Report on 1974 investigations

Abstract

This report summarises exploration completed during the year 1974 on various areas in Exploration Licence No 119. The reduced Exploration Licence during 1974 totals 59, 509 hectares (230 square miles) and comprises an irregular shaped area Lying between longitudes 132 35?E and 132 54?E and latItudes 13 26? 20?S and 13? 57? 20?S. The area Includes the head-waters of the South Alligator River, comprising Fisher Creek, Malone Creek and Dinner Creek and the head-waters of the Katherine River, Gimbat Creek and Turn Off Creek. The Katherine River between its Junction with Gimbat Creek and Birdie Creek closely follows the south-eastern boundary of the exploration licence area. Uranium oxide has been produced from Coronation Hill, 63 tonnes in the north -eastern part of the area and from Sleisbeck, 2.7 tonnes, in the south-eastern part of the exploration licence area. In the Sleisbeck Area, an area of 1500 hectares was investigated by semi-detailed radiometric gridding, geological mapping, radon emanometery, track etch surveying and geochemical sampling. One hundred and four auger drill holes totalling 446.7 metres were completed. Several anomalies were defined which require additional investigation. The Coronation Hill Area of approxImately 250 hectares was investigated by track etch and geochemical surveys. One anomaly defined by these surveys may require further investigation. Three airborne radiometric anomalies, numbered 3-110, 3-117 and 3-123 were investigated by radiometric gridding and geological mapping. Conclusions were; 1. The rocks of the Sleisbeck area reach a metamorphic grade of upper greenschist to lower amphibolite and are possibly correlatable with the Masson Formation. 2. Several Anomalies have been defined in the Sleisheck area which require evaluation. 3, Anomalies 3-110, 3-117 and 3-123 were evaluated but could he explained by their proximinity to Sleisbeck. 4. A nickel anomaly was defined at Coronation Hill. Recommendations were; 1. Sleisbeck anomaly SF should be investigated by rotary- percussion drilling. 2, Sleisbeck anomaly SB should be inspected by a small rotary- percussion drill programme.