Aeromagnetic Study Of Kaltungo-173, Guyok-174, Lau-194 And Dong-195 In Upper Benue Trough Nigeria For Mineralization Potentials

This study focuses on the exploration of mineralization potentials in Kaltungo-173, Guyok-174, Lau-194 and Dong-195 in the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeromagnetic data obtained at an altitude of 100m along a flight line spacing of 500m oriented in NW-SE and a tie line spacing of 2000m. The maps generated are on a scale of 1:100,000 and half-degree sheets contoured mostly at 10nT intervals. The data was then processed and analyzed using Geosoft Oasis Montaj software to identify areas of high magnetic anomalies. The results show the structural trends of rocks in the area are in the E-W, NE-SW, and N-S respectively which represent the various episodes of deformation from the youngest to the oldest, several positive signals from several places in the analytical signal map which is an indication of an intense igneous activity occurring as a near surface intrusion or very shallow basement from Basement outcrop in the south region. Pwana, Bajama, Pupule, Gorra, Bille, Jambutu, Didngo, Lau, and Tau, and the basement occurrences as intrusion within the sedimentary section covering the north, north-eastern, north-western in regions such as Kwya, Kashere, Lamumgu, Polapindi, Kaltungo Tula Wange, Kulani, Dunma Guyuk and Sabon Layi Jessu in most part of the study area. Sediment thickness between -2200m to -83m was established over the area. The findings show that this area has a high potential for mineralization, making it a prime location for future mining or extraction operations. This information can be used by researchers and companies looking to invest in the mineral resources of Nigeria. The abundance of intrusive bodies in the study area renders this part of the Northern Benue trough where our study area falls in within the Nigerian sedimentary basins unattractive for petroleum exploration but the area possesses high potential for large accumulation of base metal mineralization.