Department of Geology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
This study involves the structural analysis and evaluation of mineral potentials in the Jos-Plateau, Central Nigeria. The study revealed the structural trend (NE – SW, NW – SE, E – W and N – S) in the study area. The follow-up ground check revealed that some of the lineaments are fractures and these fractures continue into the basement complex and show the same general trend as those in the granite. The fracture traces localized within the complexes itself may represent “Relaxation joints” which show up in microscopic scales, which may have played a significant role in controlling mineralization in the area. Lineaments (faults) are represented by pattern breaks, trending NE – SW and NW – SE. These pattern breaks have been retraced geologically but are known to agree with the general structural grains, confirming the Pan African and Transvaalian orogeny that has occurred in the Nigeria basement. The length of these lineaments ranged from 0.4 kilometres to 6.5 kilometres. Mineralization in the area is controlled by structural trends and the mineralized ducts are bounded by faults. The minerals in the mineralization vein include Tin and Columbites, associated with the biotite granite and cassiterite which is associated with hornblende-fayalite granite. Major rocks types include Diorite, Migmatite, and biotite granite. It is recommended that Nig. Sat 1 Images should be used alongside other geophysical data in the study area for mineral exploration. This will enhance the knowledge of surface structures (abundance and trend) and mining of shallow placer deposits in the area.