Continuing exploration of the basal Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequence in the north-eastern Flinders Ranges for possible economic stratiform/stratabound Kapunda or Blinman - type copper mineralisation has concentrated on detailed 1:1200 and 1:4800 scale geological mapping and soil sampling of the geochemically anomalous Blue Mine Conglomerate unit at some previously identified secondary copper - mineralised prospects, with most activity centred on the historic Mount McTaggart prospect, situated 18 miles south-west of Arkaroola Homestead, which was re-discovered by S. Carthew in 1970. Here North Flinders Mines have now carried out gridding followed by ground magnetic and IP surveys, which outlined a strong magnetic high, exceeding 4000 gammas, plus some shallow IP conductors, that partly coincide with north-east trending Cu anomalism in soil over an area of 1400 feet x 500 feet. Percussion drilling of this prospect in late 1971 (10 holes for a total of 3457 feet) has encountered primary magnetite-pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralisation, apparently related to a steeply west-dipping hydrothermal alteration zone containing large recrystallised quartz reefs. The best downhole mineralised intercept was 70 feet averaging 1.09% Cu between 105-175 feet depth in hole A7. From mid-1971 the licensee was actively seeking a joint venture majority partner to help fund the testing of deeper, complex stratigraphic/structural targets within subcrop of the Blue Mine Conglomerate, such as at the Coup prospect located 6 miles north-east of Arkaroola Homestead. In May 1972 Shell Minerals accepted the offer to participate, and reviewed the licence for its potential to host Zambian - type syngenetic / stratabound copper occurrences. Shell carried out detailed section mapping of the Blue Mine Conglomerate and associated Adelaidean marine sedimentary units in an attempt to find evidence for this kind of mineralisation, but was unable to establish the existence of a widespread reducing depositional environment or of many other important Copperbelt (Katanga Supersuite) stratigraphic characteristics. Additional detailed examination of all of the main copper occurrences in the Wooltana area led the company to the conclusion that structure was the critical control on mineralisation. Shell also conducted detailed stream sediment sampling over the Skillogalee Dolomite, east of the Paralana Fault, but failed to outline any areas with anomalous zinc which might point to buried replacement mineralisation of Beltana type. The lack of exploration success persuaded it to exit the joint venture in October 1972.