Detection of Sulphide Deposit Using Uranium/Potassium Ratio Map

Abstract

Potassium (K) response is associated with minerals that can be easily weathered, whereas uranium (U) is usually related to residual clay, oxides and accessory minerals. With a view to interpret for the detection of sulphide deposit based on similar responses exhibited by the various rock units, radiometric data set was interpreted. The study area is located within Latitude +8000’00’’to +8030’00’’ and Longitude +5030’00’’E to +6000’00’’E. The data was collected in most parts of the Nigeria by Fugro Airborne Services Ltd. Johannesburg in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey agency using a light aircraft that was flown in NW-SE direction with a nominal terrain clearance of 80 m and at a speed of 70-80 m/s, with a flight line spacing of 500 m apart. The acquired data was subjected to elemental concentration enhancement using Geosoft Oasis Montaj Software. From the interpreted data, the red coloured portions indicate high uranium and low potassium formations (H-U/K), while the blue coloured portions indicate low uranium and high potassium formations (L-U/K). The regions L-U/K have recorded low U/K ratios, meaning that L-U/K have very low uranium count rates as compared to the count rates of potassium in these regions; this signifies potassium abundance. This also suggests igneous activities that usually culminate to the emplacement of the meta-volcanic lithologies. H-U/K and M-U/K (Moderate U/K formations) are seen to have patches of high U/K ratios within the central portions. This high U/K ratio was therefore, as a result of sulphide deposition.