Combined annual report EL 5954 'Benda Bluff' and EL 9275 'Collara Mountains', year ending 28-03-2000

Abstract

Exploration conducted within EL 5954 Benda Bluff and EL 9275 Collara Mountains during the reporting period includes gravel, loam, stream sediment, soil and rock grab sampling, soil auger and RAB drilling, an aeromagnetic interpretation and geological mapping. Gravel sample data indicate the presence of 13 microdiamonds, 3 macrodiamonds and other kimberlitic indicator minerals distributed in a number of drainage catchments in EL 5954. Data identify one area in north-west EL 5954 containing two macrodiamonds, three microdiamonds and multiple chromite grains. A review of open file NT Department of Minerals and Energy airborne magnetic data was undertaken with the aim to identify magnetic features with possible kimberlite pipe signatures. A total of 24 magnetic features were identified. 6 loam samples were collected within the ELs in order to test the key airborne magnetic features identified. The loam samples contained no kimberlitic indicator minerals. A total of five 20 kg dolerite rock samples were submitted to Belmont Mineral Laboratory. The lab failed to retrieve chromite from any samples. Stream sediment, soil, rock grab, soil auger and RAB samples provide no leads toward significant base metal mineralisation within EL 5954 and EL 9275. However the data indicates four main stream sediment anomalies with maximum 240ppm Zn and 140ppm Pb. Soil sample results from the Wilton Zn-Pb anomaly show sporadic elevated Zn (max 112ppm) and Pb (max. 98ppm), and results from the Zn-Cu anomalies show sporadic elevated Zn and Cu values above dolerite sills. No significant assay results were obtained from the rock grab samples, and the soil auger samples. RAB drilling identified sporadic elevated base metals in samples, to maximum values of 805ppm Zn, 230ppm Pb, 92ppm Cu and 7ppm Ag.