Final report, exploration and geology, EL 158.

Abstract

Since November 1973, Pacminex, the exploration branch of the CSR Minerals and Chemicals Division, has maintained an exploration programme on EL 158 in the East Alligator River Province of the Northern Territory. The Exploration Licence is held in the names of Alexander Allan Stewart, Patsy McDonald Cameron, James Frederick Boweditch, Albert Jospeh Young and Wolpers and Law Pty. Limited. In October, 1975, CSR entered into an agreement to explore the area to gain 100% equity in any developing project. Limited exploration was carried out in 1975 because of the impending wet season. Because the exploration licence will expire in May, 1977 field work was limited to the 1976 field season. Field work recommenced in May, 1976 when a camp was set up and exploration comprising geochemical sampling, radon track etch survey, ground radiometrics and drilling was carried out. This report details exploration results of the 1975 and 1976 field programmes. Recommendations for further action are included. Exploration work on EL 158 during the 1976 field season comprised geological mapping, radiometric traversing of the entire area of the exploration licence, geochemical and track etch sampling as a follow-on to the 1975 field work. Seven anomalous areas located by the above exploration methods were drilled. No significant uranium, base metal or gold values were located in the anomalies drilled. Other anomalous areas were located by soil geochemistry and track etch methods. However, from experience gained these are similar to those tested and may not warrant further investigation. Although the area covers a favourable environment any further exploration if considered warranted would be to probe by deep drilling the unoxidised, deep primary bedrock.