Final report on exploration activities EL 1388 Tennant Creek, Northern Territory 30/09/1976 to 31/12/1981

Abstract

During 1977, 1155 line kilometres of airborne spectrometer and magnetometer surveys were undertaken over the Exploration Licence. The spectrometer survey resulted in a delineation of anomalies which coincided with outcrop. The airborne magnetic survey distinguished two primary features; (i) a northeast trending group of anomalies, most of which are covered by alluvium. Many of the anomalies are not covered by leases and thus this belt has been considered prospective; and (ii) a large anomaly over Queen of Sheba, (currently held under lease by Geopeko). During 1978, a detailed evaluation of this geohysica1 data was undertaken on behalf of Marathon Petroleum Ltd by RK Jones of Loxton Hunting and Associates. The interpretation delineates five magnetic zones with distinct characteristics, plus major regional faults and lineaments. The interpretation of the spectrometer survey failed to indicate significant uranium anomalies. In 1978, a photogeological study was undertaken over the eastern part of the Tennant Creek field by M Coupard, Loxton, Hunting and Associates Pty Ltd. In October 1978 a short programme of field checks and reconnaissance mapping was made by M.Coupard and a Marathon Petroleum Autralia Ltd geologist. This programme visited localities of particular interest. In 1979, RK Jones (Consultant Geophysicist), revised the 1978 geophysical interpretation and selected a low priority target anoma1y (G) within EL 1388; This was subsequently tested in October 1979 by a thirteen hole drill profile that aggregated 617 metres. A fault breccia was intersected in holes G6 and G7 with high copper values (up to 195pprn. l0 times background). In addition a rock chip geochemical sampling programme was undertaken in 1979 over areas in EL 1388. A total of four samples were taken with results being inconclusive. A 'base of slope'sampling programme was conducted during 1980, the results of which were disappointing. In 1981, a re-evaluation of all previous data collected was undertaken to determine the future strategy for exploration in EL 1388. In view of the poor results obtained from drilling, the rock chip and 'base of slope' sampling programmes, it is considered that the Licence holds little potential to host 'Tennant Creek type' mineralization.