Research Article
Ground Magnetic Mapping and Localization of Potential Bearing Zones for Mineralization
Abubakar Maunde*,
Zarau Murtala Hammaadama,
Saidu Baba,
Nsikak Edet Bassey
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
20-28
Received:
21 May 2026
Accepted:
29 May 2026
Published:
15 June 2026
Abstract: Geomagnetic exploration techniques largely determine the subsurface geometry and spatial distribution of rock magnetization and have been used to delineate the geometry and potential zones for economic mineralization. This study used outcrops and ground magnetic data collected over parts of Hawal Massif, northeastern Nigeria to determine the subsurface spatial distribution of rock magnetization and potential bearing zones for local mineralization. The geological investigation shows that the Hawal Massif is predominantly underlain by the Precambrian Basement rocks that include granites, gneisses and diorites. These rock units are largely affected by tensile and shear fractures. The latter largely trends in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions. The results also demonstrate that the geometry and potential targets for local mineralization consistently correlate with positive local maxima in total magnetic intensity (TMI) anomalies - those recording residual magnetic values between 180 nT and 350 nT. These zones of local total magnetic intensity (TMI) maxima occurred around Chicago, Jalingo Maiha and Dumo areas and thus represent potential target zones for local mineralization. Consequently, recognizing the effectiveness of ground magnetic data is crucial, as it provides information on the geometry and potential bearing zones for local mineralization, a parameter directly affecting selection of sites for detailed geological mapping, mineral resource assessment and mining activities.
Abstract: Geomagnetic exploration techniques largely determine the subsurface geometry and spatial distribution of rock magnetization and have been used to delineate the geometry and potential zones for economic mineralization. This study used outcrops and ground magnetic data collected over parts of Hawal Massif, northeastern Nigeria to determine the subsur...
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Research Article
Petrographical Analysis of Basement Rocks in Ila Orangun Area, Southwestern Nigeria
Jayeola Afolabi Olubunmi*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
29-43
Received:
5 March 2026
Accepted:
12 June 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmpem.20261102.12
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Abstract: For the purpose of carrying out petrographical analysis on basement rocks mapped in Ila Orangun Area Southwestern Nigeria, it became expedient to use the six (6) lithological units which were identified to be common around the study area. These lithological units include quartzites, granites, granite gneiss, porphyritic granites, amphibolite and pegmatites. The aim of the research is to unravel the mineralogical assemblages in terms of % mineralogical composition under plane and cross polarized lights using modal analysis for each of the rocks that best describes the underlying lithology of the area. Methods adopted for this research include preparing the rock samples for thin sectioning. The procedure of sample preparation include cutting, trimming, lapping and mounting of the rock processed rock samples on glass slides using Canada balsam and araldites. Each glass slides are then mounted on the stage of a petrographical microscope for keen observation and petrographical studies. The results of petrographical analyses show the mineral assemblages of the various rock types in the area which include quartzites as containing quartz, biotite, muscovite and myrmekite. Granite gneiss contains quartz, biotite, orthoclase, myrmekite, microcline, nepheline, hornblende and plagioclase. Pegmatite contains quartz, myrmekite, plagioclase, hornblende, microcline and muscovites. Porphyritic granites were observed to contain quartz, biotite, microcline, orthoclase and tourmaline. Granite contains quartz, biotite, hornblende, plagioclase and orthoclase while Amphibolite schist contains quartz, biotite, hornblende and muscovites. In conclusion, results from the petrographical analysis showed that the rocks are rich in minerals of huge economic significance. Some of these include quartz (SiO2) and muscovites which are both useful in the manufacturing of refractory glassware. It is however, recommended that further studies should be conducted on the microstructural investigation of these rock types which are mapped and retrieved from the study area.
Abstract: For the purpose of carrying out petrographical analysis on basement rocks mapped in Ila Orangun Area Southwestern Nigeria, it became expedient to use the six (6) lithological units which were identified to be common around the study area. These lithological units include quartzites, granites, granite gneiss, porphyritic granites, amphibolite and pe...
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