High-Resolution Radiometric Data Analysis for Sulphide Delineation in Lower Benue Trough, Nigeria

Sulphide deposition is usually associated with commercial mineral deposits. Worthy of note is the association of easily weathered minerals with potassium depletion. Also affiliated with residual clay, oxides and accessory minerals are uranium (U) signatures. The aim of this work is to delineate sulphide deposition which might be associated with commercial minerals. Apropos of this, aero-radiometric data set was analyzed. The research area is situated in Nigeria's Lower Benue Trough precisely between latitudes 7.00⁰ and 8.00⁰ North and longitudes 7.00⁰ and 8.50⁰ East. In cooperation with the Nigerian Geological Survey agency, Fugro Airborne Services Ltd. Johannesburg collected the data in the majority of Nigeria. Geosoft Oasis Montaj Software was used to increase the elemental concentration of the collected data. The interpreted data indicates that high uranium with associated low potassium formations that is H-U/K as seen in the uranium/potassium ratio map coincides with H-U/Th regions that is high uranium and low thorium regions as seen in the uranium/thorium ratio map. Sulphide deposition is indicated by high U/Th ratios. These are the regions in the northern part of Soko and in the region between Ankpa and Oturkpo