EL 7519 Yinberrie South Mount Todd District Annual and final report on exploration for year ending 16 October 1996

Abstract

Stream sediment sampling within EL 7519 returned anomalous results associated with a granite-sediment contact, which elsewhere has been demonstrated to host significant zones of gold mineralisation. A small amount of rock chip sampling was carried out but only over areas of subdued stream sediment geochemistry. Soil sampling over the anomalous stream sediment drainages, delineated two linear anomalies, with peak values of 390 ppb and 260 ppb Au, related to north northwest trending quartz vein systems. It is concluded that further exploration, including infill soil sampling, geological mapping and rockchip sampling on these anomalies be undertaken to further define their extent. The anomalous area within EL 7519 is situated within the Yinberrie Hills which is of cultural significance to Aboriginal groups, and is the largest known natural breeding habitat of the Gouldian Finch. The threat to the Gouldian Finch by exploration activities is considered minimal but this assumption is yet to be verified. Monitoring of the bird and research into reasons for it's declining numbers in the wild is continuing, funded in part by Pegasus. Exploration on EL 7519 was suspended following an accidental clearing of a small portion of land in the Yinberrie Hills by contractors at the Mount Todd Gold Mine.