1967 Progress Report No.1, Phosphate search on AP1693 and AP1705

Abstract

A field investigation to test and study the sediments of the Daly River Basin for their phosphate content was undertaken. Most of the mapped rocks-units were investigated; but the TindalI Limestone and the Oolloo Limestones were the only formations whose phosphate content is higher than average, i.e. greater than 0.5% P205. The Oolloo Limestone was not studied in detail since the higher P205 content was not persistent. However, the Tindall Limestone was undoubtedly deposited when the Middle Cambrian seas contained a relatively high phosphorous content. This unit, therefore, warrants further investigation. It is recommended that petrological studies on the samples collected, together with a review of logs of existing holes be made in order to predict where, if any, a change to a more phosphatic facies is likely to occur. Macro- and micropalaeontological studies are also recommended to further delineate, if possible, time relationships within the Middle Cambrian members of the Tindall Limestone as well as within the members of the Jinduckin Formation and the Oolloo Limestone.