Annual report Manton Dam area 26-05-1988 to 25-05-1989.

Abstract

Exploration licence 4424 is predominantly underlain by slates and dololulites of the Lower Proterozoic Whites Formation and slates, slltstones and quartzites of the overlying Wildman Stiltstone. Previous exploration in the 1960s by the BMR was aimed at uranium and base metals, Subsequent work by Geopeko Ltd. in the early 1980s concentrated on following up the BMR base metal anomalies. Five main lead geochemical anomalies were located, three of which occur alone the projected northern strike extensions of the Woodcutters Pb-Zn-Ag Mine. None of the previous exploration evaluated the area for gold mineralisation, and the easternmost section was not tested for base metals. Exploration in the current year aimed mainly to test as much of the area as possible for gold mineralisation. After extensive literature research, reconnaissance stream sediment and rock sampling was carried out. Anomalous gold values from the area to the east of the Stuart Highway were followed up by infill drainage and rock sampling. This area was also evaluated for base metals to complete the base metal coverage of the licence. The final gold and base metal results were generally disappointing, although the high prospectivity of the previously determined lead geochemical anomalies remains. The Woodcutters Mine grid baseline was reflagged and extended and surveying was carried out to enable accurate location control for future work and the pegging of mineral claims. Mineral claims were applied for over the westernmost three blocks prior to the relinquishment of two blocks on 25 May, 1989. 1) Previous exploration by the BMR and Geopeko Ltd. has adequately explored the entire licence area for base metals except for a section east of the Stuart Highway. This area was included in the current exploration programme and no additional anomalies were found. 2) Five lead geochemical anomalies were located by the 8MR. The two main anomalies (Li and L2) were confirmed by Geopeko. Drilling to date on both the L1 and L2 anomalies has produced some encouraging results, but is insufficient to fully evaluate them. 3) The northern strike extensions of the Woodcutters type Pb-Zn-Ag mineralisation are inferred to pass through the western three blocks of EL 4424, as delineated by the L1, L2 and L6 anomalies. This area is considered to be highly prospective for Pb-Zn-Ag mineralisation and has been covered by mineral claim applications. 4) Previous exploration has not tested the licence for gold. 5) Exploration in year three downgraded the gold potential of the licence although several possible targets remain in poorly outcropping areas.