EL 1294 Napperby Annual report 1978/1979 on geological exploration.

Abstract

Exploration to date has been directed towards uranium search with base metals and tungsten providing secondary exploration targets. Ground follow-up of remaining unchecked airborne radiometric anomalies was completed during the reporting period.

A final prospecting check was carried out over areas of contact between calc-silicate rocks and Napperby Granite south of the Reynolds Range on EL 1294. Ground checking of further twenty three airborne radiometric anomalies was carried out on EL 1294 and has downgraded all anomaly areas. No surface radioactivity or uranium geochemistry of significance was recorded. Further exploration of the Napperby Granite in the south-west corner of EL 1294 (8) has delineated a number of small occurrences of secondary uranium mineralisation on outcrops of gneissic granite. Mineralisation occurs on surface 'flakes' of weathered granite and appears to be confined to large smooth, 'platforms' of gneissic granite. Anomalous radioactivity up to 15 x background (U-channel) was recorded during foot traverses over the 'hot' areas. Rock chip values in the range 190 to 1620 ppm U308 were recorded from areas of secondary uranium mineralisation. Stream sediment and heavy mineral concentrate sampling over areas draining calc-silicate and carbonate rich rocks within EL 1294 has indicated no significant tin or tungsten anomalies worthy of follow-up work. No base metal geochemistry of significance was identified from stream sediment and rock chip sampling within EL 1294. Additional work is required for a more detailed evaluation of the areas of secondary uranium mineralisation delineated in the south-west corner of the tenement. It is recommended that area E.L. 1294 (8) be retained for further examination. It is considered that the area covered by E.L. 1294 (A) has been adequately explored and no further work is warranted. This area is recommended for immediate relinquishment.