EL 4931, which is centred approximately 100 km north-east of Tarcoola, is being explored principally for potentially economic banded iron formation type iron ore occurrences, and for iron oxide - associated copper-gold mineralisation within the...
EL 4931, which is centred approximately 100 km north-east of Tarcoola, is being explored principally for potentially economic banded iron formation type iron ore occurrences, and for iron oxide - associated copper-gold mineralisation within the buried Archaean basement rocks; however, the central part of the licence is also considered prospective for ultramafic intrusion - hosted nickel deposits, and for migmatised lode style (Challenger type) precious metal deposits. Within the now relinquished portions of the licence area, a field geological reconnaissance was conducted over four selected prospects during late July 2013, and geochemical grab sampling was undertaken of soil calcrete horizons and of drill spoils remaining from previous RAB drilling. Places sampled included BIF outcrops, the McArthur Paddock ultramafic outcrops, and boundary zones along prospective Hiltaba Granite intrusion contacts. In-field portable XRF (spot) assay readings confirmed the presence of significant iron grades at surface (from 25-61% Fe2O3), and anomalous nickel in green clay soils (max. 895 ppm Ni) associated with the McArthur prospect ultramafic rocks (sheared pyroxenite-serpentinite). Follow-up laboratory assays (by ICP-MS) of representative BIF outcrop samples confirmed the tenor of iron mineralisation, returning 29-30% Fe (41-43% Fe203). At Top East prospect, the best spot XRF assay values obtained were 463 ppm Bi, 1012 ppm Cu and 1162 ppm Pb; a check assay of one rock chip sample, 600012, failed to confirm the elevated base metals, but it is thought that further prospecting and geological mapping is warranted there. Conceptual iron ore, gold and nickel targets identified at Laser Gun and Koolye Tank, which had both been tested to some extent by past explorers, have now been downgraded by the results of field inspections done in 2013. These prospects both lie within the 55% of EL 4931 that was selected for relinquishment on 19/6/2015.
More +