A number of base metal occurrences in the northern Flinders Ranges, previously classified as syngenetic, diagenetic and epigenetic in nature, appear to have resulted from metalliferous brine-sediment interaction with autochthonous and allochthonous diapiric breccias. These occurrences can be associated with specific stages in the evolution of major structures such as the Beltana and Wirrealpa Diapirs. The greatest potential for base metals in the northern Flinders Ranges is for Pb-Zn mineralisation within pyritic black shale and Cambrian limestone that display characteristics of sedimentary-exhalative (sedex) and Mississippi Valley type (MVT) orebodies, respectively. Potential deposits will be small, totalling 1-2 Mt of combined Pb-Zn. However, a number of such deposits adjacent to major diapiric structures may lift the aggregate towards 10 Mt, with combined Pb-Zn grades ranging from 5 to 15%. Previously, major prospects for base metals were identified on the basis of geochemical surveys that, in many cases, have been interpreted with little regard to detailed mapping. Exploration programs have also been constrained by seeking to fit models for MVT mineralisation, and by not applying a flexible working model. There is potential to use the current model for diapirism in the Adelaide Geosyncline as an exploration tool for base metals. In order to accomplish this, it will be necessary to understand the effect of salt tectonics on the genetic stratigraphy of the Adelaidean and Early Cambrian succession in the northern Flinders Ranges. Before detailed mapping is undertaken, the litho-stratigraphy should be reviewed and reconciled with sequence analysis. Mapping of major prospects then needs to take into account the evolution of diapiric structures within a genetic stratigraphic framework. A model based on this approach would be a powerful predictive tool in the exploration for base metals in the Flinders Ranges.