Aeromagnetic Mapping and Radioelement Influence on Mineralogical Composition of Mesothermal Gold Deposit in Part of Ilesha Schist Belt, Southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Airborne magnetic and radiometry data sets over potential gold mineralisation associated with mesothermal alteration zones in the western Ilesha schist belt, Southwestern Nigeria, were interpreted. This was done to provide information on possible extent of geologic transformations that accompanied gold mineralisation in the area. Interpreted gamma spectrometric data were successfully used in delineating zones of hydrothermal alteration associated with potassium K enrichment as the target for gold deposits. The geological structural features that host the ore deposits were identified as lineament represented by lithological contacts and faults/fractures that were successfully exacted from the airborne magnetic data. The potassium deviation (KD) map was computed to enhance the potassium signature of rocks in the area of study. Thus, the KD map represents real potassium distribution across the study area emanated from hydrothermal alteration where hydrothermalised zones were displayed by high KD values. First vertical derivative (FVD) and total horizontal gradient (THG) maps were used to delineate lineaments. These lineaments were connected using the frequency rose diagram with two main lineament set,; major and minor lineaments observed. The 3D Euler deconvolution (EUD) method was also applied on the THG map to locate and evaluate depths to subsurface structures. The best 3D EUD solution for dykes and contacts modelled using the Structural Index of zero (S.I = 0) was used to estimate the depth to these anomaly sources at 300 to 700 m in the study area. The EUD results also revealed several subsurface structures which were hidden in the existing geological map of the study area. A prospective mineralisation map was produced from the synthesis of both magnetic lineaments and alteration zones maps derived for the study area, showing the areas of probable high mineral resources. Strong relationships were observed between the mapped hydrothermal altered zoneseologic structures and superimpose known gold mining pits.