Mesothermal Quartz Vein Gold Deposits of the Dikko Area, Part of Zungeru–Minna–Birnin Gwari Schist Belt, North-Central Nigeria

Adamu Mohammed Abdullahi; Nathenial Goter Goki; Ishak Yau Tanko; Aliyu Kaura Mohammed; Abubakar Sadiq Musa

doi:10.62050/ljsir2026.v4n2.853

المؤلفون

Adamu Mohammed Abdullahi
abdullahi.mohammed@science.fulafia.edu.ng

Department of Geology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria

Department of Applied Geology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
Nathenial Goter Goki
Department of Geology and Mining, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Ishak Yau Tanko
Department of Geology and Mining, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Aliyu Kaura Mohammed
Department of Geology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
Abubakar Sadiq Musa
Department of Geology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria

الكلمات المفتاحية:

Mesothermal , Dikko area , Ore microscopy , Quartz vein

الملخص

This study investigates the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of mesothermal quartz vein gold deposits in the Dikko area, within the Zungeru–Minna–Birnin Gwari Schist Belt, North-Central Nigeria. Twenty-one samples from seven quartz veins were analyzed using fire assay (FAA), ICP-MS, XRF, XRD, and ore microscopy. Results show an average gold concentration of 3.9 ppm, exceeding the economic threshold (0.69–1.37 ppm). Associated elements include Cu (79 ppm), Ag (8.9 ppm), and Fe (7,900–33,200 ppm), indicating gold occurrence within sulfide phases, particularly arsenopyrite. Ore microscopy reveals gold as blebs within quartz fractures hosted by amphibolites, commonly associated with arsenopyrite and silver. XRD confirms crystalline gold. Geochemically, Cu correlates positively with Au, while Pb and Cu serve as pathfinder elements. Exceptionally high Pb (560.6 ppm), Cu (184.7 ppm), and Au (3.59 ppm) at location L2 define the primary mineralized zone. Elevated Rb (560.6 ppm) and low Sr (2.8 ppm) produce high Rb/Sr ratios (>200), indicating intense hydrothermal alteration. Ba and Sr anomalies further delineate alteration halos, while REE patterns show LREE enrichment, HREE depletion, and a negative Eu anomaly. These signatures indicate multiple hydrothermal fluid pulses and well-developed alteration zoning from phyllic to potassic and sulfide-rich phases. The Dikko gold mineralization is a structurally controlled mesothermal (orogenic) system linked to Pan-African tectonism. Exploration should focus on detailed mapping, trenching, and drilling around L2, with extended surveys along the L2–L5–L7 corridor to delineate ore zones.

Dimensions

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