The kaolin deposits located south-west of Poochera on northern Eyre Peninsula have formed by deep weathering of early to mid-Proterozoic crystalline basement rocks, which are now blanketed by late Tertiary to Quaternary terrestrial sediments. During the period 1984-1989, exploration for kaolin undertaken by private companies using widely spaced drilling outlined 3 broad areas of kaolinisation at Careys Well, Karcultaby South and Tomney. Inferred resources of 30 Mt of kaolinised bedrock were outlined at the Careys Well deposit. This included intersections made in 3 holes of kaolin having brightness and particle rheological properties which are acceptable for use in paper coating applications. The thickest intersection of high-grade kaolin was 8.9 m encountered below 10 m of overburden in hole CW10. High brightness kaolin with good rheological properties was intersected in the Karcultaby South area, but there the overburden is thicker, and consequently the extent of that deposit remains to be tested. Kaolinised bedrock, probably Lincoln Complex, is widespread in prospects around Tomney. The quality of kaolin there with respect to its brightness, rheological properties and particle morphology was very variable, and downgraded the prospects as a source of high-grade kaolin. Preliminary firing tests indicated that kaolin from the Careys Well deposit may be suitable for producing refractory chamotte. Areas of kaolin in the deposit having high natural brightness, a low concentration of impurities and a high yield of fine grained particles may also be suitable for use in making whiteware ceramics. Further drilling and sample testing are required to define the limits of the deposit and to delineate areas with respect to kaolin quality. Weathered Hiltaba Suite granite hosts the deposits at Careys Well and Karcultaby South, and is the preferred exploration target for high-grade kaolin in this region. Additional target areas, east of Streaky Bay and near Mount Hall and Mount Cooper, remain to be tested by reconnaissance drilling.