Ground Electromagnetic Prospecting for Potential Ore Mineralisation Zones in Tsohon-Gurusu Area of Minna, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Very low electromagnetic method was used to investigate potential ore mineralisation zones in Tsohon Gurusu Area of Minna, North-Central Nigeria. A total of six (6) profiles were investigated, each with length of 500 metres, 100 metres inter-profile spacing and 20 metres inter-station distance. The VLF data were collected using Scrintrex Envi VLF instrument. The acquired data sets were subjected to analysis and interpretation using MICROSOFT EXCEL, KHFFILT and OASIS MONTAJ software. The result of the study indicated a general structural trend of N-S direction with significant conductivity responses due to inferred fracturing units containing conductive minerals as indicated by the peak responses of the current distributions and the geologic features in the investigated profiles. Areas of high conductivity were observed in all the six (6) profiles corresponding to fracture zones of interest as indicated in the current density sections, with profile 5 having the highest conductivity response of 464.3 mS/m and profile 6 with the least conductivity response of -262.5 mS/m. It is generally observed that the depth of the major conductive bodies to be 80m.