Geological and Magnetic Geophysical Investigations of the Quartz-Vein Gold Mineralization in Some Parts of Ayegunle Sheet 226nw, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

The study area is predominated by granite-gneiss, mica schist, leucocratic micro granite and quartzites.  The Pan African orogeny left an imprint of structural similarity upon the rock units. The granite-gneisses are found as small belts within the study area, and hosting the quartz-veins. The metasediments are fractured and folded in places. The dominant fold axes and quartz vein intrusions trend NNE-SSW parallel to the regional foliation of the rocks. The emplacement of the quartz vein is associated with the generalized strike direction of quartz vein and host rocks. The structural settings suggest that the emplacement of gold mineralization occurred during Late Pan African orogeny. Geophysical investigations using high precision ground aerial magnetic has been applied in some parts of Ayegunle sheet 226NW, North Central, Nigeria aimed at delineating areas with high magnetic anomalies, magnetic structures and possibly exploration targets for quartz-vein gold mineralization. The geophysical survey resulting in the ground magnetic data was conducted for magnetic element exploration.  The total magnetic intensity was applied to identify regional magnetic anomalies, magnetic structures (faults) and structural trends. Magnetic data was gathered using a GEM system GSM-19T proton precession magnetometer at a nominal station spacing of 10 metres. Grid location information was provided by Garmin system UTM datum WGS 84, Zone 32N coordinates and elevation data as meters above sea level in an excel spreadsheet.  Several areas of total magnetic field was interpreted low as reflecting high magnetic susceptibility bodies and possible quartz vein gold or sulphide mineralization targets. Total Magnetic Intensity data ranging from 33238.5 – 33261.1nT are taken along survey traverses (normally on a regular grid) used to identify metallic mineralization that are related to magnetic materials (normally magnetite and/or pyrrhotite). Two types of magnetic trends are identified. Firstly, there are several NW-SE arcuate lineations that roughly coincide with some of the geologically mapped epithermal/vein trends. These magnetic trends possibly delineates structural breaks or geological contacts related to these exploration targets. Secondly, there are indications of a major structural break trending northerly through the centre of the survey area. While northerly trending magnetic features are not clearly delineated at these low latitudes, they sometimes appear as subtle breaks in easterly trends or as a series of monopole and/or dipole anomalies.

Keywords: Granite-gneiss, Mica schist, Leucocratic micro granite and Quartzite, Magnetic anomalies, Quartz-vein gold