Spatial Mapping Of Perovskite Using Mineral Ratio Index: A Case study of Hawal Massif, Michika, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Perovskite, a very vital resource for cleaned solar energy generation, occurs naturally in igneous rocks as titanium oxide minerals in layered massif intrusions within the magmatic igneous formation. It occurs in association with some oxides and hydroxides such as ilmenite. In this work, we developed a Perovskite mineral ratio index model for spatial mapping of the mineral based on its spectral reflection characteristics. The work is necessitated by the need for the development of an optical remote sensing tool for the survey of perovskite –bearing ilmenite, within the Precambrian basement terrain. The ratio index was used to map a portion of Hawal massif of Michika, Northeastern Nigeria. The area is a basement formation between the foot of the Mandara Mountain and the Gongola Basin believed to be rich in Perovskite mineral  resources based on its geologic setting. Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI/TIRS) satellite image of the study area was acquired and processed using the developed ratio index. The results indicate a high concentration of Perovskite-bearing minerals in a small central portion of the area. Comparative analysis of the results with the geologic map of the area indicates that Perovskite bearing zones correspond to major faults and fracture regions of the formation. The regions are therefore considered as alteration zones associated with kimberlite emplacement deposit since Perovskite also occurs as groundmass kimberlite. The work is therefore a move toward exploration and effective exploitation of this useful renewable energy generating resource.