Integrated geological and geochemical investigation of mineralization potential in Isanlu Sheet 225, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluates the geochemical characterization and mineralization potential of the economic mineral deposit in the study area using integrated geological mapping and geochemical studies. The study area encompasses Isanlu and Egbe, located between 5° 00ʹ and 6° 00ʹ East longitude and 8° 00ʹ and 9° 00ʹ North latitude, covering an area of 110 km². Geological mapping was conducted using the traverse method. Approximately 15 rock samples were analyzed for major oxides, trace elements, and REE concentrations. The study area comprises eight distinct lithologic units, including Banded Iron Formation, Quartzite, Migmatitic Gneiss, Porphyroblastic Gneiss, Coarse-grained Granite, Quartz Diorite, Biotite Schist, and Pegmatite. The main joint, foliation, and vein orientations trend NNE-SSW, consistent with Pan-African-aged rocks, with minor variations along NNW-SSE. Deformation includes folds, pinch-and-swell structures, joints, and faults. Geochemical analyses show that pegmatites around Takete, Idofin, Ijowa, Egbe, and Odoeri are highly enriched in Ta (64.6 ppm), Sn (99 ppm), Nb (203 ppm), Zr (262 ppm), Ce (313.7 ppm), Rb (995.6 ppm), Y (68 ppm), Li (120 ppm), and Be (56 ppm), exceeding their crustal abundances (Ta 2.0 ppm, Sn 2.3 ppm, Nb 20 ppm, Zr 165 ppm, Ce 65 ppm, Rb 99 ppm, Y 33 ppm, Li 20 ppm, Be 2.8 ppm). Geological mapping and geochemical analysis indicate that Isanlu Egbe is rich in valuable minerals, including lithium, beryllium, tantalite, cassiterite, and other rare-earth elements. Consequently, this study recommends core drilling to estimate the reserves.