Fourth annual and final surrender report for EL 25575 Short Range

Abstract

EL 25575 was pegged to explore for IOCGU mineralisation, vein-type and unconformity-type uranium mineralisation. EL 25575 is underlain by the radiometrically ?hot? Warrego Granite and unexplained uranium anomalies found by previous explorers were worth further investigation. It was worked in conjunction with other Rum Jungle titles, notably the contiguous EL 25874 and EL 24835. There is a large radiometric anomaly called Windgap in the northwest of EL 25575 but much of this area has been sterilised from exploration by the gas pipeline and railway corridors. There is a smaller isolated anomaly in the southwest which is also within the railway corridor. The relatively high uranium concentrations seen in groundwater in parts of the EL do not appear to reflect a very local source ie they are not related to the directly underlying Warrego Granite. The implication is that this groundwater has flowed in from elsewhere. Rum Jungle drilled almost 1000 m of RC in seven holes over two campaigns. These holes were targeted mainly on geophysical anomalies. No economic mineralisation was discovered. Evaluation of historical core from the Windgap uranium anomaly suggested anomalous uranium, thorium and zinc. A diamond drill hole was planned at Windgap in conjunction with drilling on adjacent EL 25874 and EL 24835. An archaeological survey was completed over the proposed drilling area in EL 25575 and radiometric surveying was carried out to determine the best drill hole position. An access track was put in to the proposed drill site. However, the hole was never drilled because of lack of success on adjacent EL 25874 and EL 24835 and because of poor access after a record wet season. Reconnaissance surface sampling and handheld XRF and spectrometer surveys revealed nothing else of interest. A final desktop study and review downgraded the prospectivity relative to other Rum Jungle ELs and projects. In particular, the falling uranium price, community attitudes to uranium after the Japanese reactor problems and NT Government attitudes (eg Angela) meant that Rum Jungle was better focused on its success at Barrow Creek 1 phosphate. EL 25575 was surrendered.