Progress report on exploration of EL 4218 Great Eastern Area for 1986

Abstract

Whilst the Adelaide River - Pine Creek region of Lower Proterozoic rocks contain several significant gold deposits of the quartz vein stockwork style and the stratiform gold style, the Bureau of Mineral Resources - because of insufficient detailed geology over the whole region - are still in the process of radically revising their stratigraphic correlations. Geophysical exploration for gold in the area does not seem to offer a reasonable return because sulphides are widespread and not necessarily associated with gold. Geochemical prospecting for gold would seem to be of little value in the area, other than rock analysis. It is suggested that the best method for sampling ground where old eluvial workings are found would be by trenching, as used by Blanchard of MIM at the Cosmopolitan Howley. For deeper testing, percussion drilling is likely to be useless or misleading, and large diameter diamond drilling would be preferred. The work programme on the EL for the past year primarily involved extensive evaluation by a number of consultants with the view to securing an operator to continue ongoing exploration. On the basis of the work carried out to date the Exploration Licence remains prospective for gold mineralisation either of vein stockwork or stratiform style. Whilst work carried out to date has largely been of a regional and reconnaissance nature, further reconnaissance prospecting will continue as outlined in the forward programme. The joint-venture agreement with Grants Patch Mining Limited will provide operational expertise particularly in prospect selection and ground follow up programmes.