Application of 2d Electrical Resistivity Imaging for Mineral Ore Exploration Within a Basement Complex Formation

Abstract

A geophysical survey using electrical resistivity was carried out in Gbede community within latitude (8˚17’37.7”N-8˚17’49.8’’N) and longitude (4˚20’45.9’’E - 4˚20’58.8’’E) area of Oyo State southwestern Nigeria. The survey was to determine the location and the lateral extent of the suspected Iron Ore deposited in the area using 2D resistivity imaging.using a resistivity meter, Wenner array configuration and electrode spacing ranging from 5 – 25 m was implored in the survey. Five (5) electrical profiles each with 120 m long were conducted within the area. The RES2DINVsoftware was used on the data acquired for processing and inversion. The result of resistivity imaging revealed the lateral continuity of mineral ore deposit within the first layer(top soil) with resistivity values ranging from 395 Ωm to 6619 Ωm at a mean depth of 13m. These values of resistivity suggest the presence of mineral ore in the form of magnetite and hematite which all constituted over 69% of iron in the study area.