1952 McArthur River prospect, Northern Territory

Abstract

In June this year 150 square miles of McArthur River country were reserved under Section 147 of the Northern Territories Mining Ordinance. After a preliminary investigation by Mr. King, a geological mapping and diamond drilling programme was commenced in August. This programme has now been suspended until after the wet season and is to be continued as soon as conditions permit. The two principal occurrences of lead and zinc in the Pre-Cambrian limestones of the McArthur River area have been mapped geologically. There are no other showings of comparable size, but many minor occurrences are known. Subsequent to detailed mapping the higher grade areas of the Bulburra occurrence have been partially tested by diamond drilling. Owing to inaccessibility during the wet weather the drilling programme has been suspended until April, 1953. The two holes so far put down on Bulburra (total footage 3l5 feet) have been disappointing but assays of the material brought back have been better than expected and as soon as operations are resumed the remainder of the core, now stored at the site, will be sampled and assayed. Cook's showing deserves further testing. It is recommended that a further 200 feet of drilling be done at Bulburra to complete the test of the downward extension of the mineralization. As originally intended, Cook's showing should be tested after completion at Bulburra, also the three shafts should be mapped and sampled.