Possible buried economic volcanic-hosted base metal sulphide (VHMS) deposits and magmatic epithermal/hydrothermal gold veins which might be associated with Cambro-Ordovician island arc porphyritic intrusions were the targets of exploration conducted within a small area located approximately 50 km south-east of Murray Bridge. An earlier-made assessment of aeromagnetic and geochemical data resulting from previous exploration work conducted by Pasminco had indicated good potential for the occurrence of significant base metal and/or gold mineralisation. After performing geophysical modelling of and interpreting the existing aeromagnetic survey data, plus reviewing in detail all available downhole geochemical and well log data, a possible prospect was delineated near Sherlock. During January 2003, a reconnaissance ground magnetic survey of 2 lines totalling 1.5 line km was performed there, which led to the drilling during February 2003 of two inclined rotary mud precollared/NQ diamond cored holes, for a total penetration of 425.1 m (including 225.8 m cored), to test magnetic highs in the basement for base metals. Both drillholes successfully reached and cored into basement, which consisted of mafic volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks, and intervening laminated pyritic metasediments. No significant mineralisation was encountered. No further field work was conducted on the subject licence for the remainder of its term. Under the terms of an option agreement which the licensee made with Stellar Resources Ltd in early 2005, involving Vintage's three exploration licences in the Padthaway Ridge area, Stellar then drilled another two rotary mud/diamond cored holes within EL 2655/3295, to the south of EL 2838, disclosing a thick Murray Basin sedimentary cover. A follow-up review of the nature and thickness of this cover, and of drilling costs likely to be incurred in consequent subsurface sampling thereof, led Stellar to conclude that any drilling to acquire further geochemical information from within EL 2838 would be prohibitively expensive. The company subsequently notified Vintage of its intent to withdraw from the option agreement. Attempts to secure another funding joint venture partner were unsuccessful, and therefore the licence was not renewed.