Combined mineral exploration report NT-1 and NT-2 mineral exploration licences for the period 18 January 1997 to 17 january 1998

Abstract

The tenements are being evaluated for their marine alluvial placer diamond potential. During the reporting period eight 16-inch diameter cased reconnaissance holes have been drilled with the barge Gulf Explorer at two localities, namely VGO1 within NT-2-MEL and VGO2 within NT-1-MEL. The aim of the drill program was to determine the characteristics of the target channel inferred to be associated with the modern Victoria River system. At site VGO1 five holes were drilled at an approximate spacing of 20m and to a depth of 30 to 42m. The target zone was an interpreted fluvio-deltaic channel and was found to be composed of a complex sequence of imbedded sands, clays and gravels. At site VGO2 three holes were drilled to depths varying from 14 to 21m within a radius of 100m. The target zone was an interpreted transgressive coarse sand or gravel overlying an irregular unconformity, drilling confirmed the presence of the unconformity but only silt with some coarse carbonate clasts were intersected. The samples derived from the above holes were treated on the on board process plant of the Gulf Explorer. Neither diamonds nor indicator minerals were recovered. Within NT-2-MEL Holocene depositional and erosional features were also targeted and one vibrocore hole was drilled and seven dredge samples were obtained. At the same sites water quality samples were also acquired. One vibrocore and two dredge samples were selected for the heavy mineral separation and microscopic identification. No diamonds or indicator minerals were recovered.