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Prospecting and Mapping Iron Ore within the Niger–Benue Confluence Using Landsat 8

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A Correction to this article was published on 20 September 2023

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Abstract

This study used Landsat 8 (OLI/TIRS) to map iron ore deposits around the Niger–Benue River Confluence in Nigeria. Radiometric calibration was used to improve the quality of the remotely sensed image. Band ratioing and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify the iron ore mineral deposits. While a geological map was used to validate remote sensing techniques, a geomorphological map was used to analyze the occurrence of iron ore spread over the landscape. The band ratio 4/2 result revealed that ferric iron oxides cover 35.03% of the study area specifically within Agbaja, Idibo, and Ayede communities. Band ratio 5/6 showed that ferrous iron oxides cover 31.56% of the study area, notably in Koroko and Kakun. Ratio 6/7 revealed that hydroxyls cover 14.53% of the study area specifically within Itakpe Hills. PC bands 2,4,5, and 6 show that 42.77% of the study is covered by iron oxide, while bands 2,5,6 and 7 reveal 48.58% area coverage by hydroxyl. Spectral reflectance signatures indicated that illinite, goethite, hematite, pyrite, and limonite as dominant iron ores. The relationship of the final alteration map superimposed over geological and geomorphological maps corresponds with existing mineralogical literature. While the study approach can be replicated, the study further recommends that iron ore prospecting activities should concentrate on the undulating plains, ridges, hills, and outcrops.

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Acknowledgements

The authors extend their appreciation to the reviewers and editors for their meticulous efforts in enhancing the quality of this manuscript. Their valuable feedback and insightful suggestions have greatly contributed to the refinement of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

    Shakirudeen Odunuga, Opeyemi. E. Gbolahan S. OshoBadru & Opeyemi. E. Gbolahan S. OshoBadru

  2. Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria

    Saheed A. Raji

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  1. Shakirudeen Odunuga
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  2. Opeyemi. E. Gbolahan S. OshoBadru
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  3. Saheed A. Raji
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Correspondence to Saheed A. Raji.

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Odunuga, S., OshoBadru, O.E.G.S. & Raji, S.A. Prospecting and Mapping Iron Ore within the Niger–Benue Confluence Using Landsat 8. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 51, 1523–1539 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-023-01717-w

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