Integration of magnetic and geological field data into geological mapping and rutile mineralization targets in the Minta locality (Haute-Sanaga, Cameroon)

Abstract

This study combines the processing and interpretation of magnetic data with geological fieldwork. The purpose is to establish the geological map and rutile mineralization targets map of Minta area (Haute-Sanaga, Cameroon). To this, a strategic geological field survey was first conducted. It highlighted some geological structures, especially magnetite quartzites, which is considered as the potential sources of primary rutile mineralization. Several methods were applied to the magnetic data, including upward continuation (UC), vertical derivative (DZ), analytical signal (AS) and horizontal gradient magnitude (HGM). The regional-residual separation method based on the UC was used to develop the residual map which was very helpful to understand the distribution of magnetic anomalies related to rutile mineralization in this area. The structural model of the study area was established by combining the analysis of the AS and HGM maxima with the analysis of the topographic model. Since magnetic relief variation characterizes the lithological information changes according to the filtered map considered, a set of categorization processes based on the anomaly signals was applied to each of filtered maps according to the geological information sought. It is based on the interpretation of structural models, combined with previous works and the spatial distribution of geological data collected. This process produced a set of partial lithological models, which were then combined with the interpreted structural model to produce the geological map of the study area. This map also shows the spatial distribution of the various targets of potential rutile mineralization interpreted on the DZ model as rectilinear anomalies, with a signal range of 0.78–0.88 nT/m.