Exploration for base metals, over an area extending 50 km southwest from Moolowatana, was subtendered to Aquitaine Australia Minerals for two years by North Flinders Mines under a joint venture agreement. A program of geophysical appraisal of known mineralised zones, using contract airborne survey techniques designed to pinpoint conductive massive sulphide orebodies, failed to provide indications of the large target response that Aquitaine considered vital to its continued participation in the joint venture.