Structural Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data for Regional Controls on Gold Mineralization in Northwestern Nigeria

The aim of this study is to delineate regional structures associated with gold mineralization in part of northwestern Nigeria using aeromagnetic data. The dataset, comprising Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI), was processed and analyzed using residual anomaly separation, reduction-to-equator (RTE), First Vertical Derivative (FVD), lineament extraction, and Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) techniques. The results show TMI values ranging from 32,893.9 nT to 33,077.5 nT, indicating distinct lithological variations. Residual magnetic anomalies vary between –94.0 nT and 76.3 nT, reflecting both shallow and deep sources. The RTE correction improved anomaly symmetry, while FVD and lineament maps revealed dominant NE–SW and NW–SE structural trends, with subordinate E–W and N–S orientations, concentrated between latitudes 11°30′–12°30′N and longitudes 7°30′–8°30′E. SPI depth estimates range from 143 m to 737 m, with shallow anomalies (150–250 m) located in the south and west, and deeper anomalies (>500 m) concentrated in the northeast. These findings are significant as they reveal a structurally complex terrain with basement highs, intrusives, and depressions that control mineralization. The delineated structures provide valuable targets for gold exploration and contribute to an improved understanding of the regional tectonic framework.