Partial relinquishment report on EL 7190 (Hodgson Downs) for the period 13-02-1991 to 12-02-1995

Abstract

Exploration for diamonds, base metals and gold was carried out over the relinquished portion of EL 7190. Thematic Mapper imagery and air photos were examined prior to the commencement of fieldwork. No anomalous features thought indicative of ultramafic intrusives were observed. Reconnaissance heavy mineral stream sediment sampling for diamonds was completed, and possible kimberlitic indicator minerals, mainly being spinels, were obtained. Infill samples confirmed the anomalous nature of a number of catchments. The indicator minerals are of low interest and probably being derived from a secondary source of Cretaceous sediments. The reconnaissance geochemical data revealed only weakly anomalous values in an environment which does not seem very conductive to mineralisation, and only a limited geochemical programme was carried out in 1992 within the relinquished portion. This programme involved stream sediment BLEG and rock chip sampling. Stream sediment and rock chip sampling was also carried out in 1994 in order to confirm elevated base metal results from the 1991 programme. The results were not anomalous and do not warrant further work.