1950 Report on the Home of Bullion copper mine, Northern Territory

Abstract

Mining at the Home of Bullion mine has been almost entirely confined to the high grade (20%) chalcocite ore between 120' and 180' vertical depth. This ore is shipped to Port Kembla via Alice Springs. The small size of the known deposit and rapid zoning in depth of the high grade secondary ore to primary ore (3.5% Cu.) (as proved by recent diamond drilling) immediately reduces interest in the prospect. Another serious drawback is the high cost of transport of ore from this relatively remote area. If local treatment of lower grade ore is considered (by concentration and/or smelting) lack of water supply and power must be overcome. Geological and geophysical evidences indicate possible concealed ore bodies associated with the known lodes, but most probably of small size and lacking the valuable secondary enrichment which makes the present mine possible. The decision to test the mine area by further drilling would appear to be warranted only if prospects of new and larger ore bodies existed in other parts of the district, little is known of the regional geology and until this is investigated, further testing is not recommended.