Evaluation of iron ore deposit using 2D resistivity imaging and induced polarization technique at Fakarau Potiskum, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

2D Electric resistivity imaging and Induced polarization (IP) techniques were used to evaluate Iron Ore deposit at Potiskum area of Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria. The area lies between latitudes 11⁰ 40' 00'' and 11⁰ 50' 00'' N, and longitude 11⁰ 00' 00'' and 11⁰ 10' 00'' E. The survey was targeted at determining resistivity and chargeability values that are associated with the iron ore deposit. The dipole-dipole array was used for 2D resistivity and induced polarization imaging. Data processing and interpretation were done using RES2DINV software. This research had characterized the study area into two portions: the alluvium deposit that is highly enriched of iron ore and alluvium deposit with disseminated iron ore. The portion of the iron rich alluvium, characterized by low resistivity and chargeability of 32 Ωm to 734 Ωm and 0.403 msec to 3.400 msec are inferred as alluvium that is highly enrich with iron ore, while the portion that are respectively characterized by resistivity and chargeability values of 734 Ωm to 1418 Ωm and 1.90 msec to 6.40 msec are inferred as alluvium with disseminated iron ore. It can be concluded that the occurrence of iron ore deposit is probably more at northeast part of the survey area. The iron ore deposit strikes in the Northeast-Southwest direction.