Second annual report for EL 25151 Mulga Park year ending 24 September 2008

Abstract

Work carried out consisted of searches for further areas of the gemstone Viridine (Manganese Andalusite). There are two small areas of Viridine, discovered by the NTGS during mapping, capping the south-west part of the Kelly Hills. Most of this schist outcrop is highly weathered and may not yield useful crystals of Viridine which are very abundant in the schist host rock. No further areas of interest were found after an extensive search. An application for a Site Clearance through the Central Land Council (CLC) was abandoned because of lack of action. Currently an application is being prepared for lodgement with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA). It is proposed to open up the Viridine capping with a 15-20 tonne excavator once all approvals has been received. This exercise will determine if there are Viridine crystals suitable for cutting. Currently there is only one source of Viridine gems, of a small size (below 0.5 of a carat), coming out of Brazil. The potential at Kelly Hills is for gems up to 10 carats in size which would command a high value and a demand in the gem market due to their rarity. Viridine has a lime green-yellow colour.