Application of aeroradiometric data for lithological classification and iron ore prospecting in southwestern Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53704/Keywords:
Solid mineral, Mapping, Aeroradiometric, Iron oreAbstract
The efforts to diversify the economy make it imperative to develop Nigeria's solid mineral sector. Geological mapping represents a critical foundation in solid mineral prospecting. The integration of aeroradiometric data into reconnaissance geological mapping of iron ore occurrence in parts of Sheet 224 (Osi), Nigeria, provides complementary information on alteration zones, intrusions, and lithological units. Analysis of aeroradiometric data for the study area reveals that the total count (TC) value ranges from 7.7 to 77.1 counts per thousand (cpt). Additionally, the potassium (K) concentration ranges from 0.2% to 5.0%. Also, the ranges of equivalent values of Thorium (eTh) and Uranium (eU) are 6.5 ppm to 68.6 ppm and 0.8 ppm to 10.1 ppm, respectively. The synthesis of results from TC, K, eTh, and eU maps reveals the presence of metasediments, metasedimentary rocks, and intrusive rocks in the study area. Additionally, post-metamorphic tectonic activities in the study area are indicated by the presence of mafic and felsic intrusive rocks in the western and eastern parts. The K/eTh map reveals the presence of hydrothermal alteration zones in the eastern part of the study area, where the eTh and eU maps confirm the presence of mafic intrusive rock. Hence, the occurrence of iron ore in this area is inferred.
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