Geochemical Prospecting for Gold Mineralisation in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Kebbi State in North West Nigeria contains Precambrian basement complex rocks with geological characteristics analogous to proven gold-bearing terrains in neighbouring Zamfara and Niger states, yet systematic geochemical prospecting in Kebbi remains limited in the published literature. This study undertakes stream sediment geochemical prospecting to identify gold and pathfinder element anomalies indicative of mineralisation potential in a selected area of Kebbi State. Active stream sediment samples were collected at drainage junctions and regular intervals along stream channels, with sampling covering approximately two hundred and fifty square kilometres. Samples were processed by drying, sieving to the minus eighty mesh fraction, and analysed for gold by fire assay with atomic absorption finish, along with arsenic, antimony, bismuth, copper, lead, and zinc by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Geochemical maps were generated by interpolating element concentrations using ordinary kriging, and anomalous zones were identified using threshold values set at the mean plus two standard deviations. The spatial association of gold anomalies with arsenic and antimony pathfinder elements is evaluated to infer sulphide-hosted mineralisation styles. Priority target areas defined by coincident multi-element anomalies were visited during field reconnaissance to assess surface expressions. Results are presented to the Kebbi State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as guidance for exploration licensing. Keywords: geochemical prospecting, gold mineralisation, stream sediment, Kebbi State, pathfinder elements.