Integrated remote sensing and geophysical methods for delineating barite mineralization zones in Dumne area, northeastern Nigeria

Barite mineralization in northeastern Nigeria remains poorly characterized in several areas, including the Dumne region, where no prior documentation of barite occurrences exists. This study employs an integrated remote sensing, aeromagnetic, and geochemical approach to investigate and delineate potential barite mineralization zones within the Dumne area. Landsat 9 operational land imager (OLI) data were processed using principal component analysis (PCA), Crosta techniques, and targeted band ratios to enhance hydrothermal alteration features typically associated with barite deposits. Structural lineaments, including faults, fractures, and lithological boundaries, were extracted through a synthesis of remote sensing outputs and aeromagnetic data analysis. The first vertical derivative (FVD), center for exploration targeting (CET) grid analysis, and ALOS PALSAR digital elevation models (DEMs) were utilized to map structural complexity, revealing NE–SW to ENE–WSW trending features as the dominant structural controls for mineralization. Furthermore, CET porphyry analysis identified several near-circular magnetic anomalies, interpreted as potential intrusive bodies contributing to the region’s hydrothermal activity. By integrating alteration zones, structural lineaments, and porphyry indicators, a predictive mineral potential map was developed to highlight prospective zones. Validation of the predictive model using field-mapped barite occurrences and geochemical analysis of representative samples confirmed the presence of high-purity barite, supporting the reliability of the integrated exploration approach. The accuracy assessment using receiver operating characteristic (ROC)/area under the curve (AUC) showed prediction levels above 92% for the model. The strong spatial association between structurally complex zones, alteration signatures, and geochemical anomalies underscores the structural and hydrothermal control on barite mineralization in the study area. This research demonstrates the utility of combining remote sensing, geophysics, and geochemistry in early-stage mineral exploration and provides a replicable framework for targeting barite in underexplored terrains.