Monthly reports on AP 1782, February 1968 to September 1968

Abstract

We refer to out previous monthly reports on this subject (the last of which was dated 23rd August, 1968). A broad summary of the work done to date on behalf of Northern Territory Minerals NL is; A base camp was set up and all supporting facilities such as light and water and the provision of food and supplies established. This was done in conjunction with a camp erected for the purpose of rehabilitating the Pioneer and Poseidon Mines. A broad reconnaissance was made of the entire Prospecting Authority. Assistance was derived from aerial photographs of the area. A detailed inspection was made of the entire area. As the area had already been mapped by the Bureau of Mineral Resources, it was found satisfactory to plot all observations on the maps of previous workers. It became apparent from steps (a) and (b) above that very little additional information would be secured from ground surveys. The area has been thoroughly prospected in the past both by prospectors and by the Bureau of Mineral Resource Geologists. However, a number of previously unreported mineralised areas were detected and these are noted in the enclosed report. The problem then became one of exploring the areas considered to have maximum potential for economic mineralisation. The possibility of diamond drilling was carefully considered and at this stage has been rejected. The mineralisation in the Hatches Creek area is erratic. A wide zone can be followed by a narrow zone a few feet further along the strike. One firing can turn a barren face into a high grade face. Hence it was thought that dimond drill intersections would not necessarily be indicative of average grade or widths. It was then decided that as areas with the most potential were adjacent to existing old mines, testing of these areas would best be done by development from these old mines. Two of the best areas are those adjacent to the Pioneer Mine group and the Treasure Group and are already held by Northern Territory Minerals. First emphasis here has been on the Pioneer group of mines where all the existing shafts were rehabilitated and the McArthur shaft is currently being sunk. (Progress about 50 ft from the old existing face at time of writing). Discussions were held with the owners of all the groups of mines considered to have considerable additional potential; 1) Hit or Miss Group, 2) Masters Gully Group including Hen and Chicken, 3) Lady Hamilton Group, 4) Black Diamond Group, 5) Green Diamond Group. These negotiations led to satisfactory conclusions in all except the Hit or Miss Group. Inspection of and exploratory development from the above mines are not easy. All contain water and in most cases extensive rehabilitation of the shafts are necessary to gain access. This work however, has commenced on the Black Diamond, Green Diamond and Hen and Chicken mines. A geological report of the area has also been compiled from work done there by Aminco geologist, I Veale during August, and is attached. Pressure of work from commitments entered into prior to accepting the position of General Manager of Northern Territory Minerals has caused Aminco Pty. Ltd to resign from this position. This will not affect the position of the Mine Manager who has been an employee of Northern Territory Minerals NL since 1st July. Further progress reports on the results of exploration in the Authority will be arranged by Mr V Porich, Managing Director of Pioneer Mines NL who as you know is the principal shareholder in Northern Territory Minerals NL.