Alford West. Final report, Project ADI RD03-386 [Accelerated Discovery Initiative Round 3, 2023].
Published: 30 Jun 1923 Created: 12 Nov 2024 Revised: 12 Nov 2024

“Defining Attributes for In-Situ Recoverable Cu Mineralisation by Geophysical Surveying” This Accelerated Discovery Initiative funded project sought to explore whether non invasive geophysical techniques can provide valuable insight into...

“Defining Attributes for In-Situ Recoverable Cu Mineralisation by Geophysical Surveying” This Accelerated Discovery Initiative funded project sought to explore whether non invasive geophysical techniques can provide valuable insight into characterising copper deposits and its potential for In-Situ Recovery (ISR) methods, and therefore potentially minimising costly drilling programs. Three geophysical techniques, passive seismic, electro-seismic and magnetic susceptibility, were assessed to determine suitability of the geological setting and hydrological conditions at the Alford West Prospect (AWP) to ISR of known copper mineralisation (Bruce-Larwood Prospect mineralisation). Fleet Space Technologies (FST) were engaged to undertake the passive seismic Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) survey work program. Initial passive seismic specifications aimed to give a broad regional scale view of the Alford Fault Zone (AFZ) through regional traverses, however a revised program resulted in a survey layout designed to provide a 3D model of the AFZ within the vicinity of the Bruce Prospect Cu mineralisation. The electro-seismic survey was collected along 2 lines over the inferred AFZ and known mineralisation, with data processed by Aquatronic Solutions GeoConsultants in New Zealand. Magnetic susceptibility data was collected from four historic diamond drillholes that had been drilled into the Bruce-Larwood Prospect with data processed by Archimedes Consulting Pty Ltd in Adelaide. Approximately 16.4-line km of new geophysical data collection was completed comprising 7.5-line km of passive seismic data over two survey areas, and 1.55-line km of electro-seismic data along two sections. A total of 664 magnetic susceptibility data points was collected from four historical diamond drillholes testing that tested the Bruce-Larwood Prospect mineralisation. All three datasets successfully defined the AFZ below Adelaidean surface cover outlining a trough of variable width and depth. Processing restrictions, primarily due to survey layouts for the passive seismic and electro-seismic, limited depth investigation to 300 m below surface. Passive seismic data determined the trough to be approximately 200 m deep towards the ESE and deeper (still open at a depth of 290 m) towards the WNW and defined the AFZ trough across the survey area. The electro-seismic data also defined the extent of the AFZ weathering trough, although not in as much detail, while also determining hydrological characteristics such as permeability, salinity, porosity, transmissivity, depth to water tables and hydraulic conductivity. The magnetic susceptibility data, using Automatic Curve Matching (ACM) processing software and existing aeromagnetic data defined the weathered trench not only within the project area but also defined potential target areas within the JV area for follow up, primarily through electro-seismic surveys. The combined three datasets are interpreted to have sufficiently determined that the Alford West mineralisation would be amenable to ISR recovery. This validates the aim of the research project and has shown that a combination of surface geophysical techniques can be used to determine likely ISR amenability of deposits.

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About this record

Record No mesac30635
Topic Geoscientific Information
Type of Resource Document
Category Type
Document Type Exploration Initiative
Contributor
Sponsor
Tenement EL 5984
Tenement Holder Peninsula Resources Pty Ltd
Operator
Geological Province Gawler Craton
Mine Name
Stratigraphy
Commodity
Notes
Geographic Locality: Alford West Prospect;Bruce-Larwood Prospect
Doc No: Env 13403

Geographic Locality: Alford West Prospect;Bruce-Larwood Prospect Doc No: Env 13403

Language English
Metadata Standard ISO 19115-3

Citations

Use constraints License
License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Persistent identifier https://pid.sarig.sa.gov.au/document/mesac30635
Citation 1923. Alford West. Final report, Project ADI RD03-386 [Accelerated Discovery Initiative Round 3, 2023]. Exploration Initiative
https://pid.sarig.sa.gov.au/document/mesac30635

Technical information

Status
Maintenance and Update Frequency
Geographic Reference GDA2020 (EPSG:7844)
Geo bounding box {"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[137.5,-34.5],[138,-34.5],[138,-33.5],[137.5,-33.5],[137.5,-34.5]]]}
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