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Mapping of mineral deposits within granitic rocks by aeromagnetic data—a case study from Northern Nigeria

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Abstract

Evaluations of subsurface mineralized structures within the crystalline basement complex of northern Nigeria have been performed. The complex is notable for hosting vast accumulation of economic minerals including Tin (Sn), Niobium (Nb), Tantalum (Ta), Beryllium (Be), Zircon (Zr), Kaolin/Kaolinitic clay (Ka), Tourmaline (Tm), and Molybdenite (Mb). Geophysical processing techniques of Euler deconvolution, analytic signal (AS) evaluation, source parameter imaging (SPI), and 3D inversion of magnetic anomalies were adopted to delineate the various subsurface mineralized structures in the region. Locations with notable mineral presence have been confirmed with additional information provided on the trends and depth extents of the mineralized structures. Structures of greater significance have been delineated at Tudun Wada-Kabong, Jos Jawara, Gyer, Kuru, Marit/Maza, and Karshi regions with average depths ranging between 60 and 1700 m. Some subsurface host structures appear as dykes and sills within the basement complex and younger granite of the study area. Results would guide industrialized exploitation of the various minerals and also provide ample resources for further exploration of the vast mineral deposits at northern Nigeria.

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Acknowledgements

To the anonymous reviewers, we say thank you for the useful comments that improved our submission. To the editor, we also appreciate your inputs.

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Correspondence to Ema M. Abraham.

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Responsible Editor: Narasimman Sundararajan

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Abraham, E.M., Onwe, M.R., Usman, A.O. et al. Mapping of mineral deposits within granitic rocks by aeromagnetic data—a case study from Northern Nigeria. Arab J Geosci 15, 1656 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10947-0

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