Report on exploration activity EL 4226 for the period 26-05-1986 to 25-05-1987

Abstract

Exploration work on EL 4226 has been directed toward evaluating the gold bearing alluvial gravels along the main creeks and establishing tracks to provide access to the area. Air photograph mapping was carried out over the area as part of a broader regional study. Follow-up work in the field was then carried out in which the air photo maps were checked and measurements taken of gravel thicknesses in creek incisions and in old mining pits. Pan sampling was done in most of the creeks and a few quartz stringers were dollied to obtain a rough estimate of gold content. The main auriferous gravel body occurs in Elbow Creek which drains northwestward from Metro ('Big') Howley and a resource of 104,100 m3 of gold bearing gravels is identified here. Pan sampling indicates that grades are variable but probably average about 0.4 g/LCM. A possible palaeochannel is identified to the north of Metro Howley which flowed parallel to strike on the east side of the crest of the Howley Anticline. The channel is partly obscured by soil and slope debris but an estimated 12,500 m3 of high grade gravels may occur here. Large gravel spreads lie in the creeks draining northeastward in the northern part of the EL but these appear to be barren due to the position of the watershed which is situated to the east of the Anticlinal crest in the northern half of the EL. In the southeast, headwater tributaries of Dam Creek drain the Anticline at Metro Howley. In EL 4847, which lies to the east of EL 4226, good gold grades and high volumes have been evaluated in this drainage system and it is assumed that the auriferous gravels carry into EL 4226 but volumes will be low. A resource of 45,000 m3 is estimated within EL 4226 in the Dam Creek headwaters.