Structural Complexity and Mineral Potential of Central Benue Trough, Using High Resolution Aeromagnetic Dataset

Abstract

Mineral mining is an important resource for economic development, and its mineralization is controlled by geology, structures and hydrothermal alteration within rock formations. For this reason, high resolution magnetic dataset covering parts of the Central Benue Trough was processed and filtered/enhanced using analytic signal, first vertical derivative and tilt derivative algorithms. Qualitative interpretation of the total magnetic intensity maps reveals numerous magnetic depletion zones defined as hydrothermal active areas within Dampar, Wuro Jam, Kishr, Yamere, Shnye, Jibu, Adi, Amafan, Akwana, Akahana, Ayere, Awe and Tunga. There is a major NE-SW trending low magnetic amplitude stretching from Ugba to Kwarata, which is interpreted as active zones at the contact between the Central Benue Trough and Eastern Nigerian Basement Complex, the zone is interpreted as a major area of interest, especially around intense structurally active areas at Wukari, Chonku, Ngbebe, Bayawai, Gidan Idi, Wamgbe, Gusawa, Anzwa and Gada Mayo. Derivative filters revealed majorly NE-SW trending structures within the Central Benue Trough, with minor NW-SE trends observed at the contact between the Central Benue Trough and Eastern Nigerian Basement Complex with the longest fault having a length of about 42 km, stretching from Sankara to Apar, Hundu area. Major folds are mapped at Dampar, Wuro Jam and Kishr area. Long stretched fault systems within the Central Benue trough is observed at Bangalala, Gwinwan, Amar, Yamere and Rufai, Uzam, Sojo area. The dominating series of high angle NE-SW trending faults and folds structure was defined to have resulted from two major regional series of deformation stages. Integration of geological information and geophysical interpretation defined Wukari, Chonku, Bayawai, Wamgbe, Gusawa, Anzwa, Dampar, Yamere, Akwana, Akahana, Bangalala, Gwinwan,and Tunga as area of highest potential of mineral deposits occurrences based on the geology, extensive alteration and structural complexity.