On assuming operatorship of EL 1965 through joint venture by its subsidiary Kelaray Pty Ltd, Pima Mining NL undertook a regional bedrock geochemical sampling programme by auger drilling during January-March 1997 a total of 3326 vertical holes, 0.3 to 7.0 m deep, along farm tracks and roadsides, and on surveyed grids. Several anomalous areas were outlined, with Au to 0.7 g/t and Cu to 3.7%. Four prospects were followed up during June 1997 with RC drilling (15 inclined holes, total 1717 m). Best results were obtained at the Reservoir prospect (mineralisation grading up to a maximum 1.02 g/t Au, 18 g/t Ag, 1.2% Cu and 0.51% Zn over >14 m below 52 m), and at Burtons prospect (maximum 4.6 g/t Au over 2 m). Grid surveying and levelling, and mobile metal ion (MMI) soil sampling at 25 m intervals, plus ground gravity and ground magnetic profiling on 200 m - spaced traverses, were employed in an attempt to more precisely locate potential buried vein mineralisation at Reservoir and possible sulphidic ore extensions along shear zones to the north and south of the historic Wheal Ellen mine. Coherent MMI gold and copper anomalies were identified running parallel to geological strike or known shear zones in these areas, while gravity and magnetic features were delineated which correspond to these geochemical anomalies, and have allowed estimates to be made of source body width and depth. The conduct of further detailed ground surveys of this type was recommended, as was a continuation of RC drilling at these better prospects, however, this planned ongoing exploration work programme was not immediately undertaken. During the two-year period 1998-1999, when no field work was performed on the licence area, Pima also contributed to the TEISA Year 1 aeromagnetic surveying programme with funding for acquisition of 200 m infill lines in the central Kanmantoo Trough region.