Final report for EL 24279 Oldyard Project, 7 February 2005 to 6 February 2008

Abstract

The Oldyard project (EL24279) is located 125km south west of Katherine along the Victoria Highway, and centred about 12 km south of Willeroo, straddling the Victoria and Buntine Highways. The area is considered to be prospective primarily for deposits of copper/ nickel, with secondary potential for diamond deposits, though other target concepts are also of interest. The geology is dominated by Lower Cambrian Antrim Plateau (Basaltic) Volcanics. During the initial phase of exploration on EL24279, in 2005 - 2006, work consisted of: - Literature research of previous exploration, geological survey and geophysical survey over the EL and surrounding district. - Data compilation. - Acquisition and interpretation of departmental geological and airborne geophysical data sets. - Research on the geology and exploration signatures encountered in the district, including discussion with former Ashton Mining personnel. - Planning for a field reconnaissance sampling program. The review of previous work revealed that although the sampling density for diamonds in the area was lower it was most likely adequate to reveal any kimberlite occurrences. Though there had been some encouragement from anomalous chromites these results could not be repeated upon follow up. During the 2006-2007 field season exploration conducted included: - Field geological reconnaissance. - Reconnaissance -200micron (-80#) stream sediment sampling and geochemical analysis. - Reconnaissance -1.2mm heavy mineral sampling, processing and mineralogical analysis for diamonds. - Rock chip float and outcrop sampling and geochemical analysis - Liaison with personnel and management of Willeroo Station - Database Compilation - Reporting on results for 2006-2007 No further exploration was conducted during the 2007-2008 field season.