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Structural Analysis Using Integrated Geophysical Methods for Suspected Gold Mineralization within New Peyi Area, Ushafa – Bwari, Abuja, Northcentral Nigeria

Abstract

In the structural analysis of New Peyi integrated geophysical methods were employed to determine portions of gold mineralization. The area is bounded by latitudes 09° 13’ 16.8” N and 09° 13’ 33.1” N, and longitudes 007° 23’ 00.2” E and 007o 23’ 16.6” E. The total area coverage is 250,000 m2. The instruments used were GSM-19 overhauver, GSMP-25 potassium magnetometers and ABEM SAS 1000 terrameter. The main faults run approximately in a North-South direction. Magnetic readings were taken along eleven profile lines, 500 meters long, (in an East-West direction), and uniformly spaced 50 meters apart. The acquired corrected magnetic data were used in developing the Total Magnetic Intensity map of the area which was subsequently filtered. The residual magnetic values range from -4643.3 nanotesla to 2310.3 nanotesla, characterizing regions with low negative amplitudes, (high wavelengths -indicating shallow causative body). The results from the analytical signal determine the geometry and correct position of the magnetic bodies, while the Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) map estimated the deepness of mineralization to be less than 27 meters. The induced polarization data obtained along four profile lines arranged in an East-West direction were used to produce 2-dimensional inversion models that allowed for the identification of areas of high chargeability (above 4.5 millivolt/volt) and/or high resistivity, possibly attributed to mineralization. The areas with low values (below 2.0 millivolt/volt) are associated with barren soils and rocks. The induced polarization method results show a depth variation between 9.0 meters-24.5 meters.

Stephen Onuzuruike Udeh*, Patrick N. Dikedi, Martin Ogharandukun, Uko Ofe, Okolo Ikechukwu Thaddeaus, Akinde Aderibigbe

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