Geology and Economic Potential of Umme Mai Gwanjo and Its Environs, Part of Wamba Sheet 210, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

The research focused on the geology and economic potentials of Umme Mai Gwanjo
and its environs, part of Wamba sheet 210NE, North Central Nigeria. So as to
ascertain the areas of economic potentials. Field result shows that the study area is
characterized by four morphological unit of rocks, Migmatite (Mesocratic diatexite,
Leucocratic diatexite,), Biotite Granite and Rhyolite, based on provenance and field
relation which shows variation in textural and composition. Petrographically, rock
forming minerals such as feldspars, biotite, plagioclase, muscovite and quartz were
identified with other minor accessory minerals such as Hematite, Pyrite, fluorite
copper and Ilmenite. Geochemical results revealed that, the major oxide MgO, FeO,
CaO, TiO2 shows negative linear trends. SiO2 and K2O, Na2O and Al2O3 shows positive
linear trends. Even though some SiO2 shows erratic distribution which indicate the
feature of silicate melt. Rocks in the study area are hosts to numerous geological
structures such as joints, faults, dykes, foliations and quartz veins. Rose plot indicate
that the general structural trend in the study area are NE-SW, NNE-SSW and N-S
direction indicating impact of the Pan African orogeny, and conforming with those
of structures in the Basement Complex of North central Nigeria. The study area is
enriched with economic mineral resources such as fluorite, tin, hematite, Lead/Zinc,
copper and iron ore, and the rocks are mostly quarried for engineering purposes.