Preliminary report on AP 1386 Port Keats rutile project, NT

Abstract

A programme of drilling and assaying of sand deposits of beach, strandline and dune types has been carried out at Port Keats, to locate concentrations of rutile and zircon. No concentrations of economic significance were found and the area is to be relinquished. Drilling was carried out at either 100 or 200 foot centres. Concentrations were separated twice in bromoform. Light amber coloured rutile was found to be only 1-2%; zircon ranges from 10-15%. Ilmenite, minor magnetite and little hematite are present. Xenotime or brookite constitutes 1-5% of some concentrates. Other minerals reported include traces of monazite, hyacinth zircon and corundum.