Geology and Gold Mineralization Potential of Rocks and Soils in Butu Area, Paiko Sheet 185 North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Geology and Gold mineralization potential of rocks and soils was carried out in a 17square kilometers area around Butu, Paikoro local government area of Niger state, North Central Nigeria. A detailed Geological mapping on a scale of 1:25,000 was conducted across the area alongside the rocks and soils sampling points on systematic grid basis. Results of geological field mapping reveals four (4) lithological units namely; pegmatite, granite, schist and gneiss. A total number of 25 soil samples were carefully collected between 40cm to 70cm depth of B – Horizon on a systematic regional grid basis and 10 were analysed using EDXRF spectrometer and 4 rock samples were also selected out of 15 and sent to the laboratory for both EDXRF and EDXRD respectively. The enrichment factor of the elements were calculated using Taylor and Mclennan published crustal concentration as baseline and the values revealed shows that both rocks and soils are enriched in Au, Ag and As and depleted in Cu, Pb and Zn. Correlations between some elements to gold are well significantly correlated while others are non-significantly correlated. However, some that are best correlated are noted and will be considered to be the pathfinder elements for gold. The most noticeable positive element correlated with gold is Au Vs As while the others are Ni, Zn, Th, Ba and V.