Mineral exploration of Iwo-Apomu Southwestern Nigeria using aeromagnetic and remote sensing

Abstract

The tectonic framework, lithostructural and mineralised zones of Iwo-Apomu region of Precambrian Basement Complex rocks were investigated using integrated aeromagnetic and satellite remote datasets. Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) performed on aeromagnetic data were: Butterworth Filter (BF), Reduction to Magnetic Equator (RTE), Regional field, Residual field, Tilt-Angle Derivative (TDR), First and Second Vertical Derivative (FVD and SVD), Tilt angle and Total horizontal derivative (TDR and TDHR), and Total Gradient Amplitude (TGA); which range from −31.97 – 123.24, −27.12 – 131.75, 1.52 – 117.90, −58.55 – 50.42, −1.35 – 1.36, −0.0712 – 0.0643, 0.0004 – 0.0102, 0.005 – 0.261 respectively. Continuations and Radially Average Power Spectrum; revealed the variations of the deep-seated basement rocks, the structures and the mineralised anomalous bodies with depth. The upward continuation maps also show that the regional trends of the mapped lithologies and lineaments/faults in the area are generally in NW-SE, E-W, and NW-SE directions. These filters defined the lithostructures, lithological boundaries, geological structures, contacts, faults, folds and mineral deposit. The results of satellite data on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), False Colour Composite (FCC) images and Band Ratio (BR) discriminated the different rock types, lithostructural boundaries and alteration zones that hosted the mineralized ore bodies which trend in NE–SW and minor NW–SE and E–W directions. The combined techniques generated showing the probable positions and trend of suspected fault/fracture, mineral deposit as well as other basement structures.

Keywords

• Tectonic framework
• Mineralized zones
• Lithostructural
• Remote sensing