E, VLF F, VLF G, VLF H, VLF I, VLF J and VLF K respectively. The highest hydrothermal signature correlates with biotite gneiss zones intruded by quartz schist, typical hosts for orogenic gold. The research indicated that location of potentials correlate to the region where exploration is currently going on and beyond,findings from this study can support safer and more efficient resource extraction with minimal environmental impact.