Assessment of Radioelements Host Potential Using Geophysical Methods in Gaya and Its Environs, Northwestern, Nigeria

Radioactive mineral occurrences in Gaya and its environs, Northwestern Nigeria, have not been extensively studied using integrated airborne geophysical methods. This study aimed to delineate the Structural controls and assess the distribution of radioelements in the area to support mineral exploration and environmental safety evaluation. High-resolution aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric datasets (Sheet No. 82) from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency were processed using Oasis Montaj and ArcGIS software. Data enhancement techniques included reduction to pole, analytical signal, first vertical derivative, source parameter imaging, ternary radiometric mapping, and dose rate estimation. Residual magnetic anomalies ranged from −293.2 to 436.1 nT, with depth estimates indicating shallow sources (0.08–0.20 km) and deeper sources (0.26–0.80 km). Mean concentrations of potassium, equivalent uranium, and equivalent thorium were 0.70 %, 2.79 ppm, and 12.13 ppm respectively, with high-value zones aligning with NE–SW and NW–SE structural trends. Absorbed dose rates ranged from 0.97 to 464.33 nGy h⁻¹, averaging 47.09 nGy h⁻¹, which is well below IAEA and UNSCEAR safety thresholds. The findings confirm that mineralization is structurally controlled and provide a geophysical framework for targeted exploration, environmental monitoring, and sustainable resource development in the region.