article · Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
Gamma-ray spectrometry offers an effective approach for identifying hydrothermal niobium-tantalum-tin mineralisation within the Riruwai Complex in Nigeria. Analysis of spectrometric signatures reveals clear patterns of radioelement zoning that correspond directly with mineralogical variations across the granitic pluton. Specific decreases in potassium-to-thorium and potassium-to-uranium ratios indicate zones of hydrothermal alteration within granitoid rocks, progressing from aegirine arfvedsonite granite to albite arfvedsonite granite and extensively altered biotite granite. This alteration is driven by the breakdown of potash feldspar alongside the depletion of radioelements during late magmatic differentiation. These processes coincide with the emplacement of highly felsic granites that host potentially elevated concentrations of tin, niobium, uranium, and zinc. Consequently, gamma-ray spectrometry serves as a practical exploration method for mapping mineral potential in comparable geological formations, supporting national resource mapping and broader industrialisation goals.
Locating valuable critical minerals such as tin, niobium, and tantalum is vital for modern industrial growth and technology supply chains. Demonstrating how gamma-ray spectrometry can detect hidden mineralisation zones helps geologists and resource managers target prospective sites more effectively. This improves exploration efficiency, enriches national mineral databases, and supports resource discovery in comparable geological terrains without relying solely on disruptive, expensive preliminary physical drilling.
This research provides an applied geochemical mapping approach that mineral exploration companies and geological survey agencies can adopt to detect tin, niobium, tantalum, and associated deposits. Operating at an early exploration stage, the method assists in identifying prospective drilling targets across similar granitic terrains. Integrating these spectrometric workflows into early-stage reconnaissance can lower exploration costs, de-risk field programmes, and expand national mineral asset registries for future commercial development.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Nigeria's aspiration to develop a competitive mineral sector that generates wealth and enhances social and human security can be realized through the effective discovery of more mineral resources. This study assesses the mineral potential of the Riruwai Complex using gamma-ray spectrometry data. The findings illustrate the effectiveness of gamma-ray spectrometric signatures in identifying changes linked to hydrothermal Nb-Ta-Sn mineralization, uncovering distinct spectral patterns of radioelement zoning that align with mineralogical variations within the granitic pluton. Reductions in K/Th and K/U ratios point to alterations in the granitoid plutons, ranging from aegirine arfvedsonite granite to albite arfvedsonite granite and biotite granite, which display more extensive alteration. This alteration results from the breakdown of potash feldspar and the depletion of radioelements during the late stages of magmatic differentiation, when highly felsic granites with potentially high concentrations of Sn, Nb, U, and Zn are emplaced. This study underscores gamma-ray spectrometry as a valuable tool in mineral exploration, with potential application in areas of similar geological settings with unknown mineralization. It will contribute to Nigeria's mineral database and support the country's progress toward domestic industrialization and a stronger position in the global market.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.4314/dujopas.v10i4a.10
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
