Qualitative delineation of airborne magnetic and radiometric structures associated with cassiterite-columbite mineralization of Barikin Ladi Tin field, Jos North-Central Nigeria

This study uses airborne magnetic and radiometric data to delineate the structures associated with Cassiterite-Columbite Mineralization of high resolution of NGSA data Tin field, Jos North Central Nigeria. The airborne magnetic and radiometric data have been utilized to delineate potential structures that are associated with Cassiterite-Columbite mineralized zones. The study utilized the qualitative interpretation of the features of the target areas. The data were analysed using some enhancement techniques such as Reduction to Equator (RTE), Upward Continuous (UC), First Vertical Derivative (FVD), Analytic Signal (AS) and Lineament. Also the concentration of uranium, thorium, potassium and their ratio maps of the radiometric aid in mapping the alteration zones of the surface geology. The regions with high magnetic intensity are basically fresh outcrops while older weathered outcrops are shown as region with mixture of highs and lows magnetic intensities. These regions are underlain by Precambrian and/or lower Paleozoic basement rocks where Younger Granite intruded into the older basement rocks. The areas with high analytic signal which are the dykes, pegmatites and younger granites complexes in which the veins carried the primary Cassiterite and Columbite deposits. Also, the high radiometric are as a result of occurrence of pegmatites granites. The pegmatites occur as dyke/vein or irregular bodies on the Younger Granite. The zones characterized by the high K/Th ratio values are the strong indicator of hydrothermal alteration. The lineament map revealed the zones of exploration interest which could be the targets for minerals exploration. The areas of high Cassiterite - Columbite mineralization potential are areas were NE-SW and NW-SE trend of the lineament guide the emplacement of the alluvial Cassiterite and Columbite and high concentration of U, Th and U/Th.