Reconnaissance Geochemical Exploration in Kaiama, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Reconnaissance exploration for ore mineralization in Kaiama and environ have been carried out using integrated geological mapping and geochemical survey of soils, stream sediments and exposure of pegmatite/quartz veins. This was done in order to define the ore forming elements distribution and recognising type and area of possible mineralization in Kaiama and environ.. Eighteen samples were collected and analyzed for major and trace elements by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) methods. Petrological description of thin sections of rocks was also carried out under the petrological microscope.The rocks underlying Kaiama consist of amphibolites, mica schists and granites along with fracture controlled mostly sheared mineralised pegmatite and quartz veins The fractured filled veins mainly trend NW-SE, NNE-SSW and E-W, N-S as to compare closely to the general trend of structures resulting from Pan-African orogeny. The mineralisation notably includes columbite-tantalite, rutile, cassiterites, ilmenites, wolframites, gold and gem stones. Geochemically, the trace elements concentrations shows significant anomalous concentrations of Sn, S, Ti, W, Au, Cu, Ti and Nb in the soil and stream sediments and Sn, W, and Nb in the veins. In addition, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, Sb, Mo, V, As, Pb, Rb occurs in less significant anomalous concentrations in all the geologic media. The anomalous magnitude however decreases from soil to stream sediments and least in the veins. Further exploration work should be concentrated on soils and stream sediments towards delineating the possible ore deposit in the area of Kaiama and environs.