Application of 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Ert) for the Assessment of Sulphide Mineral Occurrences. A Case Study of Nkarasi, Ikom, Cross River State, South-South, Nigeria.

Abstract

The Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) technique adopting Wenner electrode configuration was carried out at Nkarasi, Ikom in Cross River State, Nigeria with the aim of locating sulphide mineral occurrences within the study area. Six 200 m long 2D profiles were occupied within the site and a total depth of about 39.6 m was probed. The data were inverted using the finite element method. This process yielded 2D electrical tomograms along all the profiles. The result of the investigation showed that broadly, a maximum of three geoelectric zones could be delineated to the depth of investigation. These include the overburden material, weathered/fractured sandstone and fresh sandstone zones. The target of the investigation is the fractured zone which can serve as the mineralized zone within the study area. The interpretation of the result indicated that almost all the resistivity structures identified weathered/fractured zones along the profiles. This result showed that the study area has great prospects for hosting the suspected sulphide mineral. In addition to this, the result showed that the adopted technique/method is appropriate for the preliminary mineral exploration activities within the study area and any other area having similar geology.