Charley Creek South-East Project Partial Relinquishment Report EL 33007 05 August 2022 to 22 August 2024

Abstract

Exploration License (EL) 33007 lies entirely within Hamilton Downs Station pastoral land, approximately 75 km west-northwest of Alice Springs. The tenement spans diverse geological settings, including alluvial plains at the foothills of the West MacDonnell Range and outcrops of gneiss, paragneiss, and amphibolite along its southern boundary. These units have undergone retrogression and mylonitisation associated with the Redbank Thrust Zone. EL 33007 is situated within the Aileron and Warumpi Provinces of the Proterozoic Arunta Region, a mineral-rich area with demonstrated prospectivity for rare earth elements (REEs), uranium, base metals, and polymetallic deposits. Exploration activities targeted both sedimentary and hard rock REEs, inspired by the proximity of Crossland Nickel's Charley Creek alluvial REE and heavy mineral sands deposit. Office-based studies and reconnaissance efforts focused on evaluating the area's potential using modern geophysical tools such as a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyser and handheld scintillometers. Field campaigns conducted in 2022 and 2023 encountered challenging terrain, limiting sampling to pre-existing tracks and accessible flatlands. To address access issues, agricultural motorbikes were utilised, enabling collection of 188 surface samples, including 170 soil and 18 rock samples in the relinquished area. Geochemical analysis revealed no significant anomalies for target commodities, although pXRF and laboratory assays identified elevated levels of several elements, including Ce, La, Nd, Sm, and Cr. These findings highlight the region's potential for REE and polymetallic mineralisation despite the lack of immediate economic results. Logistical challenges, including dense scrub, rugged terrain, and limited access, hindered exploration efforts, particularly in the mountainous areas. The 2023 air-core drilling campaign was deferred due to pastoral access restrictions. Despite these limitations, EL 33007 remains a prospective area, with geological characteristics conducive to REEs, uranium, and base metal systems. In response to rising tenement costs and exploration priorities, URO Corporation relinquished the western and southern portions of EL 33007 to focus on higher-priority zones. While these areas are relinquished, the tenement's potential for diverse mineral systems remains promising, particularly in the retained regions, where future exploration will build upon insights gained during the license tenure.