EL 32682 Annual Technical Report 2022 Final Report

Abstract

ARC Marlborough Pty Ltd was granted Minerals Exploration Licence 32682 for a term starting from 4 October 2021 to 18 April 2023. This license covers an area known as Ongeva Creek, situated approximately 100km northeast of Alice Springs within the southern Northern Territory. Spanning 50 sub-blocks across the Irindina and Aileron Provinces of the Arunta Region, the EL was chosen due to its potential for rare earth elements (REE), primarily associated with pegmatites and metasomatic zones identified by previous exploration efforts. Activities during the reporting period focused on reviewing historical exploration data and establishing a Geographic Information System (GIS) database. This review aimed to gain insights into regional and local mineralization processes, aiding in the identification of areas within EL 32682 with potential for economically viable REE mineralization. Additionally, airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets, along with ASTER multispectral imagery, were analysed. The project area has been subject to exploration efforts by various companies since the early 1970s, targeting diverse commodities such as gold, copper, base metals, diamonds, and uranium. Barfuss Corporation Pty Ltd conducted significant work in the Spinifex Gully area within EL 25430 from 2006 to 2011, discovering zones of anomalous REE geochemistry correlated with pegmatites and metasomatic zones. Yacimiento Pty Ltd held EL 32128 over the similar area to EL 32682 till the end of 2020. Despite thorough examinations of regional datasets and imagery, no new exploration targets or significant alteration zones were identified. Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions prevented any fieldwork during the reporting period. ARC Marlborough was unable to conduct fieldwork due to COVID-19. Regrettably, no economically viable REE mineralization areas were found within EL 32682 during this period, leading to the proposal of surrendering the license.