Annual report March 1990 to March 1991, ELs 5689 and 5801, Kulgera (includes EL 6509 since August 1990 and EL 7060 since November 1990).

Abstract

NT evaporites are investigating the possibilities of harvesting evaporite minerals and other useful products from playa salt lake sediments or from the evaporation of the brines. Assessment of the licences suggest that carbonate deposits and silica deposits have little commercial value. Zeolite minerals have been associated with a dolomite facies in two BMR holes. It is believed that this dolomite facies may be quite extensive. Drilling is required to confirm this. Geochemical conditions suggest that there is the potential for economic sepiolite clay deposits. Weathering of Devonian shale has produced bentontic smectite clays. The extent and pervasiveness of this weathering is unknown. Evaporites dominate the licence area. The amount of evaporite available is not known.