Application of electrical and magnetic geophysical methods in depth estimation of potential mineral depositat Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Geophysical techniques are powerful tools in depth estimation of minerals deposits. This survey was carried out to evaluate the nature and depth of mineral deposits near the Sports complex of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.’. A total of five (5) Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) points were investigated using Pasi Terrameter. The spread across the area using the Schlumberger configuration was with a maximum current electrode separation of 100m. The results obtained were interpreted quantitatively and qualitatively using partial curve matching and computer iteration programs known as WINRESIST and SURFER 11. Also, forty one (41) survey profiles were taken at a station interval of 5m using the GEM Magnetometer to acquire the Total Magnetic Intensity reading. The Guassian filter-Oasis Montaj was used for the computation of regional field from the observed TMI readings of the area. The geologic andstructural map reveals a few visible fractured zones imbedded in the migmatite-gneiss deposits which spread from the northwest to the southern and eastern part of the study area and the granite gneiss was seen around the Southwestern and Northern parts. The delineated fractures could potentially serve as geologic traps for mineral localization. The 2D radial average power spectrum indicates that, the northeast part of the mapped area has a depth of 4.5mand a depth of 13m at the eastern part. It can be seen that the depth are shallow and there are visible outcrops at the study area.The approximate depth to the mineral deposit was determined using the standard Euler solution to be around 13 m and the elevation range obtained varies between 37 m – 50 m. The correlation of the electrical and magnetic techniques shows that both methods are able to give the estimated depth of shallow mineral deposit which range between 13 m – 18m.
 Keywords: Euler solution, Geophysical Techniques, Lithology, Total Magnetic Intensity, Vertical Electrical Sounding.