Annual report on EL 1510, for the period ending 25 July 1981

Abstract

Alluvial tin deposits are present within the area and can be economically mined, depending of course on the continued price levels of tin. These deposits have been tested by trenching in selected areas. Earlier testing by drilling gave spurious results, in that the grade was lower than the actual grade. Drilling has been suggested, especially auger drilling, as a cheaper means of testing these alluvial deposits. However, it was known from early work in the area by Snow Fabian of Destiny Prospecting Pty Ltd the holder of the Exploration License that the alluvial tin distribution is 'patchy' and that because of this, large samples would have to be taken and the tin content determined to ascertain the true average tin values. Thus, extensive dish sampling of trenches was used to prove the viability or otherwise of the area. Hardrock tin and gold workings in the area were researched and field studies carried out. From this work and from verbal advice from geologist A. Vanderplank, it is apparent that the present workings are worthy of testing and that new ones may be undiscovered as yet. Boylings tin mine is very probably structurally controlled, being at the intersection of two prominent joints or small faults. Thus it is concluded that further exploration and testing should be carried out on the 'hard rock' prospects of the area. However, the 'hard rock' prospects are of lower priority than the alluvial prospects. Restoration of areas where significant disturbance of the ground surface has occurred during the life of the exploration licence should be carried out under the guidance of the Department of Mines and Energy staff. The alluvial deposits of tin found in the area are related to previous cycles of weathering, and not to the present cycle. Laterite Terraces in the area are probably part of the 'Tennant Creek Surface' as defined by Hays (1968), and are related to the best alluvial tin deposits found.