Investigation of Gold Mineralisation Controls in the Birnin Gwari Gold Belt, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

The Birnin Gwari gold belt in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, has attracted artisanal and small-scale mining activity for decades, yet the geological controls on gold mineralisation remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the structural and lithological controls on gold occurrence in the Birnin Gwari belt through geological mapping and geochemical sampling. A series of geological traverses was conducted across known mineralised zones, documenting rock types, structural features, and alteration patterns. Systematic stream sediment samples and rock chip samples were collected and analysed for gold and pathfinder elements including arsenic, antimony, and bismuth by aqua regia digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results indicate that gold mineralisation is structurally controlled, occurring preferentially along NNE-trending shear zones developed within mafic volcanic and metasedimentary sequences. Geochemical anomalies for gold and arsenic define five exploration target zones along the belt, two of which are previously undocumented. Alteration assemblages including silicification, sericitisation, and pyritisation are diagnostic of hydrothermal gold mineralisation. The study provides a geological model that can guide targeted artisanal mining and future exploration programmes by licensed companies. It also recommends a systematic follow-up programme of detailed mapping and trenching at the priority target zones. Keywords: gold mineralisation, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, structural control, geochemistry.