EL 6940 Harts Range Region NT annual report to NT Dept. of Mines and Energy for period to 12-08-1994.

Abstract

The hard rock potential of the area to produce coarse garnets for the abrasive industry was examined. From this examination it was apparent that garnet grade is variable though generally low and cost of extraction high. With this in mind it is obvious that it is unviable to look at a hard rock source and so this avenue of investigation is discontinued. Investigation of a number of creeks indicates that the overall garnet grades are low (3-7% by volume) with patches of richer grades associated with trap sites. All potential alluvial sources, except central Florence Creek are perceived as uneconomic. It is perceived that other industrial minerals may be extracted as a by product with little additional cost and dependent upon market forces, may add to the economic viability of the project.