DOI:
AUTHOR(S)
Ogunkoya, C. O., and Alasi, T. K
ABSTRACT
The Ilesha Schist Belt is an important gold-bearing zone of the Nigerian Basement Complex. It is characterized by a complex structural framework due to deep weathering profiles and dense vegetation. This paper synthesises and evaluates the last three decades of aeromagnetic investigations conducted across the schist belt and analogous Pan-African terrains. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the application of aeromagnetic data on the belt’s structural evolution, lithological mapping, and mineral exploration potential. We review the efficacy of the techniques such as Reduction to the Pole (RTP) and First Vertical Derivative (FVD) for sharpening near-surface magnetic responses and litho-structural mapping, and the quantitative methods like Analytic Signal (AS) and Euler Deconvolution for depth estimation. Major findings from this synthesis confirm a dominant NE-SW Pan-African trend in the region. The collective data confirms a bimodal depth distribution of magnetic sources, reflecting shallow lithologic contacts and deeper basement. This synthesis provides a critical benchmark, identifies current research gaps in high-resolution 3D modelling, and outlines future geophysical strategies needed for sustainable resource management and guiding the next generation of gold exploration in the Ilesha Schist Belt.
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