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<p>Intensive artisanal gold mining in the Gwagwalada area has caused widespread environmental degradation and contamination, underscoring the urgent need for systematic exploration and sustainable management of mineral resources. This study employs high-resolution aerial radiometric data to map hydrothermal alteration zones favourable for gold and associated mineralisation, thereby providing a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive tool for targeted mineral exploration. Radioelemental maps, ternary images, and the potassium-to-equivalent thorium (K/eTh) ratio were analysed to identify alteration patterns. Mining sites exhibited elevated potassium relative to uranium and thorium, with K/eTh values exceeding 0.174%/ppm, significantly above regional background levels and characteristic of hydrothermal alteration commonly linked to gold mineralisation. High K/eTh zones not only coincide with known mining sites but also reveal additional prospective mineralized areas. The ternary image and K/eTh ratio reveal potassium enrichment near limonitic quartz veins which are indicative of valuable geochemical signature for targeting mineralised zones, particularly in areas prospective for gold, base metals, or rare metal deposits.</p>

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Delineation of Hydrothermal Alteration Zones for Mineral Potential in Gwagwalada area, North-central Nigeria, Using Aerial Radiometric Data

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月12日

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  • Fahad Abubakar,
  • Ismail Ahmad Abir,
  • Joseph Omeiza Alao,
  • Arewa James Ogah,
  • Mofolorunsho Samuel Kolawole,
  • Aliyu Mohammed Lawan,
  • Daniel Opemipo Obasaju,
  • Ridwan Adinoyi Ismaila,
  • Abubakar Muhamamad Narimi

摘要

Intensive artisanal gold mining in the Gwagwalada area has caused widespread environmental degradation and contamination, underscoring the urgent need for systematic exploration and sustainable management of mineral resources. This study employs high-resolution aerial radiometric data to map hydrothermal alteration zones favourable for gold and associated mineralisation, thereby providing a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive tool for targeted mineral exploration. Radioelemental maps, ternary images, and the potassium-to-equivalent thorium (K/eTh) ratio were analysed to identify alteration patterns. Mining sites exhibited elevated potassium relative to uranium and thorium, with K/eTh values exceeding 0.174%/ppm, significantly above regional background levels and characteristic of hydrothermal alteration commonly linked to gold mineralisation. High K/eTh zones not only coincide with known mining sites but also reveal additional prospective mineralized areas. The ternary image and K/eTh ratio reveal potassium enrichment near limonitic quartz veins which are indicative of valuable geochemical signature for targeting mineralised zones, particularly in areas prospective for gold, base metals, or rare metal deposits.