Annual report on 1978 exploration, McArthur River

Abstract

Photo-interpretative geological maps were prepared over the Caranbirini anomaly defined last year. The maps outline basinal structures known to contain the prospective Barney Creek Formation. A gravity survey outlined a +4 Milligal Bouguer anomaly overlying a basinal structure. Percussion drilling on the margins of the basin intersected pyritic shales of the Barney Creek Fm at shallow depths, but with marginal base metals. Two holes were precollared in the centre of the basin in preparation for diamond drilling. One diamond hole completed to 632m intersected intersected a thick sequence of Barney Ck Fm with a number of sections containing fine-grained pyrite. Assays are not yet available. Two areas for follow-up; M12 Input Zone, and Caranbirini will be targetted in a comprehensive exploration programme next year.