TARGET: (Stockdale) Diamonds in the Elliston region, related to possible kimberlite primary sources that may be associated with the deep-seated Polda Trough structural feature; (BHP) Mineral sands in Tertiary sediments. EXPLORATION: Stockdale conducted heavy mineral sampling of skeletal soils, semi-detailed airborne magnetic-radiometric surveys (Aerodata), and follow-up ground magnetic and TEM profiling plus aircore drilling (21 holes totalling 872 m). BHP conducted reconnaissance open rotary shallow stratigraphic drilling (14 holes totalling 327 m) on road traverses. RESULTS: Three non-diamondiferous kimberlitic intrusions, buried under 4-15 m of Quaternary - Tertiary cover, were discovered by drilling of selected magnetic anomalies. A Sirotem survey was conducted over the kimberlite body located at anomaly SH14 to attempt to define the intrusion size and depth extent, but due to a restricted EM response, the results were inconclusive. Because of the inferred barren nature of the kimberlites, Stockdale elected to withdraw from further exploration of the licence area. The BHP drilling, over an interpreted ancient marine coastal embayment extending eastwards from Talia Station, indicated only low grade heavy mineral sands (< 0.5% HM, rutile poor) within Tertiary strata that underlie relatively thick Quaternary cover.