Annual report EL 26978, 23 July 2010 to 22 July 2011

Abstract

The area of interest occurs within the boundary of the Wiso Basin and the titleholders consider the licence area to be favourable for the discovery of upwelling-type phosphate deposits of a similar nature to that found in the Georgina Basin to the east of this locality. Phosphate has been located in water bores to the northeast and to the south of the licence. Field work in Year 2 consisted of reconnaissance traverses throughout the area to ascertain the available access routes through the licence area. Access across country was tried in a number of places but the shrub growth which consisted of Acacia, Turpentine Bush etc made this method of exploration impossible. Access was therefore limited to established roads and fencelines. There was a considerable amount of time spent on reconnaissance activities due to the difficulties of access. The majority of the licence area is covered by Cainozoic soils, usually of aeolian origin, so soil sampling was targeted to examine the B soil horizon. Rock Chip samples were collected when outcrop was found which was rarely. The Montejinni Limestone outcrops to the north of the licence in creeks to the east of the Flora Bore. Further to the northeast at the Delamere bore the limestone has been eroded off and the underlying volcanics are exposed. To the north of the Delamere Bore the Cretaceous claystones lie immediately above the Cambrian volcanics. The Lajamanu road follows a series of laterite ridges representing the highest points in the area.