TITLE:
Classification, Tectonic Setting, and Mineralization Potential of Ayetoro and Sasaro Syenitic Plutons in Igarra Schist Belt, Southwestern Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Mohammed Olatoye Adepoju, Yinusa Ayodele Asiwaju-Bello
KEYWORDS:
ICP-MS, Microgranite, Micromonzonite, Orogenic, Ag-Au-Cu Deposit, Igarra Schist Belt
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.15 No.6,
June
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: Petrographic and geochemical studies of syenite-looking Ayetoro and Sasaro plutons within Igarra Schist Belt were carried out in order to classify them and determine their tectonic setting and mineralization potential. Petrographic study and geochemical classification revealed that while Ayetoro boss is microgranite constituting an aggregate of medium grained muscovite, quartz and biotite minerals, Sasaro stock is micromonzonite made up of medium grained albite, orthoclase, biotite, hornblende and pyroxene. Geotectonic setting showed the boss and stock are orogenic, probably derived from the same upper mantle magma as Igarra batholith that got contaminated by crustal materials responsible for their difference in lithology. Their mineralization potential showed that the massive Ayetoro microgranite with no appreciable trace-element contents cannot serve as host of any metallic deposit, and should be suitable for industrial applications. Whereas, the silicified, highly sheared Sasaro monzonite, with elevated level of some trace elements contents as Ag, Au and Cu, could harbor Ag-Au-Cu deposit.