Research and application of prospecting methods for pegmatite-type rare metals in Nigeria

Nigeria is rich in pegmatite-type rare metal mineral resources. However, the ore deposits are typically small in scale, complex in morphology, and covered by thick layers, making exploration challenging. This represents a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome in the study area. The study breaks through the limitations of single exploration methods and utilizes an effective combination of geophysical and geochemical information to achieve breakthroughs in exploration, providing a reference for regional pegmatite-type rare metal exploration. Data from the study area is collected to complete the selection of areas and sections. Geological route surveys are conducted to discover clues of pegmatite veins, supplemented by soil geochemical profile surveys, induced polarization medium gradient surveys, and audio-frequency magnetotelluric sounding methods to further determine the morphology and scale of pegmatite veins, providing a basis for the deployment of drilling projects. Drilling verifies the discovery of industrial lithium and niobium-tantalum orebodies at depth. The successful application of comprehensive exploration methods has certain indicative significance for regional exploration directions and has important reference and promotion value for future pegmatite-type deposit exploration in Nigeria.