Regional gold exploration in the Mundogie Range, South Alligator Valley, NT, April 1987.

Abstract

The report describes a helicopter supported stream sediment sampling programme conducted in April 1987. The programme commenced using vehicles but access at that time of year is poor. Two samples of 3- 5kg were collected from 72 of 97 planned sites. Sample density approached one sample per two square kilometres. One sample was analysed by cyanide leach method (detection limit 0.05ppb), while the other was screened to -80# and then fire assayed with a 0.05ppm detection limit. All samples contained detectable gold with cyanide leach method, with a maximum value of 14.2ppb. After statistical analysis, a threshold of 1ppb was selected. 13 sites gave anomalous values. The samples drain from an area mapped as unmineralised sandstone. The results are thought to indicate pervasive gold mineralisation with local concentrations in anomalous areas. A programme of follow- up is recommended.