Aeromagnetic Investigation of Structural Controls and Gold Mineralization Potential in the Zuru Schist Belt, Northwestern Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026623Keywords:
Aeromagnetic data; Gold mineralization; Zuru Schist Belt; Structural lineaments; Source Parameter Imaging; Euler deconvolution.Abstract
Gold mineralization within the Zuru Schist Belt of northwestern Nigeria is structurally controlled, but detailed delineation of subsurface structures and prospective mineralization zones in the Donko area remains limited. This study aimed to delineate geological structures and identify zones potentially favourable for gold mineralization using aeromagnetic data covering the Donko, Gwashi, Zuru and Wasagu map sheets. High-resolution aeromagnetic data obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency were processed using Oasis montaj. Total Magnetic Intensity, residual magnetic field, upward continuation, First Vertical Derivative, analytical signal, Source Parameter Imaging and Euler deconvolution techniques were applied to enhance magnetic anomalies, delineate structural features and estimate magnetic-source depths. The results revealed heterogeneous magnetic responses characterized by a dominant NE–SW structural trend, with subordinate NW–SE and N–S orientations. Source Parameter Imaging produced depth estimates ranging from approximately 94 to 554 m, while Euler deconvolution yielded depths of 177–509 m for structural index 1 and 356.6–803.8 m for structural index 2. Prominent magnetic lineaments and clustered magnetic-source solutions occur around the Donko mining area and extend toward the northeastern, central and southern parts of the study area. Areas characterized by intersecting lineaments, pronounced magnetic gradients and shallow-to-moderate magnetic sources were identified as prospective zones for gold mineralization. The study demonstrates that integrated aeromagnetic interpretation provides an effective approach for delineating structurally controlled mineralization targets and offers a basis for detailed exploration and field verification within the study area.
References
Fagbohun, B. J., Omitogun, A. A., Ayoola, F. J., & Bamisaiye, O. A. (2024). Spatial analysis of gold occurrences in the Zuru Schist Belt, northwest Nigeria. Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes, 9(3), 1015–1033. https://doi.org/10.1080/24749508.2024.2373484 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24749508.2024.2373484
Augie, A. I., Salako, K. A., Rafiu, A. A., & Jimoh, M. O. (2024). Integrated geophysical investigation for potential gold mineralised zone within lower part of Zuru Schist Belts, NW Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 33(S), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v33(s).2024.212 DOI: https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v33i2.2024.212
Magawata, U. Z., Olasunkanmi, N. K., Egbeyale, G. B., & Saleh, A. (2025). Structure and mineralization potential of the southwestern part of Sokoto Basin in Nigeria. Frontiers in Earth Science, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2025.1500162 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2025.1500162
Falade, S. C., Arogundade, A. B., Adebiyi, L. S., Dopamu, K. O., Alejolowo, E. A., Olanrewaju, D. B., & Babinisi, A. B. (2025). Non-invasive detection of structural features and potential gold mineralization zones in Northwestern Rijau environ of Zuru Schist Belt, Nigeria. NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research, 7(1), Special Issue. https://doi.org/10.37933/nipes/7.4.2025.SI325 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37933/nipes/7.4.2025.SI325
Ogah, A. J., & Abubakar, F. (2024). Solid mineral potential evaluation using integrated aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric datasets. Scientific Reports, 14, 1637. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52270-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52270-6
Salawu, N. B., Omosanya, K. O. L., Eluwole, A. B., Saleh, A., & Adebiyi, L. S. (2023). Structurally-controlled gold mineralization in the Southern Zuru Schist Belt NW Nigeria: Application of remote sensing and geophysical methods. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 211, 104969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2023.104969 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2023.104969
Groves, D. I., Santosh, M., Deng, J., Wang, Q., Yang, L., & Zhang, L. (2020). A holistic model for the origin of orogenic gold deposits and its implications for exploration. Mineralium Deposita, 55(2), 275–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-019-00877-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-019-00877-5
Blakely, R. J. (1995). Potential theory in gravity and magnetic applications. Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511549816
Gunn, P. J., Maidment, D. W., & Milligan, P. R. (1997). Interpreting aeromagnetic data in areas of limited outcrop. AGSO Journal of Australian Geology & Geophysics, 17(2), 175–185.
Hsu, S.-K. (2002). Imaging magnetic sources using Euler’s equation. Geophysical Prospecting, 50(1), 15–25. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.2001.00282.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.2001.00282.x
Nabighian, M. N. (1972). The analytic signal of two-dimensional magnetic bodies with polygonal cross-section: Its properties and use for automated anomaly interpretation. Geophysics, 37(3), 507–517. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440276 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440276
Reid, A. B., Allsop, J. M., Granser, H., Millett, A. J., & Somerton, I. W. (1990). Magnetic interpretation in three dimensions using Euler deconvolution. Geophysics, 55(1), 80–91. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1442774 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1442774
Roest, W. R., Verhoef, J., & Pilkington, M. (1992). Magnetic interpretation using the 3-D analytic signal. Geophysics, 57(1), 116–125. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1443174 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1443174
Thompson, D. T. (1982). EULDPH: A new technique for making computer-assisted depth estimates from magnetic data. Geophysics, 47(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1441278 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1441278
Thurston, J. B., & Smith, R. S. (1997). Automatic conversion of magnetic data to depth, dip, and susceptibility contrast using the SPI™ method. Geophysics, 62(3), 807–813. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1444190 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1444190
