IJSRSET1621120 | Received: 22 February 2016 | Accepted: 04 March 2016 | January-February 2016 [(2)1: 563-570] © 2016 IJSRSET | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Print ISSN : 2395-1990 | Online ISSN : 2394-4099 Themed Section: Science and Technology 563 Geophysical and Chemical Analysis of Iron ORE Deposits in Maua, Kenya Benson C. Mwirigi* 1 , John G. Githiri 2 , Willis Ambusso 3 * 1,3 Physics Department, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya 2 Physics Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya ABSTRACT Ground magnetic surveying was used to detect magnetic rocks within host formations in Kindani area of Maua. A fluxgate magnetometer was used to measure the vertical component of the Earth’s magnetic field in some 98 stations, covering an area of about 25km 2 . Diurnal and geomagnetic corrections were done on the data. A RMI contour map delineates varied anomalies spread out within the region. The anomalies mostly trend on NW-SE and SW-NE directions. Four cross sectional profiles were drawn across anomalous regions. The data obtained was used in 2D modeling using Euler software which gives estimated depths to magnetic structures at between 0 -1500m. Forward modeling using Mag2dc software shows bodies of susceptibility between -1.724 SI to 1.7624 SI. The depth to top of magnetic structures ranges from 0-136m, which indicates shallow structures. A chemical analysis of some rock samples indicates quantity of Fe 2 O 3 at an average of 25%. This shows significant quantities of iron which confirms presence of iron ore in the area. This confirms presence of extended iron deposits within the region, in addition to the deposits discovered at neighbouring Kimachia. Keywords: Iron ore, Ground Magnetics, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy I. INTRODUCTION This paper presents results and analysis of ground magnetic data carried out over Maua area covering about 25km 2 in Meru County, Central Kenya. The studied area is bound by the Eastings 389000-394000 and Northings 19000-24000. The area is located about 7km South West of Maua town. The survey aimed at delineating areas of possible iron ore deposits after significantly magnetic rocks were found in the area. The residual magnetic intensity map (RMI) delineates regions covered by magnetic anomalies. Euler deconvolution gives the possible locations and depths of these anomalous bodies. Mag2dc software was used to model the possible body shapes of the anomalous bodies. Euler deconvolution results were used as initial parameters for 2D modeling. The study reveals new regions of iron ore deposits within the County. Figure 1 (a) : Physiological map of the study area