Annual Report on EL 3059 Point Stuart, period ending 12-9-83-12-9-84.

Abstract

EL 3059 was considered to possess a favourable geological setting to host uranium mineralisation. Exploration activities to locate such mineralisation were restricted due to limited access to the areas of interest and the thickness of cover. Emphasis shifted to an evaluation of lime sand and shell grit deposits associated with the coastal dunes and accumulations up to 10 km inland. The study included detailed photogeological mapping of sand ridges, a literature review relating to sand grit deposits of Chambers Bay, geological traverses, the collection of bulk samples for chemical analysis and preliminary resource estimation. Five bulk samples of coast deposits and from Sampan Creek were assayed at the Department of Mines and Energy. After riffling, samples were subject to dry and wet screening tests. The coarser the material, the the higher the CaCO3 content and lower SiO2. The average grade of the five samples varies between 62% to 78% CaCO3 with negligible MgCO3, Fe2O3 and Al2O3. The SiO2 content varies between 21.2% to 24.8%. The high SiO2 could be dealt with by washing. The split at 500 microns recovers 64% of the total CaCO3 at an average grade of 91.77% CaCO3 and 5.68% SiO2. Additional tests are recommended.