Some large areas of vacant ground located in the south and west of Mulgathing Station that lie adjacent to the Bulgunnia Fault Zone were taken up by Monax Mining initially to explore primarily for Olympic Dam type IOCG-U mineralisation and also...
Some large areas of vacant ground located in the south and west of Mulgathing Station that lie adjacent to the Bulgunnia Fault Zone were taken up by Monax Mining initially to explore primarily for Olympic Dam type IOCG-U mineralisation and also for structurally controlled Tanami style orogenic lode gold. But soon the company's focus was shifted onto looking for less deeply buried, sediment-hosted roll front type secondary uranium occurrences that could possibly be present either in Tertiary or Permian palaeochannels, especially within the tectonically active Mulgathing Trough. Exploration licences 3358 (Ambrosia) and 3359 (Wynbring) lie on the northwest of the Gawler Craton, with the interpreted basement rocks of the project area are principally late tectonic granitoids of the Tunkillia Suite intruding minor gneisses of the Mulgarthing Complex and in places intruded by the Mesoproterozoic Hiltaba Suite granites. Ambrosia is crossed by conjugate NE-trending and NW-trending faults, which are interpreted to have been active during intrusion of Hiltaba Suite granites (Figure 2). The NW-trending faults are thought to be dilational structures, which would make them potential sites for deposition of gold from mineralising fluids introduced by the granites. Because Ambrosia lies on the northwest margin of the Gawler Range Volcanics Domain, the Company believes the volcanics could have acted as a seal, trapping mineralising fluids beneath them, to be released along the dilatational fault structures to form large gold deposits. Because of its proximity to the margin of the Gawler Range Volcanics Domain, together with the presence of Hiltaba Suite granites, Ambrosia may also be in a favourable geological environment for the formation of an Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) deposit of the Olympic Dam or Prominent Hill type. The Wynbring area is also crossed by interpreted NW-trending dilatational structures, which could provide favourable sites for gold deposition. Ambrosia, and possibly Wynbring, has potential for the discovery of sedimentary roll-front style uranium deposits in Tertiary palaeochannel. During the first year of reporting, Monax Mining undertook a gravity survey of 800 stations on EL 3358 (Ambrosia). The gravity survey was conducted in March 2006 by Daishsat Geodetic Surveyors and facilitated by the use of a helicopter between stations. The gravity stations were taken on a 1000 x 1000 m spaced grid and covered approximately 856 km2. Acquisition of this gravity data was part of a regional survey conducted by Monax Mining Limited over many of its exploration licences. Daishsat Geodetic are still completing gravity acquisition and have informed Monax Mining Limited that they will submit a single Operations Report at the conclusion of the contract. Monax believes that the Mulgathing Palaeochannel is highly prospective for roll-front style uranium mineralisation. The improved resolution from the detailed gravity survey has defined the edges and conceivable zones of flow restriction within the channel. No exploration work was carried out on EL 3359 during the period. During the second year of reporting, Monax undertook an airborne magnetic and radiometric survey across both Ambrosia and Wynbring. The survey comprised a total of 9,799 line-km on Ambrosia, and 2,858 line-km on Wynbring. Line spacing was 100 m with a sensor height of 50 m. Line directions were 090-270 on Ambrosia and 000-180 on Wynbring. Geophysical processing, review of the data and reporting on the exploration potential was completed by Hawke Geophysics. An Aboriginal Heritage clearance survey was successfully completed on Ambrosia EL 3358. Detailed processing and review of the gravity, magnetic and radiometric data has outlined numerous targets for mineral exploration. During the third year of reporting, Monax Mining entered into 3 joint venture agreements with Marmota Energy Limited, with EL 3358 (Ambrosia) was 50-50% interest for all minerals whilst ELs 3359 (Wynbring) and 3684 (Mulgathing) were for 70% interest in uranium only for Marmota Energy. Ground based gravity surveys were undertaken over the Wynbring and Mulgathing tenements by Atlas Geophysics in early 2008. Data was collected in a grid pattern with 500 m spacing. A logistical report was completed by Atlas Geophysics. In fill gravity surveys were completed on Ambrosia. A detailed airborne magnetic and radiometric survey was flown over the Mulgathing tenement. Airborne electromagnetic surveys were flown at 400 m spacing over each of three tenements, totalling 3723.66 line-km. The data will be used in conjunction with the gravity data and previous exploration activity to target a series of palaeochannel deemed worthy of follow up within the Ambrosia and Mulgathing tenements. In May 2008, four targeted palaeochannels within Ambrosia were traversed undertaking biogeochemical sampling of mulga trees in addition to surface calcrete sampling, the work was contracted to Dr Steve Hill with results still pending. During the fourth year of reporting, Marmota undertook a 75-hole rotary mud drilling program for a total drill length of 4435 m, targeting roll front uranium mineralisation in palaeochannels within the Ambrosia and Mulgathing tenements. All holes had downhole geophysical logs completed, and samples collected for geochemical analysis for both uranium focused elements and plus a select group for broader group of elements with a more of a base metal focus. A further 15 downhole samples of lignitic mud intersected within the Mulgathing Trough were tested for their oil shale extraction potential. Whilst no significant uranium anomalies were detected, palaeochannels were further constrained by the drilling. These included channels that contain lignites in previously unexplored channels which will be further investigated. Organic rich mudstones of significant thickness (up to 120 m) were also identified which are potential as oil shale deposits. Palynology of selected samples from both within the Mulgathing Trough and secondary adjoining palaeochannels was undertaken to determine both age constraints and oil potential of the organic matter. The lignitic mud from within the Mulgathing Trough was determined to be of Permian age, whilst the lignite from an adjoining channel were determined to be Jurassic in age. Between April and May 2009, Marmota undertook an 8-hole reverse circulation drill program totalling 1676 m. The “Gibralter” program targeted geophysical anomalies (magnetic, gravity and EM) on the eastern side of Ambrosia, EL 3358, to test the copper-gold mineralisation potential. Preceding the drill program, a ground magnetic survey and 51 calcrete samples were taken and analysed to constrain the geophysical targets. Drilling intersected prospective alteration and a series of veining events which included chlorite ± magnetite ± epidote ± haematite ± quartz ± pyrite ± chalcopyrite in places pervasively into granites through to gabbros. Geochemical results for the biogeochemical survey reported in the previous reporting period were received. Results of the survey were difficult to interpret as background levels were uncertain. No work was completed on Wynbring EL 3359 during the reporting period. During the reporting period, Marmota met the requirements of the Agreement to earn in its first 25% and as such, Marmosa Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marmota Energy Limited, now owns 25% of EL3358 and Monax 75%. During the fifth year of reporting, Wynbring EL 3359 was relinquished as of 23rd May 2010 and a separate report was submitted [See separately index ENV11887 CNO:2034769]. No fieldwork was undertaken on the remaining tenements during the reporting period. However, the geochemistry results of the RC drilling program from the previous reporting period were received. Whilst prospective chlorite ± magnetite ± epidote ± haematite ± quartz ± pyrite ± chalcopyrite alteration assemblage was intersected in the K-feldspar rich red granite (Hiltaba Suite), no significant anomalous chemistry was intersected. Interpretations suggest that the alteration assemblage is a direct result of the intrusion of the adjacent gabbroic, which accounted for the gravity and magnetic geophysical response. Marmota continues to regard the Ambrosia EL3358 tenement as potential for sedimentary roll-front uranium mineralisation within palaeochannels as well as basement hosted predominantly gold targets at the contacts between Proterozoic intrusions as well as Tarcoola/Challenger and IOCG mineralisation style potential. The decision was made to fully surrender exploration licence 3684 as of 1/1/2011 [See separately indexed ENV12172 CNO: 2034924]. Through reporting years 6 - 8, no field work was undertaken on EL 4510 (renewed EL 3358 Ambrosia) and newly granted EL 5195 (Muckanippie). During the ninth year of reporting, the remaining 50% of EL 4510 held by Monax Mining was transferred to Marmosa Pty Ltd and the Ambrosia Farm-in and Joint Venture Agreement between Monax Mining and Marmosa Pty Ltd concluded. No field work was completed on EL 4510 Ambrosia during the reporting period, while a reconnaissance trip was undertaken to EL 5195 Muckanippie to gain familiarity with are and to confirm geological outcrops mapped on existing maps. During the tenth year of reporting, no work was again completed on either tenement, as such no technical report was submitted.
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