Final Group Annual Report for South Batten GR432 EL 30846, EL 31014 and EL 31100 reporting period 1 January 2019 to 22 November 2019

Abstract

Between 3 March 2016 and 2 July 2018, MMG was granted 22 exploration tenements in the McArthur Basin. These were combined as the South Batten Group Reporting area (GR432). At the end of 2018 MMG made a decision to withdraw from its exploration programs in the McArthur River region of the Northern Territory. Three Exploration Licences in the project group were retained to complete community commitments and were subsequently relinquished on 22 November 2019 upon completion of those commitments. The three retained licences were EL 31846, EL 31014 and EL 31100. The primary exploration target for MMG is zinc-lead deposits in black shales of the McArthur Group. Initial field reconnaissance was conducted in 2016 and 2017 to assess access into areas for proposed drilling and program logistics. Exploration activities consisted mainly of desktop studies and field reconnaissance exercises in the Tanumbirini, Letterbox and Glyde River areas. In 2018 an external consultant was engaged to develop a detailed structural history and solid geology interpretation of the Glyde area using regional-scale geophysical datasets and camp-scale surveys (Falcon GD and GeoTEM). In 2018 the learnings to date were used to design a major field campaign in 2018 including ground geophysics (IP) at Tanumbirini and a proposed heli-rig drilling program at Glyde River. Unfortunately ground disturbing exploration activities in the South Batten Group Reporting area experienced significant delays due to long wait times on obtaining AAPA cultural heritage clearance surveys and a Mine Management Plan. In 2018 helicopter supported field reconnaissance and surface sampling was undertaken on the South Batten Group Reporting tenements, there was no ground disturbing works (drilling or IP surveys). For the current reporting period, a total of AUD $301,200 was spent on the 3 remaining South Batten project tenements.