1973 Final report on exploration, EL 7 Anburla Prospect.

Abstract

Following a regional appraisal of areas prospective for sedimentary uranium deposits, an Exploration Licence covering 243 square miles (622 square km) located north-west of Alice Springs, Northern Territory, was applied for by Horizon Explorations Limited. Subsequent exploration was carried out by Horizon staff in terms of a Joint Venture Agreement with JOC Mineral Resources of Australia Pty. Ltd. but at the sole cost of JOC. Preliminary sampling of groundwater from bores in and around the Exploration Licence indicated that uranium in concentrations adequate to form deposits of the type sought is present. This is believed to have been derived from a bulk source in rocks of the Arunta Complex to the south-east. The Tertiary lithologies within the Exploration Licence were believed to present a suitable geological environment for economic uranium precipitation. Accordingly a programme of scout drilling was implemented. A total of 2,154 ft. (657m) was drilled in ten holes. All drill-cuttings were geologically logged, and selected samples analysed for Mo, Cu, V, U Water, if encountered in drilling, was also sampled and analysed for Cu, V, U and Carbonate/Bicarbonate. Gamma-ray Spectrograph Logs of each hole were obtained and in addition, spectrograph readings were taken from the drill-cuttings. The subsurface lithology consists of gravelly soils with sparse, narrow bands of sand and clay. The soils themselves may be either sandy or clayey. In places, a pure clay stratum overlies the basement. The surface has an ubiquitous cover of recent soil over calcrete. Gamma-radiation in the drill holes was low, the maximum spectrograph count being 240 c.p.s. This, together with the unsuitable lithologies, indicates that the area has no potential for peneconcordant sedimentary uranium deposits. Accordingly, it was recommended that no further work be undertaken.