Abstract
The main objective of this research was to use ground magnetic survey to delineate shear zone and iron ore deposit within the Neoproterozoic rocks of Mutomo-Ikutha area of south eastern Kenya. Total field magnetic data was recorded by using high resolution proton precision geometric magnetometer which recorded total components of the ground magnetic anomaly data running through sixteen traverses. The field data was qualitatively and quantitatively interpreted and the results gave values for the total component measurements of ground magnetic anomaly that varied between a minimum negative peak value of about 250 nanoTesla and a maximum of about 1000 nanoTesla. 550 nanoTesla was considered to be threshold of the iron mineralization within the area. The results indicated that the western part of Mutomo-Ikutha was sheared, faulted and contained iron ore mineralization trending in the north-south direction. Areas with high anomalous values were geochemically proven to contain magnetite.
Highlights
The use of magnetic data is a geophysical exploration technique based on mapping the subsurface distribution of magnetic minerals
The results indicate that iron mineralization in Mutomo-Ikutha has been controlled by tectonics, especially in the shear zone on the western part of the area
Chemical analysis shows that this deposit is of magnetite variety, having between 35% - 96% Fe2O3, 2% - 19% P2O5 and 0.1% - 5% TiO2 and resembling the Apatite-Iron ores of Kiruna type
Summary
The use of magnetic data is a geophysical exploration technique based on mapping the subsurface distribution of magnetic minerals (oxides or sulphides). This technique can be a valid approach to mineral exploration either. The intensity of induced magnetization is related to the ambient field through the magnetic susceptibility of the rock considered (Hildenbrand et al [1]). This magnetic susceptibility constant is directly proportional to the modal mineral composition and chemistry of the rock
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
