Integration Of Ground Magnetic Method And Whole - Rock Analysis For Solid Mineral Prospecting In A Part Of Abuja, Nigeria

The ground magnetic survey provides detailed information on subsurface magnetic structures for mineral exploration. This method was carried out within 2.3km by 1.5km of Gwagwalada, Abuja Nigeria bounded by longitude 7°5 ′20′′E to 7°6 ′40′′E and latitude 8°57′50′′N to 8°58′40′′N in the basement complex of north- central Nigeria. Twenty-five (25) profiles were established over the area at 100m intervals. Data was obtained from the field using a GSM-19 overhauster magnetometer at a time interval of 2s. It was corrected for Diurnal correction and analyzed using Oasis Montaj 8.4 software. The TMI value obtained from the field ranged from 33940.67 nT to a maximum value of 34056.67 nT, and was reduced to the equator. Application of the derivative filters delineated structures that trend NE – SW, E – W, and NW – SE, analysis from the analytic signal filter revealed that the area of study was characterized by varying anomalous magnetic amplitude also it picked up on the magnetic bodies’ edges. The location and depth of the structure were determined using the modified dataset and the Euler deconvolution algorithm. The estimated depth of the magnetic source body was about 16.88m to 74.99 m. Rock samples collected during the fieldwork were analyzed; geochemical analysis revealed the possibility of minerals in the area. The result showed that samples are rich in mineral oxides such as iron oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum, and potassium oxides. Samples with the highest silicate value such as quartz as regards the analysis was generally low in other oxides of Fe2O3, Al2O3, K2O compared to other samples. This analysis provides vital information on the mineral deposit and structural setting of the study area for possible mineral exploitation.