Report on investigations, Enterprise 2, Phospate Prospects, Strangways Range, NT

Abstract

Phosphate in the form of apatite, was noted along with titanium bearing magnetite and zircon in calcareous rocks of the Arunta complex six miles south of Mud Tank bore in the Strangways Range early in 1968. The deposit did not represent a new find but the tenor of some of the surface phosphate exposures suggested that economic quantities of phosphate might occur in the locality. Consequently a detailed geological and geophysical survey was undertaken and this was followed by a series of four diamond drill holes. Concurrently with the drilling of these holes a geological base map on photo-scale was complied for the area. Field work associated with this mapping revealed a further exposure of the phosphate bearing horizon several miles to the west of the original outcrops. This exposure gave an indicated strike length of phosphate rocks of about 3 miles and from the photo-scale mapping this bed could be interpreted as possibly existing over a total strike length slightly in excess of five miles. Results of the drilling were somewhat disappointing in both the phosphate grades indicated and the interpreted widths of phosphate rock. Consequently no further drilling has been undertaken since November 1968. This report sets out to appraise the overall programme and to recommend further action.