Integrated Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Data Analysis for the Delineation of Gold Mineralization Zones in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Recent advancements in geophysical methods and data processing techniques have 
renewed interest in the exploration of gold and associated mineral deposits, 
enhancing the effectiveness of these methods in identifying new mineralized zones. 
This study aims to delineate hydrothermal alteration zones linked to gold 
mineralization in a segment of North Central Nigeria using airborne geophysical 
datasets—specifically magnetic and radiometric data. A suite of signal enhancement 
techniques was applied, including vertical derivatives, analytic signal, CET grid and 
porphyry analysis, apparent susceptibility mapping, Euler depth deconvolution, 
potassium-thorium ratios, and ternary imaging. Magnetic data interpretation 
revealed a dominant NE–SW lineament trend, with secondary trends observed in the 
NW–SE, N–S, W–E, and NNE–SSW directions. High magnetic susceptibility values 
(0.0003–0.0007 SI) associated with the NE–SW trend suggest a structural control 
on mineralization and highlight prospective zones. Euler deconvolution indicated the 
depth of magnetic sources ranges from near-surface to approximately 1800 meters, 
corresponding to both shallow and deep-seated geological structures. Radiometric 
data further identified lithological units and hydrothermal alterations, with volcanic 
intrusions and structural lineaments spatially correlating with potential mineralized 
zones. Through integrated interpretation of these datasets, twelve new target areas 
with potential for gold mineralization have been delineated, providing valuable 
insights for future exploration efforts in the region.