mesaSouth Australia journal Identification of strategic mineral resource areas Portia gold deposit: discovery to production New Minerals website New geology • Origin of sedimentary cover adjacent to the Hillside Cu–Au deposit • Definition and age of the Sprigg Diamictite Member • Mount Painter and WINTINNA geological maps
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Minister’s message
Tax reform that ensures South Australia is Two major capital projects continue to the best state in which to do business is a make progress – Nyrstar’s $563 million major theme of the 2015–16 State Budget. redevelopment of its Port Pirie smelter and It is a Budget that also proudly continues the Cavpower’s new $25 million Component state government’s unrivalled support of the Rebuild Centre at Gepps Cross. These projects mineral resources and energy sector and clearly demonstrate confidence in the future of the state’s minerals industry. More than complements our competitive royalty regime, $60 million in contracts have been awarded renowned precompetitive data and world’s best to South Australian companies for the Port regulation. Our tax reform package removes Pirie redevelopment covering a diverse stamp duty – an impediment to exploration range of supplies and services ranging from and investment – to further encourage miners manufacturing and construction to professional to transact, explore, invest and create jobs. and technical services. Cavpower’s new centre Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP We have created incentives for direct foreign will expand its rebuilding, repairs, maintenance Minister for Mineral Resources investment as well as allowing junior explorers and diagnostic services, and provide spare and Energy to focus on finding the next major discovery parts for heavy vehicles and machinery used rather than worry about tax imposts on primarily in mining and resources. transactions. A dedicated investment attraction Finally, I along with my ministerial colleague agency and fund is being established in South Stephen Mulligan, Minister for Transport and Australia to promote the attractiveness of this Infrastructure, were invited to speak in July state’s low-tax regime as well as our pro- at the 2015 South Australian Construction business policies such as this year’s substantial Materials Industry Dinner. This event provided reductions in Workers Compensation premiums. an excellent opportunity to release a report on the Identification of strategic mineral resource In recognition of the importance of securing and areas in South Australia. This is essential managing South Australia’s water resources – planning work for the future of South Australia a key component in resource exploration and that will make a positive contribution to the development projects – the Budget allocated environment, the broader economy and our $8 million over four years to fund the continued communities. By identifying strategic resources operation of South Australia’s renowned areas in South Australia, the Resource Area Goyder Institute of Water Research. The Budget Management and Planning project can help also continues the government’s commitment to minimise conflicts from incompatible to growing our regions including an upgrade of developments and preserve appropriate the Port Wakefield to Pine Point water supply. separation distances between quarry operations and residential areas, which in turn will reduce future supply and pricing problems.
Deputy Chief Executive’s message
It is pleasing to see that the government’s and at developing the new technologies efforts to provide explorers with a regulatory required for ongoing, cost-effective, successful framework that gives them the confidence to go mineral exploration beneath barren cover. out to find the next major discoveries are being Significantly, it is a world-first collaboration of validated. A prime example is the passing of mineral explorers, drillers, government and the Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera research institutes – the Geological Survey of Prohibited Area) Bill 2014 legislation 12 months South Australia, Deep Exploration Technologies ago which opened the door to explorers wanting to target the considerable mineral Cooperative Research Centre (DET CRC), resources in the Woomera Prohibited Area mineral explorers Minotaur Exploration and (WPA). Despite the challenges the industry is Kingston Resources, and drilling company Boart facing due to the downturn in global commodity Longyear. Dr Paul Heithersay prices, 59 exploration licences covering 18 460 2 Deputy Chief Executive, km have been granted within the WPA. This In closing, I would like to commend Mineral Resources and Energy Group is a great example of Defence and mining Resources Division’s contribution to the working together to harness opportunity, to government’s Northern Economic Plan (NEP) to create jobs and unlock resources. reinvigorate Adelaide’s northern suburbs. An online information system is being developed I am thrilled that drilling has commenced for stakeholders utilising SARIG technology to for the inaugural PACE Frontiers Mineral Systems Drilling Program. This new and deliver NEP Project location maps on a NEP innovative program is designed to improve website. The maps will enable users to spatially our understanding of the geology of the highly locate projects and provide a customised view prospective eastern Gawler Craton Olympic and some general information relating to the Copper–Gold Province (northern Eyre Peninsula) project.
2 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Contents
48 20 67
News 71 Events 75 Mineral tenement activity
2 Minister’s message 83 Petroleum and geothermal tenement activity 2 Deputy Chief Executive’s message 89 People 5 Identification of strategic mineral resource areas 91 Field guide to understanding the geological in South Australia landscape of Arkaroola 7 New requirements for the submission of exploration PEPRs and compliance reports 8 Novel solutions take Portia gold deposit from Features discovery to production 12 Industry news New geology 16 New Minerals website – delivering resource information and data to industry and the 27 Origin of Eocene sedimentary cover adjacent community to the Hillside Cu–Au deposit: detrital zircon provenance of Quartoo Sand Member – 18 National Virtual Core Library: South Australian Joel Vergunst, Anthony J Reid and Steven M Hill additions 37 New Mount Painter region 1:100 000 geological 20 Halloysite mineral nanotubes – geology, map – Stephen B Hore and Wayne M Cowley properties and applied research 42 Definition and age of the enigmatic Sprigg 26 Roger Goldsworthy AO – supporting Diamictite Member, northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia’s resources sector South Australia – Stephen B Hore, Anthony J Reid and Steven M Hill 62 Five-year company mineral exploration information release 55 WINTINNA 1:250 000 geological map (1st edition) and explanatory notes – 67 Faults, flows and fumaroles: a journey through Malcolm J Sheard the geology of New Zealand
Inquiries Subscriptions Back issues in good faith for general information which may be directly or indirectly Cover MESA Journal Manager, Subscription to South Australia’s Previous articles can be searched only and does not purport to be suffered as a consequence of use of Paralana Hot Springs, Arkaroola. Resources and Energy Group, quarterly earth resources journal is for and downloaded via SARIG or a professional advice. No warranty, these materials. DSD reserves the right Work by the Geological Survey in this Department of State Development free. You can receive a hard copy and/ complete set of MESA Journals with express or implied, is given as to the to update, amend or supplement the area has resulted in the release of a GPO Box 320, Adelaide SA 5001 or email notification of availability on a full text search capability can be completeness, correctness, accuracy, information from time to time at its geological field guide to Arkaroola 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA the DSD website. Subscribe online. ordered via SARIG. reliability or currency of the materials. discretion. and a new edition Mount Painter Phone: +61 8 8463 3000 © Government of South Australia DSD and the Crown in the right of Warning map – see articles on pp. 26 and [email protected] Contributions 37–41. Photograph by Steve Hore. Disclaimer the state of South Australia do not Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Contributions are invited provided they accept responsibility for and will not (Photo 414457) 204627 Although all reasonable care has are warned that this publication are relevant to South Australia and be held liable to any recipient of the been taken in the preparation and may contain images and names of Printed on FSC certified paper using relate to the geosciences or mineral information for any loss or damage ISSN 1326-3544 compilation of the information in the deceased persons. soy-based inks. and energy resources. Technical however caused (including negligence) articles are peer reviewed. MESA Journal, it has been provided
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 3 Inspiring creativity
The brilliant colours of this large piece of seam opal from Mintabie is inspiration for the creativity of textile designer Julie White.
Corporate Sponsor
Exhibition at the South Australian Museum 25 September 2015 – 14 February 2016 www.samuseum.sa.gov.au Strategic resource areas
Identification of strategic mineral resource areas in South Australia
Alisha Green Resource Land Access Strategy, Department of State Development
The Identification of The SRA report delivers on action 1 of the RAMP – to strategic mineral resource achieve interaction between the Development Act areas in South Australia: 1993 and the Mining Act 1971 at the strategic level Greater Adelaide region by conducting a planning exercise to consider the and major regional centres need for protection of mineral resources. report (SRA report) was Giving recognition to our most strategically released by the Hon Tom important resources will contribute positively to Koutsantonis MP, Minister the environment, the broader economy and our for Mineral Resources and communities. Energy, at the 2015 South Australian Construction The SRA report provides a statement of quarries and Materials Industry Dinner on mines that meet one of three sets of quantitative 17 July 2015. criteria and are under pressure from incompatible development. With growing urban development, the South Australian Government has recognised the need to This information is being provided to quarry and update and improve the way the state’s planning mine owners and to local governments to increase and mining legislation and regulations interact awareness of strategic resource areas and to and share information at relevant stages. Such instigate formal recognition processes through interaction is necessary to maintain ongoing access amendments to development plans. to long-life valuable construction materials and The SRA report is underpinned by a significant to minimise potential land-use conflicts between history of work by the Geological Survey of South incompatible uses. Australia.
In July 2014 the government released the Resource It has also been informed by the valuable expert Area Management and Planning [RAMP] final report. contributions of a stakeholder reference group This report developed a series of recommendations involving Cement, Concrete and Aggregates to mitigate potential interface issues where sensitive Australia, the South Australian Chamber of uses and quarries or mines are located in close Mines and Energy, Urban Development Institute proximity. Five action areas will be implemented by of Australia, Local Government Association and the government: Environment Protection Authority, and supported 1. Categorise and prioritise strategic quarries and by the Department of State Development and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure mines. (DPTI). 2. Review and update planning policies and guides. 3. Identify key strategic resources in planning The SRA report may be read in conjunction with strategies and local council strategic documents. other planning related documents including current development plans, advisory planning documents 4. Establish buffers for new quarries and mines at and guides, council strategic direction reports and the approval stage. local strategies. Queries relating to planning policy 5. Prioritise existing quarries and mines for greater and extractive resources may be forwarded to the planning policy protection. relevant areas within DPTI.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 5 Strategic resource areas
Information about the SRAs is also available in map form on the government’s South Australian FURTHER INFORMATION Resources Information Geoserver (SARIG). To view Minerals website the Strategic Resource Areas layer in SARIG, on The SRA and RAMP reports together with an the Map Layers menu, go to Land Access, Land information sheet are available from the Minerals website Use, and select Strategic Resource Areas (Fig. 1). To view information about the local government SARIG Strategic Resource Areas data layer on SARIG area that the SRAs are located in, also select Local www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig Government Areas. Alisha Green The listing of SRAs will be subject to change [email protected] as required. If you believe that your quarry or +61 8 8463 3508 mine meets the SRA criteria but it has not been listed, please contact the Department of State Development. Evidence of quality of resources, such as test results, may need to be provided to support your claim.
Select the Strategic 1 Resource Areas layer
Select Local 2 Government Areas layer
Figure 1 SARIG screenshot showing the steps to view the Strategic Resource Areas layer.
6 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Para Hills Quarry (Photo 414537) New exploration requirements
New requirements for the submission of exploration PEPRs and compliance reports
Simon Constable Mineral Tenements and Exploration, Department of State Development
New requirements for the submission of programs following implementation and testing of system for environment protection and rehabilitation (PEPRs) improvements as a result of industry feedback. for mineral exploration activities and the submission As of 1 July 2015 all ECRs are required to of exploration compliance reports (ECRs) under be submitted in accordance with Ministerial the Mining Act 1971 and Mining Regulations 2011 Determination 012. The determination specifies came into effect on 1 July 2015. The transitional the reporting periods, the manner and form of the period, allowing PEPRs to be submitted in the form report, and the minimum information required to of an exploration work approval or declaration of be provided in an ECR. A Microsoft Word template environmental factors, ended on 30 June 2015. has been developed to assist explorers to meet these All PEPR applications must now be submitted in requirements, and facilitate effective and timely accordance with Part 10A of the Mining Act and the assessment by government. relevant Ministerial Determination. The department’s procedures on the public release A secure online exploration of PEPRs and exploration compliance reports PEPR (EPEPR) application are outlined in Minerals Regulatory Guidelines process, Microsoft Word MG22. Applicants are invited to provide consent based templates, and to the future release of the PEPR or ECR within the guidance materials have template. If consent is not provided, specific details been prepared to assist are required on why the PEPR/ECR, or parts thereof, explorers with these new should not be released in the public interest. The Minerals Regulatory Guidelines | MG12MG22 requirements. Minerals Minister’s delegate will then consider, on a case-by- Guidelines for conducting mineral exploration in South Australia Regulatory Guidelines case basis, what can be released. Where consent Version 1 June 2015 MG22, Guidelines for for release is given, or the Minister’s delegate conducting mineral exploration in South Australia, determines or consents to the release, the PEPR/ provides guidance to explorers when conducting ECR will be made available in response to a specific mineral exploration and when preparing a PEPR. request for the information from a member of the Ministerial Determination 013 specifies the form public. and minimum information required within an exploration PEPR for activities that fall outside of the scope of the generic PEPR for low impact exploration. The online EPEPR application process FURTHER INFORMATION and PEPR templates ensure applicants are compliant with this determination. The EPEPR application, guidelines, determinations and templates are available from the Minerals The EPEPR application process is being released website: www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/ in two stages. The first release occurred on exploration/exploration_activities 1 September 2015 and for the remainder of Mineral Tenements and Exploration Branch 2015 the department is seeking feedback from [email protected] industry to determine what improvements can be +61 8 8463 3000 made. A second release will be made during 2016
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 7 ") ")
") Portia gold mine
Novel") solutions take Portia gold deposit from discovery to ") production
1 2 ") Charisse Jones and Chris Giles 1 Consolidated Mining and Civil 2 Havilah Resources Limited
Introduction drilling in the 1980s. Havilah Resources Limited acquired the exploration tenements in 2003 when Portia is an unusual gold deposit which presented Pasminco went into receivership, which included unique challenges to bring into production. Its an excellent legacy of high quality exploration data ") discovery and development is a case history of generated by the joint venture. patience, persistence and considerable innovation. It presented many contradictions. The gold is coarse grained and can be recovered in a simple gravity Geology plant, yet this causes serious ‘nugget’ sampling The gold occurs in a discrete light grey silty clay problems and difficulties in estimating gold resource grades. It lies beneath 75 m of barren clay layer at the base of the Tertiary cover sequence ") overburden that is soft and easy to dig, but presents (Eyre and Namba formations, Lake Eyre Basin) and lying in a shallow hollow in the underlying dipping ") pit wall stability problems. ") igneous and metasedimentary bedrock sequence The Portia deposit is located in northeastern (Broken Hill age; Fig. 2). The bulk of the gold lies in ") ") South Australia, ~80 km west of Broken Hill, a shallow, narrow depression immediately above a ") ") within Mulyungarie pastoral station (Fig. 1). It was ") highly carbonaceous graphitic pelite bedrock unit. discovered by the Pasminco–Werrie gold joint This observation, combined with the commonly ") venture in 1996 while following up a nearby copper crystalline and vuggy nature of the gold particles bedrock anomaly identified by Marathon Petroleum (Fig. 3), has led Havilah to conclude that the Portia
Lake Frome gold is entirely hydromorphic in origin (i.e. has 140°30'E 141°E 141°30'E ") precipitated from groundwater and essentially grown
31°S in situ). Gold dissolved in acidic groundwater is SOUTH ") ") AUSTRALIA ") West East Mulyungarie Pastoral ADELAIDE 120L Station ") NORTH PORTIA 80L ÌÇ PORTIA Land surface
31°30'S Ì Portia mine 40L Open pit excavation Soft clay overburden Ì Major mine (Namba and Eyre formations, ") Kalkaroo Ç Developing 0L Lake Eyre Basin) Ç Ì project
Honeymoon WALES SOUTH NEW Base of Tertiary gold layer Patchy high grade gold –40L JORC inferred resource of mineralisation in bedrock ") 67 000 oz of gold (26 m of 15.4 g/t Au, 13 m of 33.5 g/t Au) Broken Hill ") –80L 32°S Cockburn Bedrock albitite Bedrock graphitic pelite White Dam ") ") Ì –120L AY HW HIG IER 0 25 km BARR Metres above or 204479-025 ") 447600 E 447700 E 447800 E 447900 E Olary Zone 54 below sea level 204627-024 ") Figure 2 Cross-section through the Portia open pit. Figure 1 Locality map showing the Portia gold mine.
")
") 8 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015
") ")
") ")
")
") ") ")
") ")
") ")
")
") ") ") ")
")
") ") ")
") ")
") ") ") ")
") ") ")
") ")
") ") ")
") ")
") ") ") ")
") ")
")
") ") ")
") ") ")
")
")
")
") ") ") ")
")
")
")
")
") ")
")
")
")
")
") Portia gold mine
was done by Havilah – 800 samples in total – and was overseen and quality controlled by AMDEL, who concluded that the sampling methodology was likely to be conservative in its estimation of total gold resources. Using a commercial laboratory was prohibitively expensive for Havilah at the time and, in doing this work itself, Havilah learned an immense amount about the deposit and the nature of the gold and how best to recover it in a commercial plant.
The gold results proved to be remarkably consistent and predictable in contrast to the almost random numbers generated by conventional assaying techniques. From these results Havilah was able to estimate a Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) resource of 720 000 t at 2.9 g/t (at a cutoff of 60 g/t; ASX release 25 June 2009). An optimised Figure 3 Coarse-grained gold nuggets from the base open pit was designed that captured 80% of this of Tertiary layer, Portia deposit. (Horizontal field of view resource, and this mine design forms the basis for ~5 mm; photo 414380) the current mining plan (Fig. 2). believed to have migrated downslope from a nearby eroding primary bedrock copper–gold deposit (perhaps North Portia). When these solutions came Mining proposal development in contact with the unique highly graphitic pelite, The gold at Portia is to be recovered using open pit gold was entrapped on the activated carbon, and mining and processing of the ore through a small coarse nuggets began to grow. The base of Tertiary gravity separation plant. Pit design was a key issue gold is only found near the graphitic pelite unit. in developing the mining lease proposal, namely to prove the safety of economically viable pit wall Drilling has also intersected some spectacular gold grades in the bedrock which appear to have limited angles. This was achieved following extensive lateral continuity. The bedrock gold samples, while feasibility study geotechnical work completed on commonly coarse grained, have a much dirtier the nearby Kalkaroo deposit in 2010. Geotechnical appearance due to included iron oxides and tend engineering studies highlighted that the structural to be more flaky and sheet-like. There is no obvious strength of the overburden clays, and hence the pit structural or stratigraphic control on the bedrock wall stability, was critically dependent on adequate gold, or depth extensions. It is considered likely that dewatering of the open pit. Havilah used its own this gold has the same origin as the base of Tertiary equipment and staff to carry out comprehensive gold, but has migrated down open fractures in groundwater studies, including drilling and casing the carbonaceous bedrock where it has deposited of wells, pump testing and monitoring. Groundwater in narrow cracks and fissures. The bedrock gold modelling showed that nine wells located around mineralisation will be further investigated with the perimeter of the open pit would be adequate to drilling and trenching on the open pit floor once provide the necessary drawdown and keep the walls the base of Tertiary gold mineralisation has been and floor of the open pit dry. Continuous dewatering removed. pumping over May–June 2015 appears to be verifying this model.
Resource definition The dewatering produces an excess of saline Early exploration returned erratic gold assays water which must be contained – traditionally in a indicating a sampling problem caused by tailings dam and/or specially designed ponds – to the coarse-grained nature of the gold. To prevent potential adverse effects on soils and native resolve this Havilah adapted its drilling rig and vegetation. To avoid this environmental impact, drilling techniques to produce good quality dry Havilah proposed to pump the saline water into a samples, with minimal opportunity for downhole small paleochannel cutting through the northwestern contamination. For each metre interval through the corner of its mineral lease. Extensive well drilling gold-bearing clay layer, the entire 15 kg air-core and pump testing by Havilah demonstrated that the drill sample was washed in a purpose-built gravity method was viable. This innovative solution returns plant, and the concentrate tabled and panned to the water back into the same groundwater system produce a super-concentrate from which the gold from where it originated and far enough away from was picked out by hand and weighed. Processing the open pit to not flow back in any quantity.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 9 Portia gold mine
Another innovative aspect of the Portia Project has resources downturn had a silver lining for Havilah been the incorporation within the mineral lease of because it meant that many mining contractors a large ~75 ha exclusion zone that has Aboriginal faced the prospect of idling equipment and laying heritage significance and is a recorded habitat for off staff. Consolidated Mining & Civil (CMC) of the dusky hopping mouse. Taken into consideration Broken Hill and its principal, Steve Radford, were from the outset, the exclusion zone has minimal different. Steve’s view was that it was better to keep disruptive effect on mining operations. Additionally, his experienced personnel working to spare them the nocturnal foraging of the dusky hopping mice is unemployment and CMC losing a valuable skill set. not disturbed because the mine does not operate at night. So it was that Steve Radford and Chris Giles (Havilah managing director) came up with an innovative way to mine Portia by thinking outside of Securing finance the box and having confidence in their respective Upon receipt of final mining approvals from the teams to ensure a positive outcome. CMC agreed Department of State Development in October to take on the role of mine operator and bear the 2014, Havilah faced the problem of how it would full cost of removing all 7 Mm3 of overburden and raise the finance to develop Portia in a severe delivering the estimated 350 000 t of high grade resources downturn. Bank financing was almost gold ore to the surface, plus cover the $1.95 million impossible because banks had become risk averse rehabilitation bond. For its part, Havilah agreed to post the GFC and were not prepared to fund a supply the gravity processing plant and gold room, mining development by a junior explorer without an and treat the gold ore at its sole expense. The gold established cashflow – difficult when it is your first revenue after payment of royalties will be split 50:50 mine! Equity raising was also out of the question at a and this will also apply to any gravity recoverable near record low Havilah share price. Fortunately, the gold produced outside of the current resource.
Consolidated Mining & Civil Steve began to grow and expand the company when he took over the business in 2001. Today The Radford family have a proud history of service to the Broken the company is generally referred to as the Hill community going back to 1911 when Steve Radford’s Consolidated Group and comprises several grandfather commenced the family contracting and building companies which, for the most part, revolve business. Steve’s father, Gary Radford, for a time was the around Consolidated Mining & Civil (CMC) and managing director of Minerals, Mining and Metallurgy, a highly successful open pit mining operation on the original BHP leases Basin Sands Logistics (BSL). The Consolidated at Broken Hill. Both father and son have been honoured with Group currently employs over 450 staff and is the Medal of the Order of Australia for their services to the continuously looking to increase the number of community of Broken Hill. employees to join the ever increasing number of projects being undertaken. Steve’s introduction into the company began at age 14 and a major part revolved around carrying on the family’s ‘can do’ Over 700 items of plant and equipment are attitude, committing to ensuring excellence within all areas of used on a daily basis including 250 t excavators, the company and supporting the local community. Steve is an 100 and 150 t haul trucks, Cat bulldozers (D7 accomplished heavy equipment operator, truck driver, pilot to D10), Cat graders (12H to 24H), Cat front and crane operator, and possesses a mechanical aptitude that end loaders (920 to 992), a variety of Kenworth surpasses many of today’s mechanics. To this day he continues and Mack prime movers, trailers and low to have a ‘hands on’ role operating, driving and flying, as well loaders, and cranes (from 22.5 to 225 t), as as teaching and training his people in the best way to maximise well as various crushers, screens and auxiliary efficiency of machinery whilst not compromising safety. equipment.
Besides Havilah, other mining clients include Perilya (Broken Hill zinc, lead and silver mine) and Cristal Mining Australia (Ginkgo and Snapper mineral sand mines).
10 MESA CMCJournal heavy 77 equipment Issue 2 – 2015 and workshop at the Portia Mine. (Photo 414551) Portia gold mine
Commencement of mining which is manufactured in Adelaide, will provide continuous monitoring of the open-pit wall and is CMC and Havilah signed the mining agreement capable of alerting any abnormal movements to in January 2015, and within two weeks CMC had engineers in a remote office. The safety of workers commenced site access preparatory work and is of paramount importance and constant pit wall mobilisation of its mining fleet. Over the next few monitoring provides an extra margin of safety for weeks a functioning camp was built, an airstrip the mining team. The data generated will provide re-established and site works, including stock piling a valuable insight into the stability of a pit wall of top soil, rapidly advanced. On 30 March 2015, composed of clay, where there are no precedents to within the timeframe originally stated by CMC, first follow in South Australia. The results will be directly mining commenced at Portia. Since then the first applicable to the design of other open pits in the 5 m lift, tailings dams and all site works have been region that have similar clay overburden, including completed (Figs 4, 5). At present CMC has two Havilah’s North Portia and Kalkaroo copper–gold– Hitachi EX2500 (250 t) excavators and ten 100 t molybdenum deposits. dump trucks, two Cat 637 scrapers, two Cat D10T Havilah is currently focused on assembling all bulldozers, three water trucks, Cat Tyre handler and components for the Portia gold processing plant, a lube truck on site. It has also set up a workshop with the view to commissioning the processing plant and office and small concrete batching plant. The on site early in 2016. mining site exudes a feeling of order and efficiency, which is a great tribute to the CMC team. Acknowledgements The Portia site is approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Broken Hill and an on-site camp has been Havilah has enjoyed a good long-term working established to house employees whilst being relationship with Mutooroo Pastoral Company, rostered on. All employees are transported from the owner of the land on which the Portia Mine is Broken Hill to the mine site by coach at the located. The cooperation of the Morgan family in beginning of their roster and returned to Broken Hill allowing mining on their property and permitting at the completion of their roster. use of their station tracks is gratefully acknowledged. The Adnyamathanha people have a native title claim The current production roster is 10 days on followed over this area, and their cooperation in reaching by 5 days off, an approach which helps eliminate a native title mining agreement to allow the Portia the fatigue effects of working rotating shifts. At the Mine to proceed is also deeply appreciated. beginning of August three crews were employed, meaning that both mining fleets are operating 12 hours a day and seven days a week. Steve Radford is confident that his team will deliver first gold ore FURTHER INFORMATION to the run of mine pad by 1 July 2016 in a safe and efficient manner. www.havilah-resources.com.au www.conmc.net.au CMC has purchased a Maptek Sentry pit wall Chris Giles laser monitoring system and trained two dedicated [email protected] operators for it. This state-of-the-art machine,
Figure 4 Aerial view of initial site work at the Portia Figure 5 Removing overburden at the Portia Mine, Mine. (Photo 414550) 30 April 2015. (Photo 414553)
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 11 Industry news
Industry news
Andrew Rowett Resource Information, Department of State Development
MUSGRAVE PROVINCE EROMANGA BASIN This article covers the period May to August 2015 ") Marla and is compiled from information publicly released COOPER by companies. Readers should refer to the latest BASIN Coober Pedy information available on company websites, ") " Monax particularly in regard to making any forward Monax Apollo " investment decisions. Resource and work area Tyranna OZ Alliance- locations are shown in Figure 1. Core Quasar GAWLER BHP Billiton CURNAMONA Monax- PROVINCE Alliance–Quasar " Monax Western Areas www.allianceresources.com.au CRATON Havilah www.quasarresources.com.au ") Port Augusta New uranium drilling results from the Four Mile Centrex ") Whyalla Project were released by Alliance Resources Iron Road Archer Limited to the ASX on 22 April 2015. Of the 54 Oakdale Lincoln holes completed, 22 returned significant uranium Rex Port intersections, including: ") Lincoln Valence ") ADELAIDE Hillgrove • 3.2 m at 1.4% U3O8
• 2.2 m at 1.36% U3O8 0 100 200km
• 0.9 m at 1.5% U3O8. In June 2015 Alliance announced an estimated resource for the Four Mile Northeast uranium prospect which lies immediately northeast of the Figure 1 Resource and work area locations. 204627-007 Alliance – Quasar Resources Pty Ltd Four Mile in situ recovery uranium operation. At a 0.1% cutoff the Apollo Minerals new estimated inferred resource is 7.5 Mt averaging www.apollominerals.com.au 0.3% U3O8, containing 50 Mlb of uranium oxide (ASX release 26 June 2015). Apollo Minerals Limited completed its latest RC drilling program at the Mars Aurora Tank prospect The company also noted the significant remaining within the Titan base and precious metals project exploration potential at Four Mile Northeast area, in May. A total of 35 angled holes were drilled expressed as an exploration target of 4–7 Mt at along three north–south lines to test an area around 0.25–0.3% U3O8. Apollo’s previous drilling intersection of 4 m at On 13 July 2015 (ASX release) Alliance announced 5 g/t Au from 16 m depth (drillhole 14AT003; ASX that it had accepted the revised offer of $73.975 release 18 May 2015). million from Quasar to purchase all of Alliance In an ASX release on 9 June 2015 the company Craton Explorer’s interest in the Four Mile Project, reported further results of the drilling program including its share of uranium oxide concentrates indicating a mineralised gold zone that extends already mined. The sale is subject to shareholder for at least 500 m along strike from depths of approval, the consent of the South Australian ~20–50 m. Mineralisation is open in all directions. Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy to the Best intersections included: transfer of the tenements, and the Commonwealth Treasurer having no objection to the acquisition of • 16 m at 1 g/t Au from 20 m the company’s interest in the project by Quasar. • 16 m at 0.7 g/t Au from 19 m
12 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Industry news
• 12 m at 0.6 g/t Au from 34 m the portion of the latter’s exploration licence which • 4 m at 0.8 g/t Au from 38 m. allows Centrex to conduct exploration and lodge a mineral claim in its own name. The project is 50 km Follow-up deeper infill drilling to delineate limits and north of Centrex’s joint venture Bungalow magnetite continuity of mineralisation is planned. project.
In light of ongoing volatility in the iron ore spot and Archer Exploration long-term forecast prices, Centrex has announced www.archerexploration.com.au that it will be writing down the non-cash carrying In May 2015 Archer Exploration Limited announced value of its iron ore assets to focus on the Oxley that CSIRO testing has confirmed the suitability of potash project in Western Australia and metals graphite from its Campoona Project on the Eyre exploration in New South Wales (ASX release Peninsula for lithium-ion battery application (ASX 24 June 2015). release 7 May 2015). The company also announced that a draft mine Core Exploration lease proposal for the Campoona Shaft graphite www.coreexploration.com.au project has been submitted to the Department of Core Exploration Ltd has reported the discovery of State Development for review (ASX release 14 May a new 10 m wide gossan at Big Hill on its Yerelina 2015). The proposal covers both mining and manufacturing operations at Campoona, as well zinc project in northern South Australia (ASX release as plans for a processing facility to be built at the 2 June 2015). The sub-cropping gossan is the nearby Sugarloaf Project. It outlines mining of up to surface expression of the Big Hill mineralised shear 140 000 tpa of graphite over an initial life of almost zone and has found to be high in zinc, lead and 14 years, with 10 000 tpa of lithium-ion battery silver over at least 2 km of the mineralised shear suitable graphite concentrate above 98.5% purity zone (Fig. 2). Results from previous sampling at the to be produced by the Sugarloaf facility. Up to 42 nearby Great Gladstone prospect have identified full and part-time mining and processing jobs are high grade zinc, lead and silver mineralisation estimated, with an additional 135 indirect flow-on extending over 1 km; best results included values of jobs. 14.7% Zn, 12.7% Pb and 567g/t Ag.
In further news, new tests of a second deposit, Recently awarded funds from the PACE Discovery Central Campoona, have indicated a potential to Drilling 2015 program will contribute to an either extend mine life or annual production of its upcoming diamond drilling program to better Campoona graphite project (ASX release 14 August understand grade distribution, mineralisation 2015). The combined inventory for Campoona Shaft potential and geological controls (ASX release and Central Campoona is a Joint Ore Reserves 2 June 2015). Committee (JORC) 2012 compliant resource of 2.17 Mt at 9.6% Cg for 290 000 t of contained metal.
BHP Billiton www.bhpbilliton.com BHP Billiton has advised that the Svedala Mill at Olympic Dam copper mine, which suffered an electrical failure in January, has safely resumed operation ahead of schedule with full production expected by the end of July (BHP Billiton news release 19 June 2015). The company reported an estimated reduction in copper production of between 60 and 70 kt with the majority of the impact anticipated this financial year.
Centrex Metals www.centrexmetals.com.au Centrex Metals Limited has secured a mineral claim over the Kimba Gap magnetite project (ASX Figure 2 Example of outcropping Zn–Pb–Ag mineralisation and gossan on Core Exploration’s Yerelina tenement, release 1 May 2015). The claim was made under northern South Australia. (Courtesy of Core Exploration, a dual tenancy agreement with Arrium Mining over ASX release 30 July 2015)
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 13 Industry news
Subsequent to the Big Hill discovery, Core has The mining lease and supporting proposal are identified further mineralisation at Yerelina – the New scheduled to be submitted in the September quarter, Grace shear zone with surface grades up to 14% and will seek approval to produce 21.5 Mtpa combined Zn and Pb (ASX release 16 June 2015). of high quality iron ore concentrate containing ~67% Fe over an expected mine life in excess of Havilah Resources 25 years. www.havilah-resources.com.au The mineral resource at the CEIP stands at 4.5 Bt Havilah Resources NL has achieved several at a grade of 16% Fe, with 77% (or 3.5 Bt) in the important milestones at its Portia gold mine near measured and indicated categories, the largest Broken Hill (ASX release 6 July 2015). These include: measured and indicated magnetite mineral resource • 400 00 m3 of overburden moved in June in Australia. • commissioning of a second fleet of mining equipment Lincoln Minerals • tailings dam and all associated site infrastructure www.lincolnminerals.com.au largely complete Lincoln Minerals Limited has continued to progress • successful dewatering approach maintaining the Kookaburra Gully graphite project on Eyre groundwater level below advancing open pit floor Peninsula since the lodgement of its mineral lease • aquifer discharge system functioning according application in February 2015. If the mineral lease to plan. is approved by the end of December 2015, mining and process plant construction should commence in Havilah is looking to fast-track evaluation of the the first half of 2016 (ASX release 20 July 2015). viability of mining the nearby North Portia copper– gold deposit (ASX release 18 August 2015). The The company also announced a maiden resource project has the potential to follow on from Portia and for the nearby historic Koppio graphite mine. The take advantage of mining infrastructure currently in inferred resource is 1.85 Mt grading 9.76% total place. graphitic carbon for 180 733 t contained graphite within the high grade core (ASX release 20 July Hillgrove Resources 2015). www.hillgroveresources.com.au Lincoln’s total graphite mineral resource on Eyre Hillgrove Resources Limited achieved copper and Peninsula now stands at 4.03 Mt at 12.35% TGC or gold production and costs within financial year 0.5 Mt of contained graphite (at nominal 5% TGC guidance during the June quarter at its Kanmantoo cutoff; ASX release 20 July 2015). copper mine (ASX release 29 July 2015). A total of 4138 t of copper in concentrates was produced at a C1 cash cost of USD2.13/lb (AUD2.74/lb). Monax Mining www.monaxmining.com.au Mining was completed in the Emily Star Pit, which Monax Mining Limited has signed a farm-in and reconciled positively for metal produced against the joint venture agreement with Iluka Resources Limited original reserve estimate during the quarter, albeit in relation to the Phar Lap iron oxide – copper–gold with slightly lower grade and increased ore tonnes. (IOCG) project (ASX release 28 May 2015). The Mining continued in Giant Pit with AUD6.3 million of project is located on the margin of the Mount Woods pre-strip undertaken. Inlier, ~50 km from Prominent Hill. Terms of the A processing throughput record was also achieved agreement are: with 1041 kt of ore processed during the quarter. • Iluka can earn 80% ownership of Exploration Licence (EL) 5123 by funding $2 million of exploration over four years. Iron Road • Iluka will spend $400 000 within the first two www.ironroadlimited.com.au years and may withdraw at any time after it has In an ASX release on 29 May 2015 Iron Road incurred $400 000 of expenditure on the project. Limited announced that a mineral claim within its Central Eyre Iron Project (CEIP) had been registered Monax has reported that Chilean copper producer by the South Australian Government. The mineral Antofagasta has elected not to continue to sole fund claim, covering 8458 ha, is a major milestone for exploration at the Punt Hill copper–gold project. the company as it progresses towards obtaining a Monax will now move to secure 100% ownership of mining lease over the Warramboo orebody. the project (ASX release 25 June 2015).
14 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Industry news
Other recent company activities include: • Annual average production over the first 12 years • Commencement of drilling on the Margaret of 129 000 t of copper concentrate containing Dam tenement (EL 5347; part of the Kimberlite 35 000 t of copper and 24 000 oz of gold. Project), located ~40 km south of William Creek • A processing head grade of 0.66% Cu and in northern South Australia (ASX Release 26 June 0.17 g/t Au over the first 12 years of production. 2015). Two holes are planned to test prominent • Pre-production capital investment of A$480 magnetic features interpreted to represent a (US$360) million and average operating costs potential kimberlite. The drilling program is (C1) of US$1.61/lb. supported by a $70 000 PACE Discovery Drilling • A construction workforce of close to 500–550, 2015 grant. reverting to ~500 when in operation. • Commencement of a major drilling program on the Western Gawler Craton Project by farm-in partner Western Areas Ltd (ASX release 6 July Tyranna Resources www.tyrannaresources.com 2015). A total of 85 holes are planned over two months. This drilling is also partly funded (up to Tyranna Resources Limited, the company arising $100 000) by PACE Discovery Drilling 2015. from the merger between IronClad Mining and Trafford Resources (ASX release 8 May 2015), has commenced exploration in the northwestern Gawler Oakdale Resources Craton. www.oakdaleresources.com.au A 6000 m drilling program began in August at its Oakdale Resources Limited has commenced infill Jumbuck gold project, which is located ~45 km drilling to establish a maiden JORC resource at from the Challenger gold mine of joint venture its Oakdale graphite project on Eyre Peninsula. partner Kingsgate Consolidated (ASX release Metallurgical testing of drillcore material confirms 17 August 2015). The program will target the more that little or no grinding is required for material, advanced gold prospects of Golf Bore, Golf Bore indicating the likelihood of a low cost production North and Campfire Bore within the Kingsgate joint method (ASX release 17 July 2015). venture area. The drilling program is supported by a $75 000 PACE Discovery Drilling 2015 grant. OZ Minerals www.ozminerals.com Valence Industries OZ Minerals Limited has reported a strong June www.valenceindustries.com quarter with copper production from the Prominent As Australia’s only graphite producer, Valence Hill operation increasing to 32 991 t, up from Industries Limited continues to progress with the 31 160 t in the March quarter and 22 181 t in the announcement that funding had been secured for same quarter of 2014 (ASX release 21 July 2015). the phase two expansion at Uley, which involves Other highlights included the commissioning of open pit mining at Uley Pit 2 and construction of the Malu underground mine three months early, a new, larger processing plant (ASX release 7 May resulting in A$47 million in net revenue so far, and 2015). Mining at the new pit is expected to start in completion of the relocation of the company’s head the fourth quarter of the calendar year. office to Adelaide. Ore reserves for the Uley Pit 2 graphite project Rex Minerals have been boosted by 43% (ASX release 14 May www.rexminerals.com.au 2015). The total reserve now stands at 2.91 Mt at 12.1% graphitic carbon for 353 618 t of graphite. In May 2015 Rex Minerals Ltd released an extended It includes a proved 340 000 t at 17.6% gC for feasibility study for its Hillside copper–gold project, 59 840 t, and probable 2.57 Mt at 11.4% gC for removing iron ore from the process flow sheet to 293 778 t. Along with delivering more tonnes, the simplify the overall operation and focus on copper upgrade has also underpinned a 60% boost to the and gold production (ASX release 25 May 2015). mine life to eight years. The results have significantly improved the project’s competitive fundamentals and materially reduced On the production side, Valence reports improved the upfront capital investment. production with the plant operating at 15 t/h, and moving towards nameplate of 20t/h (ASX release Key outcomes from the extended feasibility study 7 July 2015). The plant is producing more than 71% include: in larger flake fractions from existing stockpiles. • A stand-alone copper–gold project with an The mine will transition to higher grade material initial 13+ year mine life at a processing rate of from Uley Pit 2 in the fourth quarter, with first sales 6 Mtpa. shipments due to begin in early September.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 15 Minerals website
New Minerals website – delivering resource information and data to industry and the community
Nancy Smith Resource Information, Department of State Development
The Minerals website communicates to a broad Minerals home page audience covering exploration and mining From the home page find information using: industries, investors, landowners, other government • top navigation bar and dropdowns agencies, academia and the general public. As • left hand panel for quick links to commonly used such, the website is a means to: pages on the website. • raise awareness of initiatives which showcase the The ‘Latest updates’ and ‘Feature stories’ keep users state as a premier investment destination up to date with new and exciting developments • provide the exploration and mining industry within the mineral resources industry. with information and tools to assist in meeting licensing and regulatory requirements Invest • provide information and an engagement forum Information to help define opportunities for for stakeholders to help ensure the responsible investors: development of South Australia’s mineral • the minerals industry value chain, representing resources within a sustainable framework the stages and processes that a mineral project • deliver precompetitive geoscientific data to ensure will go through to produce mineral products the continuing discovery of mineral deposits in • key industry indicators on the performance of our state. South Australia’s mineral industry • industry news.
New design and features Geoscience The new Minerals website enhances user experience and ease of access to information through: Geoscience data and information about the geology of South Australia including: • a new, modern responsive design with improved • the work of the Geological Survey of South access from mobile devices Australia (GSSA) • improved search facility -- GSSA projects and work programs • improved site structure -- geoscientific products and precompetitive • features to aid navigation throughout the site, data including the top navigation bar visible on all -- automatic South Australian earthquake pages and right hand navigation panes on updates content pages • information about the PACE initiative (Mineral • more uniform presentation of content. Systems Drilling Program 2015; PACE discovery The new structure is broadly based on the minerals drilling 2015) industry value chain giving stakeholders a clearly • State Drill Core Reference Library defined pathway along which to navigate. • mineral commodities in South Australia.
16 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Minerals website
Land access • approved and operating mines and major Here you can find: construction material sites in South Australia, and • community information – helping mineral a list of major developing projects exploration and mining companies understand • royalty rates and returns. the needs and rights of landowners, and landowners and communities understand the Online tools business of mining Easy online access to: • planning and development information – • free data delivery and publication downloads a collaborative, strategic approach for decisions on land use • databases and products and information about access to: • e-regulation (applications and lodgements) • Defence land • interactive tools and apps (rapid earthquake data, 3D geological models, South Australia • conservation areas Mining app). • native title and Aboriginal land. Knowledge centre Exploration Showcasing the wealth of South Australia’s Requirements and processes for applying for and geoscientific data and information, including: obtaining a licence to explore for minerals in • priority events program South Australia, and the rules and regulations under which exploration activities can be undertaken. • MESA Journal Includes information for: • Resource Information Centre • industry – forms, fees, documentation, online • Community Education Service applications, regulatory guidelines, exploration • departmental presentations release areas • Geoscience Library • public – notices of exploration licence • regulatory guidelines, information sheets and applications where public comment is invited resource maps. • fossickers – frequently asked questions.
Mining FURTHER INFORMATION Licensing and regulation requirements for mining in South Australia, including for extractive minerals and Minerals website – feedback welcome opal mining, and for the rehabilitation of former www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au mines. Here you will also find: Nancy Smith [email protected] • public notices – mining proposals open for public +61 8 8463 4307 comment, and mining tenements granted
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 17 National Virtual Core Library
National Virtual Core Library: South Australian additions
Alan Mauger Geological Survey of South Australia, Department of State Development
South Australian HyLoggerTM data contributes to the Table 1 HyLogged drillholes added to the AuScope National Virtual Core Library (NVCL) which South Australian node of the National Virtual Core Library for the period 5 December 2014 to 31 July 2015 is supported by CSIRO and the Commonwealth Department of Industry through the National Drillhole SA Geodata Latitude Longitude Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy. name Drillhole Number
This update of holdings in the South Australian node BHP Billiton – Oak Dam of the NVCL alerts readers to the open-file drillholes AD1 277548 –30.9798 137.246 that have been scanned by HyLogger 3 since the last MESA Journal report and are available for download AD6 277551 –30.9743 137.2459 through SARIG. Twenty-seven drillholes have been AD9 285007 –30.9771 137.2459
added, of which 14 are BHP Billiton holes (Oak AD10 285005 –30.9816 137.246 Dam and Wirrida Well). Drillhole additions are listed AD17 285006 –30.9707 137.2459 in Table 1 and located in Figure 1. BHP Billiton – Wirrda Well
HyLogger 3 records the visible, shortwave infrared WRD19 284733 –30.6448 136.9541 and thermal infrared spectra of drillcore samples WRD33 284734 –30.6394 136.9437 at ~1 cm intervals and provides a continuous mineralogical interpretation for minerals responsive WRD36 284735 –30.6498 136.9623 in those reflected electromagnetic wavelengths. WRD37A 284736 –30.6499 136.9691 A co-registered high-resolution line scan image of WRD49 284737 –30.65 136.9581
the drillcore is also recorded. WRD50A 284738 –30.6428 136.9426
WRD51 284739 –30.6452 136.9486 HyLogger™ workshop 2015 WRD52 284740 –30.6452 136.9461
TM HyLogger WRD53 284741 –30.6403 136.9422 workshop The Department of State Development hosted 2015 a workshop on spectral mineral analysis of Other
Report Book 2015/00018 drillcore using HyLogger™ technology and DD88LR 19 134163 –29.162391 135.044512 specialist software at the Glenside Drill Core DD89LR 21 134167 –29.167124 135.054798 Library on 10 April 2015. Presentations and guided interactions with selected drillcore were DD89LR 24 134169 –29.188533 134.898467 provided by invited contributors from CSIRO, minerals industry and DD89EN 46 141782 –29.165079 135.08359 the department. Doora 23633 –33.9775178 137.6688834 DDH114 Workshop presentations and supporting material are now RC1 20540 –32.4671333 137.3293657 available as a report to encourage and assist users in evaluating Paralana 137058 –30.1986842 139.5966762 and incorporating spectral data as part of their mineral exploration Plains WC2 strategy. Continual improvements in interpretive software (The PE1 134901 –32.6815069 135.6712339 Spectral Geologist™, TSG) and modified approaches towards integrating visible, shortwave and thermal infrared data have PP1 134902 –32.6666959 135.6572588 expanded the application and usefulness of spectral data for the S11 75571 –34.6659819 139.2854173 minerals exploration industry, government and research groups. SCYW-79-1A 20829 –30.124924 137.156595
Wertaloona 1 87767 –30.9372327 139.5073647 Copies can be downloaded from SARIG
18 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 National Virtual Core Library
!(!(!( !(!( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!(!( !( Enlargement 3 !(!( !( !( !( !( AD17 !( (! !( !( ") Marla !(!( !( !( ") Oodnadatta AD6 (! !(!( !( !( (! AD9 !( (! ") AD1 Moomba !( !( !( (! AD10
!( Coober Pedy ") !( 0 500 m !( (!(!!( See !( !( !( !(!(!(!( !( !( !( !(!( enlargement 1 !( !(!( !( !( !( !(!( !(!( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !(!(!(!( !( ") !( !( !( !(!( Marree !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !(!( !( !( !(!(!(!(!( !(!( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !( SCYW-79-1A !(!(!(!( !( !(!( !((! !( Paralana Plains WC2 !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!( !( !(!(!( !(!( !( !(!(!(!( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !(!( !(!(!( !( !( !(!(!(!( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( ") !( !(!( !( (!(! !( Leigh Creek (!!( !( !(!(!(!( See !( Wooltana 1!( !(!(!(!( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( enlargement!( !( 2 !(!( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( (! See!( !( !( !( !(!(!( !(!(!(!( !( (! !(!(!( enlargement!( 3!( !( !(!( !( !(!( !( !(!(!(!(!( Wertaloona 1 !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !(!(!(!(!(!(!( !(!( !( !( !(!(!(!(!(!( !(!( !( !(!(!(!( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !(!( !(!( !( !(!( !(!( Ceduna !( !( !(!( ") !( !( !(!( !( !(!( !( !(!( !( RC1 (!!(!( PP1 !( ") Port !(!( !(!(!( (! !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!(!(!( !( !(!(!(!(!( Augusta !( PE1 !( !(!(!( !( !( !( 0 100 200 km Whyalla ") Port !( !( ") Pirie !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !(!( HyLogged drillhole Doora DDH114 !( !( !((! (! !( !( !( !( New addition !(!( !( !(!( !( !( !( Previously released !( ") !(!( Port Lincoln !( S11 (!!( !( !( ") ADELAIDE !( Enlargement 1
!( !(
S T U DD89EN 46 A DD88LR 19 (! !( R (! (! T !( H DD89LR 21 (! IG H DD89LR 24 W
A
Y #MT BRADY !( !( 0 5 10 km !( !( !( !(!(
!( !( !(!(!( ") Enlargement 2 !( Mount Gambier
204627-026 WRD33 ! WRD53 (!( www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig WRD50A (! WRD51 (! WRD52 (! (! WRD19
WRD49 WRD37A (! (! (! FURTHER INFORMATION WRD36 SARIG
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 19 Halloysite nanotubes
Halloysite mineral nanotubes – geology, properties and applied research
John L Keeling1 and Pooria Pasbakhsh2 1 Geological Survey of South Australia, Department of State Development 2 Monash University, Malaysia
Introduction the physical characteristics of halloysite as a natural mineral nanotube. While the extent of Camel Lake In 2010 seed funding through PACE was provided to halloysite remains to be tested, samples taken from commence a project that compared the properties of halloysite from a playa lake 60 km east of below thin sediment cover at the southwestern end Maralinga, South Australia (the Camel Lake site), of the dry lake bed have, to date, produced regular, with halloysites from various geological settings straight halloysite tubules showing consistent range within Australia, New Zealand and United States in length, tube wall thickness and diameter of the (Keeling 2010). Halloysite is a member of the kaolin central cylindrical pore or lumen (Keeling, Self and group of clay minerals and typically crystallises as Raven 2010). microtubules (Fig. 1). The objectives of the project were to raise awareness of geological factors that Characterisation of halloysites was done at Adelaide affect the physical properties of halloysite and to University and CSIRO Land and Water as a post highlight what appeared to be special properties doctorial study by Pasbakhsh under the guidance of the Camel Lake halloysite. The investigation has of Professor David Chittleborough and Dr G Jock particular relevance to research into potential new Churchman. Preliminary data was presented in applications in nanotechnology that seek to exploit 2011 at the International Congress for Applied
(a) (b) Halloysite structure
External siloxane (Si-O-Si) surface
Internal aluminol (Al-OH surface)
Al atom Si atom O atom Inner hydroxyl group Hydroxyl group between the octahedral and tetrahedral sheets Octahedral Tetrahedral sheet sheet After Pasbakhsh et al. (2009) 204627-009
Figure 1 (a) Straight, regular halloysite microtubles from Camel Lake. (b) Halloysite crystal morphology and atomic structure. (Photo 414524)
20 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Halloysite nanotubes
Mineralogy held at Trondheim, Norway (Keeling, leaching and dissolution and where few mineral Pasbakhsh and Churchman 2012), with full results substrates are available for nucleation of kaolinite published subsequently in Applied Clay Science crystallites. Formation and preservation of halloysite (Pasbakhsh, Churchman and Keeling 2013). The is more likely in an environment that remains wet release of data saw an increase in requests from but where fluid chemistry fluctuates, in particular, researchers for samples of Camel Lake halloysite, where cycles of corrosive (acidic) fluids interact which has been met from limited stocks held by the with volcanic glass or less stable silicate minerals Geological Survey of South Australia. The continuing such as Ca-plagioclase or smectitic clays under the growth in research interest in halloysite prompted an influence of a steep chemical or thermal gradient approach from Apple Academic Press Inc. regarding that modifies the solubility of Al and Si ions, leading the possibility of a book on the topic of ‘Natural to rapid nucleation of halloysite crystallites. Under mineral nanotubes: properties and applications’. these conditions, fluid saturation levels are quickly Participation was sought from key researchers and lowered to the point where any kaolinite precursors clay mineral experts, and the assembled work was are resorbed and the predominance of halloysite is published in January 2015. The book includes an enhanced (Fritz and Noguera 2009). overview of the mineralogy and chemistry of key These conditions are reflected in the formation of the mineral nanotubes: chrysotile, halloysite, imogolite, original ‘type’ halloysite described and named by allophane, palygorskite and sepiolite (Guggenheim Berthier (1826) from Angleur near Liége, Belgium. 2015), together with an outline of their geological At Angleur, waxy white halloysite clay was found in occurrences including a chapter on halloysite karstic cavities in Lower Carboniferous limestone by Keeling (2015). Over two-thirds of the book in association with Pb and Zn sulfides, and the content is given to reviews and descriptions of products of sulfide weathering. The large, open recent research activity on modification of mineral karstic features in Carboniferous limestone forming nanotubes to enhance their use, principally as the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse plateau in Belgium functional fibre reinforcement, as nanocontainers, were mostly infilled by Cenozoic terrestrial sandy and as fibre templates for improved materials for sediment, containing organic matter and pyrite, filtration and catalysis (Pasbakhsh and Churchman and interbeds of lignitic clay (Fig. 2). Dupuis et al. 2015). The results of the initial PACE-funded project (2003) argued that meteoric water passing through and some of the outcomes that developed from this these sediments progressively oxidised pyrite and work, particularly in relation to understanding the conditions of formation of Camel Lake halloysite, its properties and potential uses, are summarised N S below.
Geology and formation of halloysite Si Halloysite is a relatively common mineral that Si Si often crystallises together with kaolinite; the two polymorphs of kaolin are not easily separated. Si Deposits suitable for commercial development Si are, however, comparatively rare and occur 0 100 m either as relatively pure masses of halloysite (e.g. V/H ≈ 1 Dragon Mine, Utah; Camel Lake) or as large, lower-grade sources from which halloysite can be Alluvium readily separated (e.g. Matauri Bay deposits, New Early Miocene – Pliocene Zealand). Geological environments include volcanic Sand/clay Alteration rocks altered by supergene or low-temperature Lignitic clay Si Silicification hydrothermal fluids, or where acid groundwater Clayey sand, silt and gravel with Halloysite interacts with reactive silicates, often in close organic matter and pyrite Halloysite breccia proximity to carbonate rocks. Thermodynamic Eocene–Oligocene properties of kaolinite favour its formation over Onhaye Formation – Clay – kaolinite, halloysite, fine-grained marine sand illite/smectite over halloysite and this is reflected in the far greater limestone alteration residue relative abundance of kaolinite. Halloysite, Lower Carboniferous Dinantian – dolomitic limestone Fault however, has lower activation energy of nucleation 204627-010 than kaolinite and would be expected to be the Figure 2 Halloysite deposit setting, Entre-Sambre- first kaolin mineral to precipitate from solution et-Meuse plateau in Belgium, formed in crypto-karstic (Steefel and van Cappellen 1990). This situation is dolomitic limestone by acid groundwater from sediments enhanced where pre-existing silicates undergo rapid infilling the karst. (Modified from Dupuis et al. 2003)
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 21 Halloysite nanotubes
SW NE day playa lakes. At these sites, evaporation results in increased salinity and acidity leading to precipitation Drillhole Precipitation of gypsum and alunite. The Pidinga Formation RCH 7 Evaporation 0 sands are extensively overlain by Miocene lacustrine illite/smectite clays grading upwards into dolomite and pisolitic limestone, collectively termed Garford Formation. The thin clay and carbonate units buffer groundwater acidity at discharge sites. This is the 20 m situation at Camel Lake where acid groundwater Groundwater flow lines from oxidised Eocene sands interacts with overlying 250 m Garford Formation (Fig. 3). A chemical gradient is 204627-011 established that likely controlled, over an extended Gypsum silt on lake surface Middle–Late Eocene period, the dissolution of illite/smectite clays and and dune Pidinga Formation crystallisation of halloysite (Fig. 4), which is up to Dune sand Oxidised sands 4 m thick at the contact with Garford Formation dolomite (Keeling, Self and Raven 2010). Miocene Lignite Garford Formation – Sandstone with organic dolomite/limestone matter Comparison of halloysite Halloysite/alunite clay alteration zone characteristics Halloysite from Camel Lake was examined and Figure 3 Geological setting of halloysite deposits compared with five halloysites from various locations formed by acid groundwater at the Camel Lake site, near in Australia, New Zealand and United States. Maralinga, South Australia. These included commercial halloysite product from Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand (weathered acidified the groundwater. This led to dissolution of late Cenozoic alkaline rhyolite; Brathwaite et al. silicates within the more permeable sandy layers 2012) and the Dragon Mine, Utah, United States and increased the levels of Al and Si ions in solution. (Paleogene hydrothermal alteration and replacement Precipitation of aluminium, as gibbsite or halloysite, of Cambrian dolomite; Kildale and Thomas 1957). was at the interface with the limestone where the solution pH was modified and the solubility of aluminium reduced; silica activity was maintained by acid groundwater flow in the leached quartz-rich sediment. Kinetic chemical reaction modelling by Dupuis et al. (2003) indicated that early formed gibbsite would subsequently have recrystallised to halloysite and excess silica precipitated along fluid pathways within the limestone, which accorded with the pervasive occurrence of silicified limestone in the rim of the karst.
A similar situation is envisaged in the formation of Camel Lake halloysite. In this case, acidic saline groundwater was developed during oxidation of lignitic, pyritic sands of Eocene Pidinga Formation within buried fluvial channels that drained towards the coastal margin of the former marine Eucla Basin. Uplift through regional, gentle warping (Hou et al. 2008) and drier climatic conditions in the Late Neogene both contributed to a general lowering of groundwater levels that likely accelerated oxidation of reduced sediments in the paleovalleys. In the region of Camel Lake, lateral groundwater flow within the channels was, and continues to be, towards the southwest and west, with discharge zones in low-lying areas behind former offshore barrier islands and paleocoastal dunes that mark Figure 4 Collecting halloysite samples (site CLA-1) the landward extent of the Eucla Basin. Intermittent from below thin sediment cover at the Camel Lake playa. groundwater discharge continues to occur in eroded Halloysite makes up between 35 to 72% of the clay hollows where Eocene sands are exposed in present- alteration. (Photo 414534)
22 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Halloysite nanotubes
Data were obtained for major oxide chemistry by of small short tubes which were responsible for the X-ray fluorescence, mineralogy by powder X-ray relatively high surface area of 57.3 m2/g and lumen diffraction, composition of exchangeable cations, pore space of 26.3%. particle morphology and dimensions from multiple transmission electron micrographs, surface area Properties of fine particle size and low iron oxide and porosity by nitrogen adsorption, and surface and titania contents are key requirements for charge characteristics by measuring the change in traditional halloysite markets in high quality ceramic zeta potential over pH range 1.5–12 (Pasbakhsh, manufacture. For potential new applications as Churchman and Keeling 2013). Selected results functional fillers and nanocapsules, however, particle for Matauri Bay halloysite (MB-NN; upgraded size, shape, pore volume and pore dimensions commercial product supplied by Natural Nano Inc.), are more likely to influence the performance of Dragon Mine halloysite (DG; product supplied by products under investigation. Thicker tubes with a Applied Minerals Inc.) and Camel Lake halloysite wide range of lumen capacity may offer advantages (CLA; washed, decanted and dried sample from site for particular applications, whereas regular tubes CLA-1) are summarised in Tables 1–3. with high surface area and high pore volume offer improved dispersion and bonding, with high All three samples were comprised of dominantly internal loading capacity. While significant recent tubular forms of halloysite, variously estimated progress has been made with incorporation of at 97% (MB-NN), 84% (DG) and 95% (CLA). The halloysite in polymer systems to improve tensile lower halloysite content in sample DG was due to strength and impact resistance, other promising the presence of kaolinite (8%), gibbsite (3%), quartz (3%) and alunite/woodhouseite (1%). Sample CLA areas of research, particularly as nanocontainers also contained alunite (2.7%) with traces of quartz and in medical applications, are at early stages (1%) and iron oxide (1%), while sample MB-NN of development with no clear pathway for high contained traces of probable cristobalite (1%) and volume or high value commercial uptake. This field feldspar (1%). A high proportion of thicker and of applied research is very dynamic with potential longer tubes in MB-NN produced comparatively low applications across diverse industries including values for surface area (29.3 m2/g), pore volume defence, cosmetics, healthcare, agriculture, (0.077 cm3/g) and overall proportion of lumen environment, catalysts and polymer manufacture pore space (16.3%). This contrasted with sample (e.g. Lvov et al. 2008). A few examples of recent CLA with total surface area 74.6 m2/g, pore volume research outcomes are described below, some of 0.17 cm3/g and a high percentage of lumen pore which involve comparisons with halloysite from the space of 33.8%. Sample DG had a high proportion Camel Lake site.
Table 1 Halloysite morphological characteristics from transient electromagnetic images Halloysite Particle shapes Length Inner Outer Wall Aspect (nm) diameter diameter thickness ratio (nm) (nm) (nm) (average) Matauri Bay, New Tubular: long, thin or thick with some short and 100–3000 10–35 40–150 10–100 16:1 Zealand (MB-NN) stubby. Minor spheroidal and platy forms. Dragon Mine, Tubular: short, thin and stubby tubes with some 50–1500 5–30 20–150 5–50 9:1 Utah (DG) long and thin. Minor platy kaolinite. Camel Lake, Tubular: regular, thin and of various length. 100–1500 10–50 20–70 5–30 17:1 South Australia (CLA)
Table 2 Halloysite surface area and average pore size properties (from Pasbakhsh, Churchman and Keeling 2013)
Halloysite SBET Sabs for pores Vabs for pores Average Vabs for pores in Lumen space (m2/g) 1.7–300 nm diameter 1.7–300 nm diameter pore size the range of lumen (%) (m2/g) (cm3/g) (nm) diameter (cm3/g) MB-NN 29.3 30.5 0.07 10.0 0.06 16.3 DG 57.3 58.8 0.12 8.1 0.10 26.3 CLA 74.6 76.6 0.17 8.9 0.13 33.8
SBET specific surface area; Sabs specific surface area from adsorption isotherm; Vabs BJH adsorption cumulative volume of pores.
Table 3 Halloysite major oxides (from Pasbakhsh, Churchman and Keeling 2013; Keeling 2015)
Halloysite SiO2 TiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 MnO MgO CaO Na2O K2O P2O5 SO3 Sum LOI (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) MB-NN 45.82 0.12 38.21 0.48 0.01 0.17 0.01 0.12 0.01 0.32 0.02 85.30 14.7 DG 43.50 0.02 38.88 0.33 0.001 0.12 0.26 0.07 0.07 0.83 0.26 84.34 15.7 CLA 44.96 0.15 37.57 1.21 0.01 0.19 0.28 0.09 0.31 0.01 0.63 85.47 14.5
LOI loss on ignition.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 23 Halloysite nanotubes
Applied research incorporating with the other halloysite nanotubes. Similar high Camel Lake halloysite performance was recorded for CLA in tests on improved impact properties for epoxy/halloysite Halloysite dispersion in low concentration in nanocomposites (Vahedi, Pasbakhsh and Chai polymer systems has been shown to be relatively 2015; Fig. 5b). straightforward, with or without pre-modification of the halloysite surface, and can produce Halloysite has been exploited over many decades significant improvement in mechanical and thermal without evidence of toxicity to humans; an performance when incorporated in polypropylene observation supported by recent animal and (PP), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), cell viability studies, summarised in Abdullayev styrene-butadiene rubber and epoxy (Vahedi (2015). The results attest to the mineral’s general and Pasbakhsh 2015, and references therein). biocompatibility and low environmental impact. In testing improvement in tensile strength of Investigations of Camel Lake halloysite, sample EPDM incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), CLA-1, during 2011 at the Universidad Autónoma Pasbakhsh et al. (2014) compared halloysites from Metropolitana, Mexico, reported the first observation Matauri Bay (MB), Jarrahdale (Western Australia) of anti-inflammatory properties of halloysite, (JA), and Camel Lake (CLA). EPDM incorporating comparable to that of indomethacin (Cornejo- CLA outperformed MB and JA nanocomposites at Garrido et al. 2012). Evidence was based on all concentrations, producing a maximum 340% mieloperoxidase enzymatic activity, using adult increase in tensile properties with halloysite loading male Wister rats, and interaction with mice primary of 15% phr (parts per hundred of rubber; Fig. 5a). peritoneal macrophages, which showed that CLA-1 The difference in performance was attributed by inhibited the production of nitric oxide and inhibited the authors to the combination of higher aspect oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation. Subsequent ratio and higher surface area of CLA compared studies on halloysites from various locations showed anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxcicity (a) varied between samples and was correlated with Tensile strength (MPa) surface area; highest anti-inflammatory activity was 7 EPDM EPDM–MB EPDM–JA EPDM–CLA associated with halloysites of high surface area 6 (Cervini-Silva, Nieto-Camacho and Ramírez-Apan 5 2015).
4
3 Recent research developments –
2 selected examples
1 Halloysite is not biodegradable but has been investigated for a variety of healthcare and cosmetic 0 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 applications, including external wound care, bone HNT loading (%) implants and dental fillers. Halloysite nanotubes have been shown to be effective for encapsulation (b) and sustained release of drugs and an approach to
Instrumented impact strength (kJ/m2) control the timing of release has been developed by 3.0 coating the tubes with polyelectrolyte (e.g. chitosan, gelatine; polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP; poly-acrylic acid, PAA), using layer-by-layer assembly to give 2.5 2.39 multilayer shells of required thickness (Veerabadran 2.15 2.0 et al. 2009). Average lumen diameters of 8–10 nm allow halloysite to accommodate macromolecules within the lumen. Also, the hydroxyl groups on the 1.5 1.37 internal aluminol surface of the halloysite tubes can 1.05 1.0 be selectively modified to enhance uptake of the guest drug (Tan et al. 2013). Modification of the
0.5 external siloxane surface of halloysite by surfactant sodium dodecanote was reported by Mitchell,
0 Castellanos and King (2015) as an effective method Neat epoxy MB JA CLA for selective adhesion of circulating tumour cells 204627-012 to facilitate their collection from blood. The study Figure 5 Influence of halloysite type on (a) tensile involved coating the internal surface of 300 μm strength of synthetic rubber (EPDM) and (b) impact diameter microenathane tubing with modified resistance for epoxy/halloysite nanotubes composites. MB (Matauri Bay), JA (Jarrahdale), CLA (Camel Lake). (From halloysite, which provided surface roughness and Pasbakhsh et al. 2014; Vahedi, Pasbakhsh and Chai 2015) a high contact area. Effectiveness and selectivity
24 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Halloysite nanotubes
were determined by identifying and measuring Innovative developments, such as those outlined attached cells following controlled infusions of above, provide encouragement for future growth in mixtures of cancer cells and leukocytes. The spread demand for specialist materials based on new ‘nano of cancer cells from a primary tumour via blood minerals’ such as halloysite and graphene, both circulation is a major cause of cancer-related of which could be readily obtained from natural deaths. Concentration and collection of circulating resources in South Australia. tumour cells has application in cancer diagnosis and treatment aimed at preventing formation of secondary tumours. References Abdullayev E 2015. Medical and health applications of Unmodified halloysite is environmentally benign, but halloysite nanotubes. In P Pasbakhsh and GJ Churchman eds, Natural mineral nanotubes: properties and the incorporation of halloysite with graphene and applications. Apple Academic Press Inc., New Jersey, pp. nanoparticulate silver by researchers at Zhengzhou 422–436. University, China, created an enhanced antibacterial Berthier P 1826. Analyse de l’halloysite. Annales de Chimie et reagent, shown to be highly effective against de Physique 32:332–335. resilient Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus Brathwaite RL, Christie AB, Faure K, Townsend MG and Terlesk S 2012. Origin of the Matauri Bay halloysite deposit, aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia Northland, New Zealand. Mineralium Deposita 47:897– coli; Yu et al. 2014). The thin edges of graphene 910. oxide (GO) stress and fatally damage bacteria cell Cervini-Silva J, Nieto-Camacho A and Ramírez-Apan MT membrane; the effect is reduced where the GO 2015. The anti-inflammatory properties of different naturally-occurring halloysites. In P Pasbakhsh and GJ nanosheets are aggregated. Silver nanoparticles Churchman eds, Natural mineral nanotubes: properties block functional operations of micro-organisms and applications. Apple Academic Press Inc., New Jersey, to give broad-spectrum antibacterial action and pp. 450–459. some antiviral activity, yet are non-toxic to the Cornejo-Garrido H, Nieto-Camacho A, Gómez-Vidales V, Ramírez-Apan MT, de Angel P, Montoya JA, Domínguez- human body at low concentrations. The silver López M, Kibanova D and Cervini-Silva J 2012. The anti- nanoparticles, however, readily agglomerate, which inflammatory properties of halloysite. Applied Clay Science decreases the antibacterial effect. The function 57:10–16. of halloysite was to locate between the graphene Dupuis C, Nicaise D, DePutter T, Perruchot A, Demaret M and Roche E 2003. Miocene cryptokarsts of Entre-Sambre- oxide sheets to limit the effects of aggregation et-Meuse and Condroz Plateaus. Géologie de la France and to provide high surface area for deposition of 1:27–31. silver nanoparticles. This was achieved by coating Fritz B and Noguera C 2009. Mineral precipitation kinetics. the halloysite nanotubes with organic adhesive Reviews in Mineralogy & Geochemistry 70:371–410. dopamine and dispersion with GO nanosheets Guggenheim S 2015. Phyllosilicates used as nanotube substrates in engineered materials: structures, chemistries in Tollens’ reagent (silver nitrate/ammonia mix; and textures. In P Pasbakhsh and GJ Churchman eds, Fig. 6). In the process graphene oxide was partly Natural mineral nanotubes: properties and applications. reduced to graphene (rGO), with lower tendency to Apple Academic Press Inc., New Jersey, pp. 4–42. aggregate. Silver nanoparticles (5–15 nm across) Hou B, Frakes L, Sandiford M, Worrall L, Keeling JL and Alley NF 2008. Cenozoic Eucla Basin and associated were formed via reduction and deposited on the palaeovalleys, South Australia – climatic and tectonic surfaces of graphene and halloysite with minimal influences on landscape evolution, sedimentation and agglomeration. The resulting sandwich-like silver heavy mineral accumulation. Sedimentary Geology 203:112–130. nanoparticles/halloysite nanotubes/graphene Keeling JL 2010. Research on key characteristics of halloysite nanocomposite (Ag/HNTs/rGO), with high surface nanotubes for nanotechnology applications. MESA Journal area of 278m2/g, could be dispersed at low 59:47. Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, concentration to provide a highly effective biocide Adelaide. or be incorporated in polymer film with potential Keeling JL 2015. The mineralogy, geology and occurrences of halloysite. In P Pasbakhsh and GJ Churchman eds, Natural application as antibacterial membrane for water mineral nanotubes: properties and applications. Apple treatment (Yu et al. 2014). Academic Press Inc., New Jersey, pp. 96–112.
Dopomine Graphene oxide nanosheets HNTs
Tollens’ reagent HO NH2 2[Ag(NH3)2]OH HO 204627-013 Silver nanoparticles
Figure 6 Fabrication process for silver nanoparticles on halloysite nanotube/graphene composites (Ag/HNTs/rGO). (Adapted from Yu et al. 2014)
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 25 Halloysite nanotubes
Keeling JL, Pasbakhsh P and Churchman GJ 2012. Halloysite Steefel CI and van Cappellen P 1990. A new kinetic approach from the Eucla Basin, South Australia – comparison of to modeling water-rock interaction: the role of nucleation, physical properties for potential new uses. In MATM precursors, and Oswald ripening. Geochimica et Broekmans ed., Proceedings of the 10th International Cosmochimica Acta 54:2657–2677. Congress for Applied Mineralogy (ICAM). Springer, Berlin Tan D, Yuan P, Annabi-Bergaya F, Yu H, Liu D, Liu H and He Heidelberg, pp. 351–359. H 2013. Natural halloysite nanotubes as mesoporous Keeling JL, Self PG and Raven MD 2010. Halloysite in carriers for the loading of ibuprofen. Microporous and Cenozoic sediments along the Eucla Basin margin. MESA Mesoporous Materials 179:89–98. Journal 59:24–28. Primary Industries and Resources South Vahedi V and Pasbakhsh P 2015. Polymer nanocomposites Australia, Adelaide. reinforced by halloysite nanotubes: a review. Kildale MB and Thomas RC 1957. Geology of the halloysite In P Pasbakhsh and GJ Churchman eds, Natural mineral deposit at the Dragon Mine. In DR Cook ed., Guidebook nanotubes: properties and applications. Apple Academic to the geology of Utah. Utah Geological Society, pp. Press Inc., New Jersey, pp. 142–169. 94–96. Vahedi V, Pasbakhsh P and Chai S-P 2015. Toward high Lvov YM, Shchukin DG, Möhwald H and Price RR 2008. performance epoxy/halloysite nanocomposites: new Halloysite clay nanotubes for controlled release of insights based on rheological, curing, and impact protective agents. ACS Nano 2(5):814–820. American properties. Materials and Design 68:42–53. Chemical Society. Veerabadran NG, Mongayt D, Torchilin V, Price RR and Mitchell MJ, Castellanos CA and King MR 2015. Surfactant Lvov YM 2009. Organized shells on clay nanotubes for functionalization induces robust, differential adhesion of controlled release of macromolecules. Macromolecular tumor cells and blood cells to charged nanotube-coated Rapid Communication 30:99–103. biomaterials under flow. Biomaterials 56:179–186. Yu L, Zhang Y, Zhang B and Liu J 2014. Enhanced Pasbakhsh P, Churchman GJ and Keeling JL 2013. antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles/halloysite Characterisation of properties of various halloysites nanotubes/graphene nanocomposites with sandwich-like relevant to their use as nanotubes and microfibre fillers. structure. Scientific Reports 4:4551–4555. Applied Clay Science 74:47–57. Pasbakhsh P, De Silva RT, Vahedi V and Ismail H 2014. The role of halloysite’s surface area and aspect ratio on tensile properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer FURTHER INFORMATION nanocomposites. International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 8:1249–1252. John Keeling Pasbakhsh P and Churchman GJ eds 2015. Natural mineral [email protected] nanotubes: properties and applications. Apple Academic +61 8 8463 3135 Press Inc., New Jersey.
Roger Goldsworthy AO – supporting South Australia’s resources sector
On Wednesday 30 September 2015 the Treasurer of South Australia, Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, hosted a thank you dinner at the South Australian Museum for the Hon Eric Roger Goldsworthy AO. Roger, as he prefers to be known, has been a champion of the South Australian resources sector since he entered politics in 1970. He held key parliamentary positions such as deputy leader of the opposition (Liberal Party, SA); deputy premier; minister of mines and energy, services and supply; and chairman of the Budget Review Committee. As minister, Roger’s most well-known achievements included: negotiations to establish the Olympic Dam copper–uranium mine and introduction of the Roxby Downs Indenture Bill to parliament on 5 March 1982. The Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification) Act 1982 came into operation on 21 June 1982. He was also key in the negotiations of the Cooper Basin Liquids Project Indenture and involved in Pitjantjatjara land rights negotiations. Roger was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for service to politics, to the parliament of South Australia and to the community in 1997, and a Centenary Medal in 2001 for his service to the South Australian Parliament as a minister and deputy premier. After retiring from politics in 1992 Roger was kept busy with various roles on boards and committees. With Roger’s recent retirement from the Resources Industry Development Board (now known as the Minerals and Energy Advisory Council) the celebratory dinner was a timely reminder of his achievements. 26 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 (Photos 414651–414653) Quartoo Sand Member
Origin of Eocene sedimentary cover adjacent to the Hillside Cu–Au deposit: detrital zircon provenance of Quartoo Sand Member
Joel Vergunst, Anthony J Reid and Steven M Hill Geological Survey of South Australia, Department of State Development Peer reviewed (Department of State Development and externally)
Introduction incorporates the southern portion of an extensively altered and mineralised region known as the Sedimentary transport can lead to cover Olympic Cu–Au Province, including the Hillside Cu– sequences containing detritus that is lithologically, Au deposit (Skirrow et al. 2007; Conor et al. 2010). mineralogically and geochemically exotic to The most extensive crystalline basement unit on the the underlying bedrock. Such a cover sequence Yorke Peninsula is the c. 1750 Ma Wallaroo Group, effectively conceals the geochemical properties which is underlain by c. 1850 Ma granite gneiss of of the underlying bedrock. A critical component the Donington Suite, and intruded by granites and in understanding how effectively the cover masks gabbros of the c. 1590 Hiltaba Suite (Zang 2006). the bedrock is the link between the source, or provenance of the sedimentary material, and the site of deposition. This is intimately linked to the ") Bute paleogeography and the sedimentary history of the ") Wallaroo detritus. Spencer Gulf 34°0'S
") In this paper we present laser ablation-inductively Moonta coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) Port Geology (1:2 000 000 scale) Wakefield ") zircon U–Pb age data for a sample of silicified Pleistocene–Holocene sand from within the Quartoo Sand Member, Yorke Holocene Pliocene Peninsula (Fig. 1). The purpose is to investigate the Eocene–Pleistocene sedimentary provenance of this sandstone with a Paleocene–Eocene Maitland ") Carboniferous–Permian ") view to understanding the nature of this cover in YORKE PENINSULA Ardrossan Cambrian relation to the underlying geology of the Gawler Neoproterozoic See 34°30'S Fig.3 Craton basement, which lies within the southern Mesoproterozoic portion of the Olympic Cu–Au Province and Paleoproterozoic
") adjacent to the Hillside Cu–Au deposit (Fig. 1). The Port Julia Gulf distribution of zircon age populations from the data 0 10 20 30 km St Vincent ") Zone 53 ") Port Vincent allows for the determination of geological provinces Minlaton from which the zircons were originally sourced, and hence the likely provenance of the detrital component of the Quartoo Sand Member. 35°0'S SOUTH AUSTRALIA Geological setting ") Edithburgh
") The Yorke Peninsula is comprised of geological units ADELAIDE extending from the Paleoproterozoic through to the 137°0'E 137°30'E 138°0'E Holocene (Fig. 1). Crystalline basement is part of 204627-016 the southeastern margin of the Gawler Craton, and Figure 1 Geology of the Yorke Peninsula.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 27 New geology
Crystalline basement on the Yorke Peninsula is the Yorke Peninsula (near Muloowurtie Point; overlain by Early Cambrian sediments, including Crawford 1965; Fig. 3). Pleistocene sand dunes are the Winulta Formation, which were deposited in widespread across Yorke Peninsula. the Stansbury Basin. Fluvial and coastal sandstones of the Winulta Formation are overlain by marine Kulpara Formation, which in turn is overlain by St Vincent Basin: Muloowurtie the Parara Limestone (Gravestock et al. 1995). Formation and the Quartoo Sand The Cambrian limestones on Yorke Peninsula were Member gently deformed and faulted during the c. 500 Ma The St Vincent Basin contains basal Eocene deltaic Delamerian Orogeny. sediments overlain by Miocene–Pleistocene marine By the Permian, the southern Yorke Peninsula sediments (Lindsay and Alley 1995). The basin region was covered by the Troubridge Basin, with is structurally controlled, representing a N–S deposition of Cape Jervis Formation diamictite and elongated intra-continental depression, formed fine-grained clastic sedimentary rocks in deltaic to by normal faulting along pre-existing Delamerian marginal marine and glacigene settings (Alley and compressional faults that were reactivated following Bourman 1995; Alley, Bourman and Milnes 2013). separation of Australia from Antarctica. Basin Permian rocks are unconformably overlain by sediments are in excess of 700 m thickness in the Eocene fluviodeltaic to marginal marine sediments depocentre (Sprigg and Stackler 1965). of the St Vincent Basin (Fig. 2). Oligocene–Miocene- One of the major units within the southwestern aged limestones, including the Port Vincent and St Vincent Basin is the Eocene Muloowurtie Melton limestones, overlie the Eocene clastic Formation, which comprises basal conglomerates sediments and record regional marine transgression overlain by cross-bedded sandstone and calcareous at this time (Lindsay 1970). The Port Vincent and glauconitic quartz sands. The sands also Limestone is exposed intermittently in coastal cliffs preserve abundant fossils including foraminifera, between Port Julia and Edithburgh (Stuart 1970). The echinoids and crinoids (Stuart 1970; Holmes 2004). sandy bryozoal limestone conformably overlies the The upper half of the Muloowurtie Formation Rogue Formation to the north of the Port Julia area, includes the Quartoo Sand Member, consisting of with only thinner erosional remnants unconformably near-shore channel or estuarine-style sediments and overlying the Rogue Formation further north along extending north within the Muloowurtie Formation for ~1 km north of Muloowurtie Point (Fig. 3; Stuart
137°0'E 137°30'E 138°0'E 138°30'E 1970). The extent of the Quartoo Sand Member Crystal Brook ") south of Rocky Point (previously known as Quartoo Point) is yet to be determined. The Quartoo Sand
33°30'S Member has a maximum thickness of 6.4 m just Cowell ") south of Pine Point (Stuart 1970). Pirie Basin At Rocky Point, ~4 m of the Muloowurtie Formation is exposed in coastal cliff outcrop, and contains ") 34°0'S various trace fossils (Stuart 1970). The Quartoo Spencer Gulf Moonta Sand Member is well exposed at this locality and consists of ~3 m of upwards coarsening, red- Ardrossan ") brown oxidised sands that are in turn overlain by
34°30'S ~2 m of silicified, cross-bedded sands (Fig. 4a, b), Gulf interpreted as an Eocene near-shore marine channel Port ") St Vincent Vincent deposit. These sands are medium to coarse grained, St Vincent Basin ") ADELAIDE well sorted, with a very low content of clay and silt.
Edithburgh ") The sediments are overlain by ~4 m of Throoka Silt, 35°0'S ~12 m of variably silicified red quartzose sands of the Rogue Formation, and ~1 m of nodular regolith
Investigator Strait carbonate derived from weathering and transport of Port Vincent Limestone. ")
Kingscote Victor 35°30'S ") Harbor The Throoka Silt hosts spectacular paleoredox interfaces defined as goethite–hematite transitions Fault that in some cases define roll-fronts (Fig. 4c). These 0 50 km transitional paleoredox layers formed via acid-
Lamberts 36°0'S 204627-017 sulfate redox-controlled weathering largely derived Figure 2 Map showing the extent and major structures via ferrolysis, the oxidation of organic materials and of the Tertiary St Vincent Basin. the oxidation of secondary pyrite. The resulting Al
28 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Quartoo Sand Member
Ì Hillside deposit Fault position accurate ") James Well Fault position approximate
Geology (1:100 000 scale)
6180000 ") Rogues Point Rogues Point HOLOCENE SEMAPHORE SAND MEMBER: Unconsolidated sand GANTHEAUME SAND MEMBER: Unconsolidated aeolian cliff top dunes and sand Holocene sand spread Muloowurtie Point PLEISTOCENE-HOLOCENE YORKE Undifferentiated Quaternary alluvial/fluvial sediments PENINSULA Hillside Ì PLEISTOCENE HINDMARSH CLAY: Consolidated mottled clay and sandy clay 6175000 PLIOCENE-PLEISTOCENE Gulf Pliocene to Pleistocene gravelly clay, clay, sand, local ferruginous nodules St Vincent EOCENE-MIOCENE PORT VINCENT LIMESTONE: Limestone, arenaceous EOCENE-OLIGOCENE ") ROGUE FORMATION: Sand, quartz; sandstone; siliceous sandstone; Pine Point siliceous and sandy limestone; mudstone and clay; marine to marginal marine EOCENE 6170000 MULOOWURTIE FORMATION: Sand, variously glauconitic, calcareous, fossiliferous; silt; conglomerate Rocky Point (Quartoo) BLANCHE POINT FORMATION: Mudstone, glauconitic, calcareous; spicular chert; calcareous mudstone and spongolite Port Alfred TERTIARY
") Black Point Undifferentiated Tertiary rocks Black Point CAMBRIAN (Koolywurtie) COOBOWIE LIMESTONE: Limestone, silty, oolitic; basal glauconitic sandstone 6165000 MESOPROTEROZOIC ARTHURTON GRANITE: Granite 0 1 2 km PALEOPROTEROZOIC Zone 53 AAGOT MEMBER: Layered metasandstone, sandy or tuffaceous argillite 204627-018 760000 765000
Figure 3 Coastal geology around Rocky Point, Yorke Peninsula. mobility (at very low pH values) and Si redistribution ICPMS. Laser analyses were carried out with a has produced authigenic clay and alunite, as well as beam diameter of 30 μm and a 5 Hz repetition phreatic silcrete layers (Brinkman 1970). rate. The GJ-1 zircon standard was used as the primary standard to correct for instrument induced In this study we sampled one of the lower zones of fractionation effects (Belousova et al. 2001). Time- silicified sandstone of the Quartoo Sand Member, resolved signals of 204, 206, 207, 208Pb, 232Th and SA Geodata rock sample 1998167, to determine 238U were acquired during a 90 s analytical interval, the provenance of this sand member. The sample comprising 40 s of background signal, before the was collected from a loose boulder adjacent to the onset of laser ablation and the subsequent collection cliff section. of 50 s worth of analytical signal related to the sample being analysed. Data quality was monitored Zircon dating by analysis of the OG-1, Temora 2 and QGNG standard zircons, all of which produced results in Method accordance with their measured reference values Sample 1998167 was crushed and sieved to (Table 1). <400 μm before standard density and magnetic separation techniques were used to concentrate The U–Pb ages were calculated from the raw signal zircon at a commercial facility, MinSep Labs, data with the online software GLITTER (Jackson et al. Western Australia. Zircons were hand-picked 2004), using the U and Th decay constants of Jaffey and encapsulated in an epoxy disc before being et al. (1971), as recommended by Steiger and Jäger 204 polished to expose the grains approximately in (1977). Note that Pb was monitored during the half. Transmitted and reflected light microscopy analysis; however, due to the elevated background 204 followed by cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging levels of Hg in the carrier gas, which interferes 204 using a scanning electron microscope were used to with the measurement of Pb, no correction for determine the morphology and internal structure of non-radiogenic Pb has been made to the data. the grains to be analysed. Nevertheless, when an analysis showed an unusually large degree of 204Pb within the analytical trace, U–Pb age dating of detrital zircons was undertaken this analysis is considered suspect and is typically via LA-ICPMS using instrumentation at Adelaide omitted from age calculations. In addition, a Microscopy, the University of Adelaide. The system measure of 204Pb content termed Net 204Pb is also incorporates a New Wave/Merchantek LUV213 LA presented that gives an indication of the abundance system coupled with an Agilent 7300 quadrupole of 204Pb within the analysis, where Net 204Pb
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 29 New geology
is 204Pb / (204Pb + 206Pb) measured in counts age was used as the preferred crystallisation age. per second. Weighted mean ages and concordia Weighted mean ages are reported with 1 sigma diagrams were constructed using Isoplot 3 (Ludwig (95%) uncertainty and provenance clusters 2003), and probability density plots were generated determined from the detrital zircon age spectrum using AgeDisplay (Sircombe 2004). Where the are summarised in the Appendix. 207Pb/206Pb age was <1000 Ma, the 206Pb/238U
Port Vincent Limestone (1 m) Port Vincent Limestone
Rogue Formation
Rogue Formation (12 m) Throoka Silt
Muloowurtie 26 m Formation Sample Throoka Silt (4 m) 1998167 location Quartoo Sand Member (5 m)
Muloowurtie Formation (9 m)
204627-014
4 (a) View looking south with main stratigraphic boundaries 4 (b) Schematic stratigraphic column for Rocky Point. dashed in red. (Photo 414566)
4 (c) Roll-front horizons within the Throoka Silt. 4 (d) Detail of cross-bedded sandstone of the Quartoo (Photo 414567) Sand Member, similar to sample 1998167. Note trace fossil (worm burrow) in the lower right quadrant. (Photo 414568)
Figure 4 Main cliff at Rocky Point.
Table 1 Summary of LA-ICPMS results from standard zircons analysed during the course of this study Standard 207Pb/206Pb age MSWD n 206Pb/238U age MSWD n (Ma) (Ma) OG-1 3463 ± 16 0.65 9 Stern et al. 2009 3465.4 ± 0.6 Temora 2 408 ± 12 2.2 6 Black et al. 2004 416.8 ± 0.6 QGNG 1859 ± 32 0.17 4 Black et al. 2003 1851.6 ± 0.6
MSWD mean square of weighted deviates.
30 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Quartoo Sand Member
Results encompassing an Archean to Permian provenance. Zircons from this sample show a range of There are 18 Archean-aged grains, with12 grains morphologies consistent with this being a population within the intervals c. 3380 to 3200 Ma and of detrital zircons with a wide provenance (Fig. 5). c. 2740 to 2570 Ma, and 6 grains with ages ranging from c. 2400 to 1900 Ma; however, no The zircons range in size from ~300 µm to as small age clusters can be calculated from this data. There as 50 μm in length and crystal morphology varies from squat crystals with low length to width ratios, to are two provenance clusters that can be described 207 206 elongate, more tabular grains and length to width by weighted mean Pb/ Pb ages of 1846 ± ratios of ~1:3. The majority of the zircon grains 23 Ma and 1728 ± 25 Ma from 9 and 8 zircons have a rounded or subrounded habit consistent respectively (Table 2). Post-1730 Ma zircons form with sedimentary rounding, although rare zircons secondary provenance clusters at 1607 ± 38 Ma have euhedral prismatic terminations. The zircons and 1090 ± 47 Ma. The c. 1607 Ma zircons also show a variety of textures under CL, with generally have dark CL response and generally have many grains showing oscillatory zonation, typical angular or subrounded morphology, while several of a magmatic origin, and others showing broad c. 1090 Ma zircons have a broad or sector zoned zonation that likely reflects a metamorphic origin. CL response that likely indicate their derivation from metamorphic rocks. Ninety zircons were analysed over two separate analytical sessions (App.). The data from the two There are four provenance peaks distinguishable sessions are consistent, although uncertainties are from the 18 zircons that have ages between slightly higher for the data obtained in the second c. 585 Ma and c. 470 Ma. The oldest of these is 206 238 session due to lower laser fluence and hence lower defined by a weighted mean Pb/ U age of signal into the ICPMS. Although the majority of the analyses are concordant or near concordant, (a) Quartoo Sand Member, 1998167 approximately one-third of the analyses are >10% discordant (Fig. 6; App.). Broadly, the zircons range Probability Frequency 0.005 12 in age from 3381 ± 22 Ma to 256 ± 4 Ma, thus Concordant data between 90 c. 580–520 Ma and 110% concordance, n = 63 Total data, n = 90 10 (a) 0.004 c. 1900–1550 Ma c. 485 Ma Data between 8 ± 10% discordance 0.003 c. 256 Ma Data >10% discordance 6 0.002 4
0.001 2
0 0 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 Age (Ma)
(b) Carrickalinga Head Formation, sample G
Probability Frequency 0.006 16 Concordant data between -10 (b) and 10% discordance, n = 55 14 8617-58 0.005 Total data, n = 94 8617-60 12 8617-59 0.004 10 8617-62 0.003 8
8617-54 6 8617-57 0.002 8617-55 8617-51 4 0.001 8617-52 2
8617-53 8617-56 0 0 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400
204627-028 Age (Ma) 204627-015
Figure 5 Representative zircons from sample 1998167. Figure 6 Probability density distribution of ages from Circles and numbers represent analysis sites. zircons. (a) Sample 1998167 from the Quartoo Sand (a) Transmitted plain polarised light image. Member. (b) Sample of the Carrickalinga Head Formation (b) Cathodoluminescence image. (data from Ireland et al. 1998).
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 31 New geology
Table 2 Summary of major provenance populations within zircons analysed from sample 1998167 Weighted mean n MSWD Probability Upper Lower n MSWD Probability age intercept intercept concordia age concordia age 206Pb/238U 485 ± 17 4 2.10 0.98 523 ± 17 4 1.50 0.22 557 ± 8 5 0.61 0.66 582 ± 8 5 0.16 0.96 207Pb/206Pb 1090 ± 47 4 0.48 0.70 1075 ± 32 30 ± 70 7 1.40 0.23 1607 ± 38 4 0.63 0.59 1604 ± 30 –47 ±110 5 0.93 0.42 1728 ± 25 8 0.61 0.75 1728 ± 19 0 ± 55 10 1.15 0.32 1846 ± 23 9 0.13 1.00 1842 ± 18 66 ± 120 10 0.18 0.99
582 ± 8 Ma derived from five analyses, with the is interpreted to have been derived from Archean remaining three provenance peaks defined at 557 to Paleoproterozoic rocks of the eastern Gawler ± 8 Ma, 523 ± 17 Ma and 485 ± 17 Ma (Table 2). Craton. These were likely included as reworked Zircons with ages between c. 585 and c. 550 Ma detrital minerals out of any of the older sedimentary form the majority of the zircons analysed from this basins that the Eocene Quartoo Sand Member sample and these, together with the slightly younger was sourced from. Granitic rocks that may have c. 525 Ma and c. 485 Ma provenance peaks, contributed zircons include c. 2420 Ma granites of are very significant peaks for understanding the the Dutton Suite and the c. 2020–2000 Ma Miltalie provenance of this sandstone. Gneiss (Fanning, Reid and Teale 2007). Zircons of this age are not a prominent component of the Finally, a single zircon has a 206Pb/238U age of detrital zircon age spectrum from sample 1998167. 256 ± 3 Ma (analysis 19) which is the youngest in this dataset. This analysis is from a rounded zircon, with a CL response that appears to show three 1846 ± 23 Ma: Donington Suite concentric zones, an inner dark core that is mantled Nine of the grains analysed from sample 1998167 by a lighter rim that itself is mantled by a dark CL yielded ages that define a provenance population rim (Fig. 6). This CL pattern is more reminiscent of at 1846 ± 23 Ma. These zircons are identical to a metamorphic zircon than magmatic zircon, which the age of the Donington Suite which crops out may suggest that this zircon recrystallised during a across the southern Yorke Peninsula (Fig. 1; Zang c. 256 Ma metamorphic event. 2006; Reid et al. 2008). Significantly, zircons of this age are not present in Cambrian sediments Zircon provenance of the Kanmantoo Group (Ireland et al. 1998), which appear to have contributed significantly to The following discussion describes the possible the detrital zircon population of the present sample source regions for the provenance populations (see below). Hence, c. 1846 Ma zircons are likely (Table 2). to have been derived directly from the Donington Suite during the Eocene, which has implications for 3381–3200 Ma: Cooyerdoo Granite and the sedimentary transport direction for the Quartoo Middleback Subgroup gneisses Sand Member. Four zircons from the sample have 3381–3200 Ma age, which correspond well with the age of the 1728 ± 25 Ma: eastern Gawler Craton Cooyerdoo Granite and associated Middleback Subgroup gneisses that crop out in the northeastern There are multiple potential sources for the Eyre Peninsula. There, granites and granite gneisses c. 1728 ± 25 Ma magmatic zircons present within range from c. 3250–3150 Ma in age and contain the sample. Granites of the southern Gawler inherited zircons as old as c. 3400 Ma (Fraser Craton such as the c. 1730 Ma informally named et al. 2010; Jagodzinski, Reid and Farrell 2011; Middlecamp Granite (Fanning, Reid and Teale 2007) McAvaney 2012). or granites of the Moody Suite (c. 1710 Ma; Schwarz 1999) are present across the Eyre Peninsula and may have contributed to the age peak. In addition, 2690, 2405, 2245 and 2090 Ma the c. 25 Ma uncertainty on this pooled age from Zircons of the age range c. 2691–2090 Ma appear the detrital zircons may permit for some component as broad subordinate peaks within the sample; of this peak to be derived from the younger portions the source of these zircons is undetermined, but of the Wallaroo Group, such as the c. 1740 Ma
32 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Quartoo Sand Member
Doora Member of the Weetulta Formation (Cowley, Conor and Zang 2003; Fanning, Reid and Teale 2007) which is more proximal to the Quartoo Sand Member than the Eyre Peninsula rocks. Zircons with a metamorphic appearance are also present within the c. 1728 Ma sample; these likely originate from metamorphic rocks affected by the ~1730–1690 Ma Kimban Orogeny (Hand, Reid and Jagodzinski 2007).
1607 ± 38 Ma: Gawler Range Volcanics – Hiltaba Suite The four zircons that define an age population at 1607 ± 38 Ma are likely derived from either volcanic or intrusive rocks associated with the Gawler 7 (a) Detail of Permian diamictite showing several 2–5 cm long Range Volcanics – Hiltaba Suite magmatic event. dropstones. (Photo 414569) This event is widespread across the Gawler Craton (Hand, Reid and Jagodzinski 2007) and is also present across the Yorke Peninsula where felsic and mafic rocks are abundant (Fanning, Reid and Teale 2007; Zang et al. 2007). Specifically, the Arthurton and Tickera granites crop out on the northeastern Yorke Peninsula, near Wallaroo (Fig. 2), while granites are also present at the Hillside deposit, dated at 1602 ± 13 Ma (Gregory et al. 2011).
1382–747 Ma Zircons of the age range c. 1382–747 Ma appear as subordinate peaks within the data. The ultimate source of these zircons is uncertain. One possibility is that zircons of this age were recycled from Permian rocks on the Yorke Peninsula or from 5 cm Neoproterozoic or Cambrian rocks present across Yorke Peninsula, since zircons of similar age ranges 7 (b) Boulder of schistose sedimentary rocks, likely Kanmantoo Group. (Photo 414570) have additionally been recorded in the Kanmantoo Group sediments (Fig. 7b; Ireland et al. 1998). The ultimate source of the 1098–916 Ma zircon population may have been the Rayner Province in Antarctica (Halpin et al. 2012; Mikhalsky et al. 2013), while Mesoproterozoic (1382–1098 Ma) zircons may have been sourced from the Musgrave Province, central Australia, or possibly temporally equivalent regions in Antarctica.
582–485 Ma: Kanmantoo Group and Delamerian granites Four age peaks occur within the range c. 582– 485 Ma (Table 2), representing 20% of the total zircon analysed. These ages are identical to some of the major age populations present as detrital zircons within the Kanmantoo Group and as magmatic rocks associated with the Delamerian 7 (c) Granite boulders similar to syn- to post-Delamerian granites (e.g. Encounter Bay Granite) eroded out of the Permian sediment and Orogeny. The Kanmantoo Group comprises >8 km now exposed on the modern beach. (Photo 414571) of Early Cambrian turbidite deposits and is located to the southeast of the Yorke Peninsula, within the Fleurieu Peninsula and eastern Mount Lofty Ranges Figure 7 Permian diamictite of the Cape Jervis Formation, Port (Preiss 1995; Haines 1998; Veevers et al. 2006). Vincent, Yorke Peninsula.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 33 New geology
Detrital zircon dating on the lowermost unit of Paleosedimentological the Kanmantoo Group, the Carrickalinga Head implications Formation (Fleurieu Peninsula; Fig. 7b), showed Permian sediments of the Cape Jervis Formation a main peak at c. 700–600 Ma, a subordinate occur across the Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo group of ages between c. 1200–900 Ma and a Island and the southern Yorke Peninsula; and these range of older ages between c. 3500–1500 Ma. are also well exposed at Port Vincent, immediately Another small peak younger than c. 500 Ma south of Rocky Point. The Permian sediments are was attributed to Pb loss. The zircon ages were dominantly diamictite, with boulders of granite interpreted by Ireland et al. (1998) to be derived in similar in appearance to Delamerian granites, part from sedimentary recycling from the underlying such as the Encounter Bay Granite, together with Neoproterozoic rocks of the Adelaide Rift Complex, scattered boulders of Kanmantoo Group sediments such as the Marino Arkose Member or Bonney (Fig. 7). The Encounter Bay Granite and Kanmantoo Sandstone. Preiss (2000) additionally considered Group sediments were likely transported to the the possibility that some of the sedimentary input for Port Vincent vicinity via northwestwards flowing the Kanmantoo Group was derived from the Ross Permian glaciers (Alley 1984). Given the abundance Orogen, Antarctica. of pebbles and boulders of granite and schist of Kanmantoo Group metasedimentary rocks The Kanmantoo Group and the Neoproterozoic and Delamerian granites within the Cape Jervis rocks of the Adelaide Rift Complex were deformed Formation, it is highly likely that many if not all of and metamorphosed during the Cambrian the c. 582–485 Ma zircons present within sample Delamerian Orogeny (Preiss 1995). During the 1998167 are derived from reworking of Permian late stages of this and immediately post-dating glacigene sediments during the Eocene. The single the orogenic event a phase of dominantly felsic Permian zircon possibly indicates the reworking of intrusive magmatism occurred, forming a belt of material from Permian sediment. Permian sediments A-type granites and lesser mafic rocks (Foden et al. of the Troubridge Basin are located predominantly to 2002, 2006). Examples of these granites include the the south of Rocky Point (Fig. 3). Therefore, it would Palmer, Encounter Bay and Mannum granites which appear that many of the zircons in this sample were have ages ranging from c. 510–480 Ma (Foden reworked from a source to the south of their present et al. 2006). The Kanmantoo Group, along with location in the Quartoo Sand Member. the Delamerian to post-Delamerian granites, may A second provenance population at c. 1846 Ma have contributed a significant proportion of detrital is a major component of the detrital zircon data zircon grains to the sample (via reworking Permian in the Quartoo Sand Member sample. These sediments; Fig. 7). zircons are most likely derived from granites of the Donington Suite which crop out predominantly in 256 Ma: Permian the southern Yorke Peninsula (Fig. 1). Hence, the c. 1846 Ma zircon population also suggests a south One zircon in the sample has a Late Permian or southwesterly derivation of sediment within the age, c. 256 Ma, and an apparently metamorphic Quartoo Sand Member. morphology. There are no known local (South Australian) sources for metamorphic zircon of this In contrast to the c. 582–485 Ma and 1846 Ma age. The ultimate source for this grain is uncertain. populations, however, Mesoarchean zircons have Similar aged zircons occur in some detrital zircon only one known source region in South Australia, the samples from eastern Australia, which Sircombe region around the Middleback Range on northern (1999) suggested were derived from the New Eyre Peninsula. The presence of three Mesoarchean England Fold Belt, Queensland. An alternative zircons may suggest that at least some of the zircon source could be Permian high-grade metamorphic in the Quartoo Sand Member was derived from a rocks on the Antarctic Peninsula and the correlative northwesterly source; although it is uncertain if this basement in Tierra del Fuego, southern Chile, which reflects direct sourcing of the northern Eyre Peninsula zircon during the Eocene, or recycling of the zircon have been interpreted to have been a source for from another sedimentary source in the region. Late Permian conglomerates in Antarctica (Hervé et al. 2010). These conglomerates could have been Zircons with ages around c. 1600 Ma could have a reworked into extensive Permian glacial sediment, very proximal source in the Hiltaba Suite granites of including that which now extends across South Yorke Peninsula. In particular, the Arthurton Granite Australia, and specifically within the Cape Jervis is present in low outcrops <1 km inland from Rocky Formation exposed on southern Yorke Peninsula. Point and is a likely source region.
34 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Quartoo Sand Member
Conclusion effect; SHRIMP, ID-TIMS, ELA-ICP-MS and oxygen isotope documentation for a series of zircon standards. The most likely provenance of the Eocene Quartoo Chemical Geology 205(1–2):115–140. Sand Member on the eastern Yorke Peninsula is reworked Permian sediments exposed to Brinkman R 1970. Ferrolysis, a hydromorphic soil forming process. Geoderma 3:199–206. erosion on southeastern Yorke Peninsula with a contribution of local Donington Suite granite, Conor CCH, Raymond O, Baker T, Teale GS, Say P and Wallaroo Group sediments and Hiltaba Suite Lowe G 2010. Alteration and mineralisation in the granites. The data presented here suggests that Moonta-Wallaroo copper-gold mining field region, Olympic Domain, South Australia. In TM Porter ed., while there is a component of locally derived Hydrothermal iron oxide copper-gold and related detritus, any geochemical footprint of the Gawler deposits: a global perspective, Vol. 3. PGC Publishing, Craton basement is likely to be diluted significantly Adelaide, pp. 1–24. by reworking of highly erodible Permian glacial Cowley WM, Conor CHH and Zang W 2003. New and sediment, which contains material transported revised Proterozoic stratigraphic units on northern from potentially thousands of kilometres away. Yorke Peninsula. MESA Journal 29:46–58. Primary Geochemical sampling of this cover sequence Industries and Resources South Australia, Adelaide. should therefore take into account the mixed source of these Eocene sands. Crawford AR 1965. The geology of Yorke Peninsula, Bulletin 39. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide. Appendix (electronic) Fanning CM, Reid AJ and Teale G 2007. Summary of LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb data from A geochronological framework for the Gawler Craton, sample 1998167 – attached to the PDF of this South Australia, Bulletin 55. Geological Survey of South article. Australia, Adelaide. Foden J, Elburg MA, Dougherty-Page J and Burtt A 2006. The timing and duration of the Delamerian Orogeny: Acknowledgements correlation with the Ross Orogen and implications This study was undertaken during an internship by for Gondwana Assembly. The Journal of Geology 114:189–210. Joel Vergunst at the Geological Survey of South Australia. John Keeling and Verity Normington Foden JD, Elburg MA, Turner SP, Sandiford M, provided helpful reviews. O’Callaghan J and Mitchell S 2002. Granite production in the Delamerian Orogen, South Australia. Journal of the Geological Society of London References 159:557–575. Alley NF and Bourman RP 1995. Troubridge Basin. In JF Drexel, WV Preiss and AJ Parker eds, The geology Fraser G, McAvaney S, Neumann N, Szpunar M and of South Australia, Volume 2, The Phanerozoic, Bulletin Reid A 2010. Discovery of early Mesoarchean crust 54. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide, in the eastern Gawler Craton, South Australia. pp. 65–70. Precambrian Research 179:1–21.
Alley NF, Bourman RP and Milnes AR 2013. Late Paleozoic Gravestock DI, Alley NF, Benbow MC, Cowley WM, Troubridge Basin sediments on Kangaroo Island, Farrand MG, Flint RB, Gatehouse CG, Krieg GW South Australia. MESA Journal 70:24–43. Department and Preiss WV 1995. Early and middle Palaeozoic. In for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and JF Drexel, WV Preiss and AJ Parker eds, The geology Energy, Adelaide. of South Australia, Volume 2, The Phanerozoic, Bulletin 54. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide, Alley NF and Bourman RP 1984. Sedimentology and origin pp. 2–61. of late Palaeozoic glacigene deposits at Cape Jervis, South Australia. Transactions of the Royal Society of Gregory CJ, Reid AJ, Teale G and Say P 2011. U-Pb South Australia 108:63–75. geochronology of hydrothermal allanite and titanite and magmatic zircon from the Hillside Cu-Au Belousova E, Griffin WL, Shee SR, Jackson SE and deposit, Yorke Peninsula. In AJ Reid and E Jagodzinski O’Reilly SY 2001. Two age populations of zircons eds, PACE Geochronology: results of collaborative from the Timber Creek kimberlites, Northern Territory, geochronology projects 2009-2010, Report Book as determined by laser-ablation ICPMS analysis. 2011/00003. Primary Industries and Resources Australian Journal of Earth Sciences 48:757–765. South Australia, Adelaide, pp. 95–126. Black LP, Kamo SL, Williams IS, Mundil R, Davis DW, Korsch RJ and Foudoulis C 2003. The application Haines PWF and Flöttmann T 1998. The Delamerian of SHRIMP to Phanerozoic geochronology; a critical Orogeny and potential foreland sedimentation: appraisal of four zircon standards. Chemical Geology a review of age and stratigraphic constraints. 200(1–2):171–188. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences 45(4):559–570.
Black LP, Kamo SL, Allen CM, Davis DW, Halpin JA, Daczko NR, Milan LA and Clarke GL 2012. Aleinikoff JN, Valley JW, Mundilf R, Campbell IH, Decoding near-concordant U–Pb zircon ages spanning Korsch RJ, Williams IS and Foudoulis C 2004. several hundred million years: recrystallisation, Improved 206Pb/238U microprobe geochronology metamictisation or diffusion? Contributions to by the monitoring of a trace-element-related matrix Mineralogy and Petrology 163:67–85.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 35 New geology
Hand M, Reid A and Jagodzinski E 2007. Tectonic Reid AJ, Hand M, Jagodzinski E, Kelsey D and framework and evolution of the Gawler Craton, Pearson NJ 2008. Palaeoproterozoic orogenesis within South Australia. Economic Geology 102:1377–1395. the southeastern Gawler Craton, South Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences 55:449–471. Hervé F, Calderón M, Fanning CM, Kraus S and Pankhurst RJ 2010. SHRIMP chronology of the Schwarz MP 1999. Definition of the Moody Suite, southern Magallanes Basin basement, Tierra del Fuego: Gawler Craton. MESA Journal 13:39–44. Primary Cambrian plutonism and Permian high-grade Industries and Resources South Australia, Adelaide. metamorphism. Andean Geology 37:253–275. Sircombe KN 1999. Tracing provenance through the Holmes FC 2004. A new Late Eocene cassiduloid isotope ages of littoral and sedimentary detrital zircon, (Echinoidea) from Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. eastern Australia. Sedimentary Geology 124:47–67. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 61:209–216. Sircombe KN 2004. AgeDisplay; an Excel workbook to Ireland TR, Flöttmann T, Fanning CM, Gibson GM and evaluate and display univariate geochronological data Preiss WV 1998. Development of the early Paleozoic using binned frequency histograms and probability Pacific margin of Gondwana from detrital-zircon ages density distributions. Computers & Geosciences across the Delamerian Orogen. Geology 26:243–246. 30:21–31.
Jackson SE, Pearson NJ, Griffin WL and Belousova EA Skirrow RG, Bastrakov EN, Barovich K, Fraser GL, 2004. The application of laser ablation-inductively Creaser RA, Fanning CM, Raymond OL and coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to in situ U-Pb Davidson GJ 2007. Timing of iron oxide Cu-Au-(U) zircon geochronology. Chemical Geology 211:47–69. hydrothermal activity and Nd isotope constraints on metal sources in the Gawler Craton, South Australia. Jaffey AH, Flynn KF, Glendenin LE, Bentley WC and Economic Geology 102:1441–1470. Essling AM 1971. Precision measurement of half- 235 238 lives and specific activities of U and U. Physical Sprigg RCS and Stackler WF 1965. Submarine gravity Reviews C 4(5):1889–1906. surveys in St Vincent Gulf and Investigator Strait, South Australia, in relation to oil search. APEA Journal Jagodzinski E, Reid AJ and Farrell F 2011. Project 5:168–178. PGC01-05: Geochronology of gneissic, granitic and gabbroic rocks from west of the Middleback Range. In Steiger RH and Jäger E 1977. Subcommission of AJ Reid and E Jagodzinski eds, PACE Geochronology: geochronology: convention on the use of decay results of collaborative geochronology projects 2009- constants in geo- and cosmochronology. Earth and 10, Report Book 2011/03. Primary Industries and Planetary Science Letters 36:359–362. Resources South Australia, Adelaide, pp. 63–94. Stern RA, Bodorkos S, Kamo SL, Hickman AH and Lindsay JM 1970. Melton Limestone: multiple mid-Tertiary Corfu F 2009. Measurement of SIMS instrumental transgressions, south-eastern Gawler Platform. mass fractionation of Pb isotopes during zircon Quarterly Geological Notes 33:2–10. Geological dating. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Survey of South Australia, Adelaide. 33:145–168. Lindsay JM and Alley NF 1995. St Vincent Basin. In Stuart WJ 1970. The Cainozoic stratigraphy of the eastern JF Drexel, WV Preiss and AJ Parker eds, The geology coastal area of Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. of South Australia, Volume 2, The Phanerozoic, Bulletin Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 54. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide, 94:151–178. pp. 163–172. Veevers JJ, Belousova EA, Saeed A, Sircombe K, Ludwig KR 2003. User’s manual for Isoplot 3.00: a Cooper AF and Read SE 2006. Pan-Gondwanaland geochronological toolkit for Microsoft Excel, Special detrital zircons from Australia analysed for Hf-isotopes Publication 4. Berkeley Geochronological Center, and trace elements reflect an ice-covered Antarctic Berkeley CA. provenance of 700-500 Ma age, TDM of 2.0-1.0 McAvaney SO 2012. The Cooyerdoo Granite: Paleo- and Ga, and alkaline affinity. Earth-Science Reviews Mesoarchean basement of the Gawler Craton. MESA 76:135–174. Journal 65:31–40. Department for Manufacturing, Zang W 2006. MAITLAND Special, South Australia Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy, South 1:250 000 Geological Atlas Series Map, sheet SI53- Australia, Adelaide. 12. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide. Mikhalsky EV, Sheraton JW, Kudriavtsev IV, Sergeev SA, Kovach VP, Kamenev IA and Laiba AA 2013. The Zang W, Fanning CM, Purvis AC, Raymond OL and Mesoproterozoic Rayner Province in the Lambert Both RA 2007. Early Mesoproterozoic bimodal Glacier area: its age, origin, isotopic structure and plutonism in the southeastern Gawler Craton, implications for Australia–Antarctica correlations. South Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences Geological Society of London, Special Publications 54:661–674. 383:35–57.
Preiss WV 1995. Delamerian Orogeny. In JF Drexel, WV Preiss and AJ Parker eds, The geology of South Australia, Volume 2, The Phanerozoic, Bulletin 54. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide, pp. 45–59. FURTHER INFORMATION Preiss WV 2000. The Adelaide Geosyncline of Anthony Reid South Australia and its significance in Neoproterozoic [email protected] continental reconstruction. Precambrian Research +61 8 8463 3039 100:21–63.
36 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Mount Painter map
New Mount Painter region 1:100 000 geological map
Stephen B Hore and Wayne M Cowley Geological Survey of South Australia, Department of State Development
Introduction from a number of universities have completed many specialised projects. Collectively, around The newly released updated geological map of 300 research papers, conference abstracts and the Mount Painter region, compiled by Stephen geological theses related to the region have been Hore (2015), builds upon the classic Mount Painter completed, mostly since the 1970s. Province 1:125 000 scale map by Coats et al. (1969) presented in Regional and economic geology Understanding of the region has also gained from of the Mount Painter Province (Coats and Blissett the advancement of analytical techniques such as 1971). This second edition presents the integration thermochronology, geochronology, geochemistry of the many significant contributions in the region’s and the spectral interpretation of minerals. Around geological interpretation over the past 44 years and 500 samples have been collected for analysis using is most evident in a comparison of the stratigraphic various dating techniques within the map sheet columns, the second edition having many more area, with a similar number of samples having units. The new and revised stratigraphic units have whole rock and trace geochemistry completed. been reserved with the Australian Stratigraphic Units Database, with publication of their definitions to Geochronological and thermochronological follow. localities have been noted on the new map.
The past 44 years of mapping, research and mineral exploration, using increasingly advanced research 139°15'E 139°30'E 139°45'E
techniques, underpin a huge leap in geological 29°45'S understanding of this unusual and fascinating portion of the northeast Flinders Ranges (Fig. 1). Mount Freeling Mount Babbage *# This new map, at 1:100 000 scale, presents a *# ") Moolawatana ") *# Mount Fitton ") Parabarana Hill synthesis of this large body of work and will later be Mount *# Freeling Mount Fitton
accompanied by a comprehensive report detailing 30°S *# Mount Neil the complex and in several cases unique geology. Beverley North Much is still poorly understood, however, and there Ì Four Mile East is considerable scope for further research. Ì Creek Four Ì Mile Numerous individuals have contributed to the map Mount Gee *#*# Beverley Mount Painter including government geologists who completed Lady 30°15'S Buxton MAP AREA Arkaroola ") the earliest systematic geological mapping of the ") Creek Village region in the 1950s and 1960s. Government Arkaroola Wooltana institutions, including the Geological Survey of ") South Australia (GSSA), have followed up with 0 10 20 km Lake Frome periodic and localised projects during the following ")
30°30'S Balcanoona decades. Exploration companies gained momentum 204627-019 in the region in the late 1960s and accumulated Geology Cenozoic sediments Cambrian–Ordovician detailed knowledge in their project areas through sediments and granitoids the efforts of the project geologist and specialist Paleocene–Eocene sediments Neoproterozoic (Adelaidean) Cretaceous sediments and sediments, tillites, volcanics consultants with results recorded in their company tillites and metasediments Carboniferous–Permian Mesoproterozoic reports. Researchers have been drawn to the area breccias metasediments, volcanics to investigate the varied and unique geological and granitoids challenges the region presents; similarly, students Figure 1 Locality map of the Mount Painter region.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 37 38 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 39 Mount Painter map
Spectral interpretation of the area has been a a maximum age of c. 1590 Ma (e.g. Fanning, Teal strong focus in recent years with a HyMap survey and Robertson 2003). The Radium Creek Group completed and an ongoing program of HyLoggerTM comprise strongly foliated quartz–feldspar–biotite scanning of historic and recently available drillcore gneisses and schists, in part migmatitic, representing by the GSSA. Geophysical survey data recorded metapelites, metapsammites and felsic meta- since the 1970s for mineral exploration has also igneous rocks, as well as the thick, partly pebbly and contributed to the geological interpretation along cobbly uppermost quartzite units. Within a relatively with seismic surveys associated with petroleum short time period these sediments had reached exploration. amphibolite grade metamorphism, due to rapid burial, before subsequent uplift and intrusion of the The Mount Painter region map was launched on Ninnerie Suite granites (Fricke and Hore 2011) at a 28 May 2015 at the 2015 Broken Hill Resources shallow depth at c. 1580 Ma. Such rapid burial and Investment Symposium (Fig. 2). A facsimile of the subsequent exhumation over a short time period map is shown on the adjacent pages. represents an exceptionally dynamic tectonic regime (Armit et al. 2012). Calcareous metasediments and Geological setting associated horizons of the Varavaranha Formation, prominent in the northern area of the MPI, were The Mesoproterozoic Mount Painter Inlier (MPI) and also intruded by the Ninnerie Suite granites, but Mount Babbage Inlier (MBI), forming the core of are undated and have tentatively been placed the Flinders Ranges here, demonstrate a complex stratigraphically below the Radium Creek Group. Mesoproterozoic to Paleozoic geological history The Radium Creek Group was also intruded by largely unknown in the rest of Australia. The map also portrays the overlying Neoproterozoic to granites of the Moolawatana Suite between c. 1565 Cambrian and Cretaceous to Cenozoic cover, the and 1550 Ma with equivalent Petermorra Volcanics latter being host to economic uranium deposits being reported in the MBI (Sheard, Fanning and Flint at Beverley and Four Mile recycled by geological 1992). There have been at least two deformation processes from the inliers. events recorded in the Mesoproterozoic basement rocks, but the effects of these can be difficult to Mesoproterozoic sediments of the Radium Creek distinguish from the later Delamerian Orogeny. Group (Cowley et al. 2011) form the oldest known unit of the MPI and MBI with detrital zircon The Mesoproterozoic basement rocks are overlain by interpretation indicating the upper sequences have Neoproterozoic (Adelaidean) sedimentary and mafic volcanic rocks which are exposed on the southern and western flanks of the MPI. Sedimentation is thought to reflect a succession of rift and sag phases during development of the Adelaide Geosyncline that commenced at c. 830 Ma (Preiss 2000). To the east of the MPI deep drilling has intercepted Cambrian Arrowie Basin sediments overlying Adelaidean sedimentary sequences.
The Adelaidean–Cambrian successions, together with the Mesoproterozoic basement, were deformed during the c. 510–480 Ma Delamerian Orogeny (Preiss 2000). The Delamerian metamorphism reached amphibolite facies in the MPI and in the lowest units of the Adelaidean. There is a general increase in metamorphic grade towards the inlier, which has been ascribed to the high radiogenic heat production of the basement granites (e.g. Neumann, Sandiford and Foden 2000). The beginning of the Delamerian Orogeny marks the end of sedimentation in the Adelaide Geosyncline.
A number of early Paleozoic sodic leucogranites intruding around the southern margin of the MPI are associated with intrusive breccia of possible Figure 2 Launch of the Mount Painter region map at the hydrothermal origin. Central to the MPI, within the 2015 Broken Hill Resources Investment Symposium. upper Mesoproterozoic rocks, the British Empire L–R: Steve Hill (Director, GSSA), Marg Sprigg (Arkaroola Tourist Complex and Arkaroola Pastoral Station) and Granite intruded at c. 450–440 Ma (McLaren et al. Stephen Hore (GSSA). (Photo 414538) 2006) due to mid-crustal anatexis being provided by
40 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Mount Painter map
the unusual instance of burial of the high radiogenic Cowley WM, Hore SB, Preiss WV, Sheard JM and Wade heat-producing Mount Painter basement rocks CE 2011. A revised stratigraphic scheme for the Mount Painter and Mount Babbage Inliers. 6th Sprigg beneath insulating Neoproterozoic cover sediments Symposium, Abstracts 100. Geological Society of (McLaren et al. 2006). Later in the Paleozoic mafic Australia, pp. 11–18. pegmatites intruded along brittle fractures and the Drexel JF and Major RB 1987. Geology of the uraniferous Radium Ridge Breccias (Drexel and Major 1987) breccias near Mount Painter, South Australia, and were extensively developed in the Mount Gee – revision of rock nomenclature. Quarterly Geological Notes 104:14–24. Geological Survey of South Mount Painter area of the southern MPI. The Radium Australia, Adelaide. Ridge Breccias host introduced Fe-rich fluids and Fanning CM, Teale GS and Robertson RS 2003. Is there a uranium mineralisation, and the breccias were later Willyama Supergroup sequence in the Mount Painter intruded by an epithermal system with the resulting Inlier? Broken Hill Exploration Initiative: abstracts quartz–hematite rocks of Cretaceous or younger age from the July 2003 conference in Broken Hill, Record 2003/13. Geoscience Australia, Canberra, pp. 38–41. referred to as the Mount Gee Sinter. Fricke CE and Hore SB 2011. Definition of the Mesoproterozoic Ninnerie Supersuite, Curnamona During the Mesozoic the region was dominated by Province, South Australia, Report Book 2010/00020. sedimentation associated with the Eromanga Basin, Department of Primary Industries and Resources South with the later Cenozoic sedimentation in the region Australia, Adelaide. being associated with the Lake Eyre Basin. These Hill SM and Hore SB 2011. Key insights into range- basin formations include fluvial, marine and glacial front mineral system expression and evolution from regolith and long-term landscape history, NE Flinders sediments and are found today as eroded remnant Ranges, MESA Journal 63:20–31. Department for fault blocks flanking the inliers on the northern Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and and eastern margins, with minor outcrops resting Energy, South Australia, Adelaide. unconformably on the MBI and in the central MPI Hore SB 2015. Mount Painter region, South Australia as well as the Bopeechee Regolith surface. These 1:100 000 Geological Atlas Special Series Map, DIGIMAP 00005. Geological Survey of South Australia, younger sediments once covered the inliers to a Adelaide. depth of ~1500 m and are now known to occur Hore SB and Hill SM 2009. Palaeoredox fronts: setting and below the surface of the plains proximal to the MPI. associated alteration exposed within a key section for Geological evidence indicates that uplift of the inliers understanding uranium mineralisation at the Four Mile continued through the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. West deposit. MESA Journal 55:34–39. Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, Adelaide. The Mesoproterozoic basement, Adelaidean McLaren S, Sandiford M, Powell R, Neumann N and successions and basin sediments have, at a Woodhead J 2006. Palaeozoic intraplate crustal number of locations and varying time periods anatexis in the Mount Painter Province, South Australia: throughout the region, been subjected to alteration timing, thermal budgets and the role of crustal heat or metasomatism, with the introduction of minerals production. Journal of Petrology 47(12):2281–2302. such as albite, potassium feldspar, hematite, Neumann N, Sandiford M and Foden J 2000. Regional geochemistry and continental heat flow: implications chlorite, kaolinite and epidote. The movement of for the origin of the South Australian heat flow the responsible fluids has been assisted by the anomaly. Earth and Planetary Science Letters numerous pathways provided by faults and breccias 183(2000):107–120. resulting from the area’s long-standing tectonically Preiss WV 2000. The Adelaide Geosyncline of South active regime, with the MPI being dominated by the Australia and its significance in Neoproterozoic continental reconstruction. Precambrian Research Paralana Fault near its eastern margin. 100:21–63. Uplift of the inliers continues to the present day Sheard MJ, Fanning CM and Flint RB 1992. Geochronology and definition of Mesoproterozoic with exposures along the Paralana Fault providing volcanics and granitoids of the Mount Babbage Inlier, evidence of relatively recent movements (Hill and South Australia. Quarterly Geological Notes 123:18– Hore 2011; Hore and Hill 2009). 32. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide.
References
Armit RJ, Betts PG, Schaefer BF and Ailleres L 2012. FURTHER INFORMATION Constraints on long-lived Mesoproterozoic and Palaeozoic deformational events and crustal Mount Painter map architecture in the northern Mount Painter Province, Download for free from the DSD Minerals website Australia. Gondwana Research 22:207–226.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 41 New geology
Definition and age of the enigmatic Sprigg Diamictite Member, northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Stephen B Hore, Anthony J Reid and Steven M Hill Geological Survey of South Australia, Department of State Development Peer reviewed (Department of State Development and externally)
Introduction the more elongate, parallel-sided bodies extend to ~100 m, are 1–2 m wide and dip at 60–90° A series of small outcrops of diamictite within the (Drexel and Major 1987). The lenses are enveloped Mount Painter Inlier has perplexed geologists for by hematised and chloritised granite breccias. over 100 years, with nearly as many suggestions made about its origins and regional significance Drilling along this trend has intercepted the Sprigg as there have been geologists examine it. It even prompted Reginald Sprigg (the owner of Arkaroola 139°15'E 139°30'E 139°45'E
Pastoral Lease and renowned South Australian 29°45'S Trinity Well geologist) to mobilise an excavator into the rugged Livingston Tillite Member and remote hills of the northern Flinders Ranges to Type Section *#Mount Babbage Mount Freeling ") dig costeans to provide a better exposure of its field *# Moolawatana ") Mount Fitton*# context. ") Mount Freeling *# Parabarana Hill Mount Fitton In this article we present the results of recent detrital 30°S *# Mount Neil zircon geochronology that provides new insights into Arkaroola the age, origin and significance of these outcrops, Pastoral Lease Creek Four Mile and we define a new rock unit, the Sprigg Diamictite See Fig.2 *# Member. Results indicate that the diamictite is no Mount *# Mount Painter older than 264 Ma and is most likely from the Early Gee Lady 30°15'S ") Buxton Cretaceous which, along with the diversity of exotic Creek Arkaroola ") clasts in the sediment, is consistent with glacial Village Arkaroola crevice fill sediment. This has implications for the ") Wooltana paleogeography of the region and the framework 0 10 20 km Lake Frome for the exposure, denudation and dispersion ")
30°30'S Balcanoona of detritus associated with this radiogenically 204627-020
anomalous part of South Australia’s crust. It not only Geology contributes to local geological knowledge but better SOUTH AUSTRALIA Cenozoic sediments constrains the geology of the source and dispersion Area of Paleocene–Eocene sediments interest Cretaceous sediments and of secondary uranium mineral systems in the region. Arkaroola ") Village tillites Carboniferous–Permian Sprigg Diamictite Member outcrops are only known breccias Cambrian–Ordovician from the immediate vicinity of Mount Gee on sediments and granitoids ADELAIDE ") Arkaroola Pastoral Lease in the northern Flinders Neoproterozoic (Adelaidean) sediments, tillites, volcanics Ranges (Fig. 1). These limited outcrops form a and metasediments discontinuous string of east–west-trending lenses Mesoproterozoic metasediments, volcanics over ~1.5 km through northern Mount Gee (Sprigg and granitoids 1989), with each occurrence 0.3–100 m long Figure 1 Locality map of the northern Flinders Ranges and up to several metres thick (Fig. 2). Some of showing study area.
42 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Sprigg Diamictite Member
139°20'E 139°20'30"E 139°21'E 139°21'30"E
#RADIUM RIDGE 30°13'15"S SPRIGG DIAMICTITE Sprigg costean
Drillhole DD91GE33 30°13'30"S
# MOUNT GEE
MOUNT PAINTER 30°13'45"S # 0 250 500Metres
204627-021 Figure 2 Locality map of outcropping Sprigg Diamictite Member in the Mount Gee area.
Diamictite Member in narrow bodies at least 200 m 1987 with the permission and cooperation of the below the local hilltops, and again they are enclosed Department of Mines and Energy (Fig. 4), two 3 m in granite breccias (Drexel 1980a). Contacts with the deep cuts were excavated through one body clearly breccia are predominately sharp with rare examples revealing a narrow (60–70 cm) dyke-like geometry of irregular contact where the tillite appears to of a steeply north-dipping rock body enclosed in have penetrated between clasts of coarse-grained variably hematised granite breccias (Fig. 4b). The microcline and quartz (Whitehead 1976a) of the lenticular body wedges out across the second cut granitic breccia. (Sprigg 1989). The excellent exposure of the Sprigg Diamictite Member has enabled regular inspection The first recorded mention of the diamictite was by numerous researchers and visiting geologists by Ward and Jack (1916) who noted, at the lower over the decades resulting in interesting discussions, western flank of Mount Gee, a ‘typical tillite’ and many questions and suggested solutions, but neither photographed a boulder of the tillite with an a general consensus nor scientifically supported intrusion of Mount Gee type quartz infilling thin theory was immediately reached. fractures (Fig. 3). Continued investigation of the rock in ensuing years failed to provide conclusive evidence of its geological context. The origin has been variably described over the past century as ‘conglomerate’, ‘diamictite’ and ‘tillite’, with genetic implications of fluvial, talus and glacial sedimentary settings, or crevice ravine-like valley infill or even some extreme degree of graben infaulting (Sprigg 1989). Sprigg’s favoured origin was the forceful hydraulic injection of distal unconsolidated water- saturated Sturtian tillite into an open fracture system. Drexel (1980a) interpreted the outcrops as boulders of diamictite incorporated into the developing breccias as lithified clasts. Others have associated the rock with the formation of the nearby Mount Gee Sinter and have suggested that it is a result of milling of country rock and emplacement as ‘dykes’ as part of the hydrothermal process (Drexel and Major 1987; Corbett 1997). Figure 3 Sprigg Diamictite Member photographed by In an endeavour to better understand the Ward and Jack c. 1916 showing crosscutting relationships diamictite, Sprigg initiated the excavation of the of the Mount Gee Sinter. (Boulder ~1 m wide; photo ‘Sprigg costean’ to the east of Mount Gee in April N000113)
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 43 New geology
Figure 4a Excavation of Sprigg costean in April 1987 with Figure 4b Sharp contact between the northeasterly dipping John Drexel (Geological Survey of South Australia) and Reg Sprigg Sprigg Diamictite Member and brecciated granite exposed by the onlooking. (Photo 403377) excavation of the Sprigg costean. (Photo 414562)
Geological setting metamorphic grade towards the inlier, which has been ascribed to the high radiogenic heat The Mesoproterozoic basement of the Mount Painter production of the basement granites (e.g. Neumann, Inlier consists of metasedimentary rocks of the Sandiford and Foden 2000). Radium Creek Group (Cowley et al. 2011). The Radium Creek Group comprise strongly foliated On the Mawson Plateau the Mesoproterozoic rocks quartz–feldspar–biotite gneisses and schists, are intruded by the British Empire Granite, with in part migmatitic, representing metapelites, isotope geochemistry suggesting crustal sources metapsammites and felsic meta-igneous rocks, as for the melt which has a crystallisation age of well as thick, partly pebbly and cobbly quartzite c. 450–440 Ma (McLaren et al. 2006). The model units. Calcsilicates and volcanogenic horizons for the generation of the British Empire Granite is are more prominent in the northern area of the inlier. The uppermost unit, the Freeling Heights based on the primary thermal perturbation for mid- Quartzite, has a maximum depositional age of crustal anatexis being provided by the burial of the c. 1600–1590 Ma (Armit et al. 2014; Fanning, high heat-producing Mount Painter basement rocks Teale and Robertson 2003; Neumann, Hore and beneath Neoproterozoic cover sediments (McLaren Fraser 2010; Ogilvie 2006). The Radium Creek et al. 2006). Group was intruded by granites and granodiorites Post Delamerian breccias, referred to as the Radium of the Coulthard and Moolawatana suites between c. 1580–1550 Ma (Cowley et al. 2011; Fricke and Ridge Breccias (Drexel and Major 1987), are Hore 2011; Neumann, Hore and Fraser 2010). extensively developed in the Mount Gee – Mount The Mount Painter Inlier is a component of the Painter – Armchair area of the southern Mount Curnamona Province, which extends to the southeast Painter Inlier, with zones measuring up to ~3 km in as far as Broken Hill. length within a 12 km long northeast-trending zone from Radium Ridge to Hematite Valley. They consist The Mesoproterozoic basement rocks are overlain mainly of granitic breccia and hematitic breccia, the by Neoproterozoic (Adelaidean) sedimentary and latter hosting introduced iron-fluids and uranium volcanic rocks which are exposed on the southern mineralisation dated at c. 360 Ma (Skirrow, Creaser and western flanks of the Mount Painter Inlier and and Hore 2011). include Sturtian tillite. Sedimentation is thought to reflect a succession of rift and sag phases during The Radium Ridge Breccias, which contain the development of the Adelaide Geosyncline that Sprigg Diamictite Member, are crosscut by the commenced at c. 830 Ma (Preiss 1987, 2000). Mount Gee Sinter. Potassic metasomatism of the Adelaidean successions together with the breccia occurred prior to or during brecciation Mesoproterozoic basement were variably deformed (Drexel 1980a). The Sprigg Diamictite Member has where folding occurred during the c. 510–480 Ma not been affected by the potassic metasomatism and Delamerian Orogeny (Preiss 1995). The Delamerian no potassic metasomatised basement lithologies metamorphism reached amphibolite facies in have been found in the rock (Drexel and Major the Mount Painter Inlier, and in the lowest units 1987). Chloritic alteration has been observed in of the Adelaidean, and was low pressure – high both the Radium Ridge Breccias and the Sprigg temperature. There is a general increase in Diamictite Member (Fig. 5).
44 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Sprigg Diamictite Member
The age of Permian glaciation in South Australia has not been determined with any certainty but paleontological evidence indicates that the glacial phase is as old as Asselian (c. 295 Ma) and possibly Late Carboniferous (c. 300 Ma), and that glacial conditions no longer pertained in the Sakmarian (c. 290 Ma); however, non-marine deposition continued in a number of northern basins (e.g. Cooper Basin). In eastern Australia the glaciation ceased during the Kazanian (c. 260 Ma) as did the glaciomarine sedimentation which commenced during the Asselian (c. 295 Ma; Alley 1995). The pattern of glaciation along the southern margin of the Australian continent indicates that ice sheets had sources to the south when Antarctica lay next Figure 5 Sprigg Diamictite Member showing chloritised matrix and clasts, Sprigg costean. (Photo 049501) to Australia and the direction of ice movement in southern South Australia was from the southeast to the northwest (Alley 1995). The Mount Gee Sinter has been described as resulting from a long-standing episodic During the Mesozoic the region was dominated hydrothermal system. Where the Mount Gee Sinter by sedimentation associated with the Eromanga locally crosscuts the Radium Ridge Breccias it results Basin. In its most simple form this includes initial in, for example, the siliceous fluids filling large fluvial sediments of the Algebuckina Sandstone, vughs within these breccias; the resulting epithermal followed by major marine transgressions during texture of this quartz indicates that it was clearly which the Early Cretaceous marginal marine formed at very high crustal levels (Corbett 1997). Cadna-owie Formation and the marine Bulldog Indicative of the dynamics of the region, the Shale were deposited. Of particular note for this Mount Painter Inlier, Mount Babbage Inlier study is the identification of glacial tillites and and Neoproterozoic rocks were variably periglacial deposits within the Livingston Tillite covered by Cambrian, Permian, Mesozoic and Member, a lower facies of the Early Cretaceous Tertiary sediments; deposition was relative to Cadna-owie Formation (Alley and Frakes 2003) paleotopography of the time which was strongly outcropping ~45 km north of Mount Gee at the influenced by tectonic activity, erosion and northern margin of the Flinders Ranges. Further weathering rates (Hore and Hill 2009). work by Alley et al. (2011) suggests possibly three independent glacial events having occurred during Permian glacigene sediments are widely distributed the Early Cretaceous and it is also believed that the across South Australia, where they are mostly glacier that deposited the Livingston Tillite Member preserved in low-lying settings associated with was larger than first thought; thus the ‘Livingston erosional troughs and in some cases with down- glacial event’ may have affected the northeast faulted blocks. Although the Permian sediments margins of the Flinders Ranges or the Olary region. are generally associated with glacial origins, the The subsequent Mesozoic sedimentary record is combination of the non-glacial lacustrine, colluvial, fluvial outwash and marine inputs represent the largely in this southern part of the Eromanga Basin; thickest part of the succession. Major preserved however, further north Albian marine and marginal remnants occur in the Arckaringa Basin ~400 km marine Oodnadatta and Mackunda formations and to the northwest of Arkaroola, and Cooper Basin non-marine mid-Cretaceous Winton Formation were ~200 km to the north of Arkaroola. The nearest deposited. well known occurrence of Permian glacial sediments The Cenozoic sedimentation in the region is to the Arkaroola area is near Blinman, ~100 km associated with the Lake Eyre Basin and broadly to the southwest, where they unconformably overlie Precambrian Callanna Group rocks (Morton includes Paleogene fluvial sediments of the Eyre et al. 1984; Alley 1995). Recent studies suggest Formation followed by mixed lacustrine, fluvial that much of the Permian paleogeography of and basin margin colluvium of the Late Oligocene South Australia was of high topographic relief to Miocene Namba Formation. Neogene to and included uplands in central South Australia contemporary sediments mostly include colluvial (V Normington, University of Adelaide, pers. and fluvial sediments along the basin margins (e.g. comm. 2014). These uplands in large part account Willawortina Formation), and variable lacustrine, for areas of either poor preservation of Permian fluvial, colluvial and aeolian sediments across the sediments or absence of sedimentary deposition. basin.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 45 New geology
The contemporary landscape in the Arkaroola sediment derived from a variety of rock types and area is dominated by the northern Flinders Ranges, some immature sediment derived mainly from flanked by the plains of the Callabonna Sub-basin leucogranite and/or granitic breccia very similar to the east and north of the ranges. Renewed uplift to that occurring in the Mount Painter area. The commenced c. 5 Ma. matrix contains abundant quartz grains varying in size from 0.02 to 0.6 mm and in morphology from well-rounded larger grains to angular smaller Sprigg Diamictite Member grains. The quartz, feldspar and lithic grains are The Sprigg Diamictite Member contains a variety not closely packed and many are not touching of well-rounded to subangular clasts (Fig. 6) or barely touching. They are surrounded and consisting of lithologies such as granite, quartzite, cemented by a mass of very fine-grained, greenish sandstone, siltstone, schist and rare porphyritic brown iron oxide stained chlorite, possibly with rhyolite (Steveson 1975). Most of these rocks could some very fine-grained biotite and/or sericite, and have been derived locally from the Mount Painter films of this material separate most of the grains Inlier and lower Adelaidean sequence or have (Fig. 5). Because the rock contains scattered larger origins elsewhere such as the Benagerie Ridge of pebbles and boulders and a high proportion of the Curnamona Province a few tens of kilometres much finer-grained matrix it resembles tillite in to the east (Drexel 1980b) or the Gawler Craton general appearance, but Whitehead (1980) did not to the west (Steveson 1975). The clasts range from assert its potential glacial origins. Our petrological granules to boulders but volumetrically most are investigation of the Sprigg Diamictite Member matrix pebbles and cobbles (Fig. 6a). generally supports these interpretations (Fig. 6b). According to Alley and Frakes (2003) a number The Sprigg Diamictite Member has a dark red- of these features are a strong indication of having brown or grey-green silty-sandy matrix and, like originated as mechanically eroded and fractured the enclosing breccia, it does not show any effects debris deposited without further reworking, typical of of regional metamorphism (Drexel and Major modern and ancient deposits from glacial ice. 1987). However, it has been noted that the fine clays of the matrix have recrystallised to form The clast-dominated mass of Sprigg Diamictite new fine-grained sericite. This is inferred to have Member on the western side of Mount Gee consists occurred at pressure–temperature conditions of the of predominately pebble to cobble clasts (Fig. 7). The clasts are subrounded to well rounded, granule lower greenschist facies. Lithologically the Sprigg to cobble size (maximum 30 cm diameter) and Diamictite Member ranges from matrix dominated consist of porphyry, quartzite, altered ?granite and to clast dominated and looks similar to the Sturtian white ‘buck quartz’ (reef quartz in which there is little Merinjina Tillite exposed in the Stubbs Waterhole or no accessory minerals). The matrix is dominantly area, ~9 km south-southeast of Mount Gee. subrounded to well rounded, medium sand to Whitehead (1980) petrologically described a sample granule size. There is a continuous distribution of collected from the costean location (prior to the clast sizes from fine sand to cobbles. Quartzite, on bulldozing) as a conglomeratic rock composed first inspection, appears to be the most common of poorly sorted material including some mature clast type in the Sprigg Diamictite Member at this
6 (a) Rounded clasts of variable lithologies in fine-grained 6 (b) Thin section showing fine-grained to pebble-sized matrix. Youngest dated zircon from this sample gave an age of 264 subangular to subrounded clasts of variable lithologies in a fine- ± 3 Ma. (Photo 414563) grained matrix. (Photo 414564)
Figure 6 Sprigg Diamictite Member, sample R2021406, collected from Sprigg costean.
46 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Sprigg Diamictite Member
Ward and Jack (1916) described the Sprigg Diamictite as a ‘typical tillite’ as did Mawson (1944) who recorded it as having the characteristics of a metamorphosed tillite formation and suggested a Sturtian age corresponding with the time of some great orogenic disturbance. This resemblance to Sturtian tillite led Youles (1975, 1978, 1986) and Major (1976) to interpret the rock as tillite deposited synchronously with sedimentary granitic and hematitic breccia (now referred to as the Radium Ridge Breccias) during the Sturtian (c. 660 Ma). Drexel and Major (1987, 1990) suggested the Sprigg Diamictite Member represented solid rafts of Sturtian tillite that were introduced tectonically into the breccia. Sprigg (1989) also suggested that at a time when the sandy and silty sections of the local Sturtian tillites were still relatively unconsolidated, Figure 7 Clast-supported Sprigg Diamictite Member they were caught up in thrusting. The sediments from the western side of Mount Gee. (Photo 414565) were fluidised and taken up in hydraulic fracturing and forcefully intruded along faults as soft-sediment intrusive dykes. location. Thin section interpretation by Steveson (1975) of some of these quartzite samples, however, An alternative explanation by Drexel and Major shows little or no sign of metamorphism and (1987) of the diamictite is that it developed as therefore they are re-interpreted as sandstone (or pebble breccia dykes, but this was soon discounted siltstone) rather than quartzite. This implies that the due to the lack of any type of hydrothermal sandstones have been sourced from a terrain of little alteration and its remarkable similarity to Sturtian or no metamorphism such as the local Adelaidean tillite. Similarly, Corbett (1997) also describes the rocks or the central Curnamona Province. Similarly, Sprigg Diamictite Member as breccia dykes, but the porphyritic rhyolites may have originated from specifically as milled matrix fluidised breccias, the unmetamorphosed Benagerie Volcanic Suite of which are intrusive bodies with generally rounded the central Curnamona Province. Steveson (1975) fragments that are matrix supported by finely also interprets a porphyritic dacite clast, which has a comminuted rock material. These occur as tridymitic snowflake texture, similar to that of certain either dyke-like linear bodies (e.g. Mount Gee acid volcanic rocks from the Gawler Range Volcanics east) which exploit structures, or more pipe-like ~ 300 km to the west. (diatreme) forms (e.g. Mount Gee west) typical of many Pacific rim epithermal systems. Of interest Whitehead (1976b) first recognised, from is that the Sprigg Diamictite Member on the west petrological examination of drillhole samples, the side of Mount Gee contains quartz-eye porphyry similarities between hematitic breccia (of the Radium fragments typical of juvenile porphyry intrusions Ridge Breccias) and the Sprigg Diamictite Member. which characterise diatreme breccias according to This suggests that at least some of the hematitic and Corbett (1997). This interpretation would require chloritic breccias in the Mount Gee – Mount Painter that the unmetamorphosed porphyry must be post area may be altered Sprigg Diamictite Member, Delamerian. thereby potentially increasing the spatial distribution of the Sprigg Diamictite Member to a much greater The first radiometric age believed to be relevant area than presently recognised immediate to Mount to the Sprigg Diamictite Member was by Pidgeon Gee. This relationship has also been observed (1979) with an U–Pb isotopic age of 440 ± 50 Ma in a number of outcrops some kilometres from calculated from monazite samples collected from Mount Gee near Mount Ward by Corbett (1997); uraniferous hematitic breccia crosscut by the these additional exposures are subject to further diamictite. This age was attributed to the uranium investigation by the authors. mineralisation and the formation of the Radium Ridge Breccias, which also included the ‘interbedded Previous interpretations of the tillite’. Because Youles (1978) equated the diamictite/tillite with the Sturtian tillite, Youles (1981) Sprigg Diamictite Member presented a re-interpretation of the U–Pb isotopic Over the past 100 years interpretation of the Sprigg age of Pidgeon (1979), from 440 ± 50 Ma to Diamictite Member has been problematic in regards 650 ± 100 Ma, with a possible reset age of 280 to the matrix, clasts, its geological relationships, and ± 40 Ma although the nature of this supposed manner and timing of formation. ‘resetting’ was not described in detail.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 47 New geology
Subsequent paleomagnetic measurements by diamictite bodies show sharp and steep contacts Idnurm and Heinrich (1993) indicated that the with the Radium Ridge Breccia. uraniferous Radium Ridge Breccias had been magnetised twice, both times in the Permo- The Sprigg costean, chosen for the relative Carboniferous (c. 320 Ma and 300–280 Ma). ease of access, excellent exposure and obvious Samples collected from Sprigg Diamictite Member lithological variability within the diamictites, is a located within the Radium Ridge Breccias, however, typical representation. The clasts are supported gave a Late Carboniferous/Early Permian (300– by a red-brown matrix which is stained by iron 280 Ma) age with no evidence in the diamictite of oxide (hematite) and also a green cementing the high unblocking temperature component of matrix consisting mainly of green sericite with Carboniferous age (c. 320 Ma) that is dominant in minor chlorite. The clasts are generally rounded to the enclosing granitic breccia. This suggests that the subangular, mostly felsic volcanics and quartzite. diamictite formed after the breccia had acquired its Paleomagnetic dating by Idnurm and Heinrich high unblocking temperature component, indicating (1993) was carried out on small, round samples the diamictite may have originated as a Permian recovered from drilling into the sides of the costean tillite (Idnurm and Heinrich 1993). The Permo- and the exposed outcrop. Carboniferous polar wander path for Australia is not sufficiently well calibrated and some of its The diamictite is also locally exposed in a limited parts are open to alternative interpretation, so that number of locations as a very minor component more narrow age assignments are not possible within the breccias over a distance of ~750 m on within this period (Idnurm and Heinrich 1993 and the western side of Mount Gee. Here the clasts are references therein). Wolfgang Preiss (Department highly rounded and the diamictite is clast supported of State Development, pers. comm., 2015) was (an appearance of fluvial origin; Fig. 7). never convinced by the ‘pebble dyke’ idea and, to test it, arranged for a sample of the porphyry to be dated using the Kober technique. Although Zircon dating relatively imprecise, this unpublished date showed Method that the unmetamorphosed porphyry had an early Zircons from a sample of the Sprigg Diamictite Mesoproterozoic crystallisation age, and could Member (SA Geodata rock sample R2021406) were therefore not have originated from within the dated via laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma Mount Painter Inlier where all Proterozoic rocks are significantly metamorphosed, nor was it related mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) using instrumentation to the Paleozoic hydrothermal processes. This was housed at Adelaide Microscopy, the University of consistent with an interpretation of glacial transport, Adelaide. Sample R2021406 is a typical matrix- possibly during the Permo-Carboniferous as supported diamictite (Fig. 6) from Sprigg costean suggested by the paleomagnetic data. and was collected from the bulldozer spoil heap on the southern side of the costean. No attempt was The relatively recent analytical work by Brugger, made to separate the clasts from the matrix in the Wülser and Foden (2011) on the zircon population sample sent for mineral separation. gained from a matrix sample of the Sprigg Diamictite Member (sampled from outcrops on Zircons were separated from the sample by standard the eastern and western sides of Mount Gee), crushing, magnetic and density processes at a determined a maximum depositional age of 315 commercial mineral separating laboratory (Geotrack ± 9 Ma, inferred from youngest detrital zircon U– International, Melbourne, Victoria). Zircons were Pb age of the sample group. This prompted their mounted in epoxy resin and polished to expose interpretation of the Sprigg Diamictite Member the grains before being imaged under transmitted as having Permian glacial origins associated with light and cathodoluminescence (CL) using a Phillips fluvioglacial sediments deposited as crevice fill. XL-20 scanning electron microscope. Isotopic analyses were conducted using a 213 nm New Wave Research Nd–YAG laser and a 30 μm spot Type section size coupled to an Agilent 7500 quadrupole ICPMS. The Sprigg Diamictite Member is defined in Time-resolved signals of 204, 206, 207, 208Pb, 232Th Appendix 1. The nominated type section is at the and 238U were acquired with a 30 μm laser spot informally named Sprigg costean near the eastern for the zircons with a 5 Hz repetition rate. Data was flank of Mount Gee at 340845mE, 6655290mN processed using the GLITTER software (Griffin et al. (GDA 94, Zone 54). A north–south bulldozer 2008) and values of 235U were calculated assuming cut roughly perpendicular to the 12 m length of 235U = 238U/137.88. Where the 207Pb/206Pb age exposed diamictite reveals the diamictite as two, is <1100 Ma the 206Pb/238U age was used as the steep northerly dipping dyke-like bodies bearing preferred crystallisation age. The GJ standard zircon 060° within hematitic/chloritic granitic breccia. The (Jackson et al. 2004) was used to calibrate Pb/U
48 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Sprigg Diamictite Member
fractionation, and data quality was monitored by at c. 2400 and c. 2300 Ma defined only by analysing zircon standards QGNG and Plešovice. discordant data. A group of five near concordant Weighted mean ages obtained for these standards Paleoproterozoic zircons can be pooled to form are within error of reported ages (Table 1). Data weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1732 ± 20 Ma for 204Pb is compromised by interference from (MSWD = 0.48) and a second group of four near 204Hg, a trace contaminant in the Ar–He carrier concordant Paleoproterozoic zircons can be pooled gas; nevertheless 204Pb was monitored during the to form weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1670 analytical process to give an indication of zircons ± 24 Ma (MSWD = 0.19). which may contain strongly elevated non-radiogenic Pb. In most cases 204Pb remained at background The majority of the zircons analysed cluster at values, and no correction for non-radiogenic Pb has c. 1585 Ma (Fig. 9). Seventy-four analyses can be 207 206 been applied to the data. Isoplot v3 (Ludwig 2003) pooled to form a weighted mean Pb/ Pb age was used for weighted mean age calculations, and of 1584 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.21). This c. 1585 Ma the probability density distribution was constructed age peak has a younger shoulder that can be using AgeDisplay (Sircombe 2004). Provenance described by a weighted mean age calculated from ages have been calculated from the data using a eleven analyses of 1549 ± 15 Ma (MSWD = 0.31). minimum of three analyses from which a weighted The most prominent age populations in the data can mean age has a mean square of weighted deviates be defined by these two populations. (MSWD) <1.5 and a probability of fit of >0.05. The calculation of weighted mean ages has been guided by the age peaks identified by AgeDisplay (Sircombe 2004).
Results Zircons from sample R2021406 range in morphology from euhedral prismatic grains with little or no evidence of sedimentary transport to grains that are round or subround, some of which show surface pitting indicative of sedimentary transport. A number of grains are angular and possibly a result of fracturing. The grains range in size from large grains >350 μm in length with length to width ratios of near 1:1, to other, smaller crystals <70 mm long with length to width ratios of 5:1 (Fig. 8).
A total of 222 zircons were analysed from this sample and while the majority of the data is concordant or near concordant, numerous grains are discordant, some extremely so; of the 156 01 analyses with 207Pb/206Pb ages >1100 Ma, 51 of them are >10% discordant (App. 2). Nevertheless, the data reveals that the zircon population within 162 the diamictite sample has a very large age range, 02 03 113 114 from the oldest analysis of 3350 ± 15 Ma (analysis B-163) to the two youngest analyses of 206Pb/238U 114b 04 ages of 264 ± 3 Ma (analyses B-114b and B-04; 06 App. 2). 204627-027 The sample has only nine zircons with Archean Figure 8 Zircons from sample R2021406 range in ages and 35 with Paleoproterozoic ages, the morphology and grain size. Zircons 04 and 114b each gave latter comprising two apparent age populations the youngest dates of the sampled suite of 264 ± 3 Ma.
Table 1 Summary of LA-ICPMS results from standard zircons analysed during the course of this study Standard 207Pb/206Pb age (Ma) MSWD n 206Pb/238U age (Ma) MSWD n Plešovice 339 ± 19 1.6 19 339.9 ± 2.0 0.97 19 Slama et al. 2007 337.13 ± 0.37 QGNG 1852 ± 9 0.2 21 1889 ± 23 4.5 21 Black et al. 2003 1851.6 ± 0.6
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 49 New geology
Sprigg Diamictite Member, R2021406 In addition to these early Mesoproterozoic ages, Probability Frequency the sample also contains zircons with ages 0.007 80 between c. 1450–1110 Ma, within which a group Concordant data between –10 of 13 analyses can be pooled to define a late 0.006 and 10% discordance, n = 186 70 Total data, n = 221 Mesoproterozoic age of 1178 ± 15 Ma (n = 13; 60 0.005 MSWD = 0.61). Sixty-six Neoproterozoic and Data between 50 Phanerozoic zircons make up the remainder of the 0.004 ± 10% discordance Data >10% discordance 40 analyses, with AgeDisplay identifying age peaks at 0.003 c. 654, 624, 601, 572, 550, 520, 500, 477, 445, 30 406, 378, 361, 326 and 264 Ma (Fig. 9), which 0.002 20 broadly correspond to weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages calculated from the data (Table 2). 0.001 10
0 0 Three analyses have ages <305 Ma, although these 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 analyses cannot be pooled to form a provenance Age (Ma) 204627-022 cluster. Two analyses (B-04 and B-114b) have ages Figure 9 Probability plot of detrital zircon sample suite c. 264 Ma. Analysis B-114 is a very discordant from sample R2021406. analysis with an apparent 207Pb/206Pb age of 1782 ± 21 Ma and a 206Pb/238U age of 275 ± 4 Ma; however, a significant component of non- radiogenic Pb must be incorporated into these age calculations (Fig. 10). Because of the elevated 204Pb signal in analysis B-114 and given the significance Analysis B-114 206 238 10 000 000 of the apparently very young Pb/ U age, a
1 000 000
Table 2 Summary of provenance populations derived 100 000 from U–Pb analysis of zircons from sample R2021406 Weighted mean n % of total MSWD Probability age analyses of fit 10 000 206Pb/238U c. 264 2 1.0 n/a n/a 1 000 325 ± 13 3 1.5 1.30 0.27 361 ± 6 3 1.5 0.15 0.86
100 406 ± 6 4 2.0 1.08 0.36 500 ± 6 5 2.5 0.58 0.68 520 ± 8 3 1.5 0.24 0.79 10 550 ± 8 8 4.0 1.40 0.21 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 601 ± 6 8 4.0 1.20 0.30 624 ± 8 4 2.0 0.32 0.81 Analysis B-114b 10 000 000 654 ± 10 3 1.5 0.23 0.80 207Pb/206Pb 1178 ±15 13 6.5 0.61 0.83 1 000 000 1552 ± 17 9 4.5 0.20 0.99 1584 ± 5 69 34.5 0.22 1.00 100 000 1670 ± 24 4 2.0 0.19 0.90 1730 ± 21 4 2.0 0.53 0.66
10 000 Total 142 71.0 n/a not applicable
1000
Figure 10 Raw ICPMS data obtained from analyses 100 B-114 (top) and B-114b (bottom) on the same zircon grain showing the presence of elevated 204Pb in the first analysis indicative of non-radiogenic Pb component and a 10 meaningless apparent age. The second analysis, B-114b, 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 lacks this high 204Pb component and provides a more 206 238 Pb204 Pb207 Time 204627-023 reliable Pb/ U age estimate of formation of the zircon Pb206 U238 of c. 260 Ma.
50 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Sprigg Diamictite Member
second analytical spot was placed on this same The subset (n = 30) of pre-Delamerian (650– zircon. Analysis B-114b lacks 204Pb enrichment 516 Ma) groups of zircons with mean peak ages and consequently is a more accurate estimate of of 654 ± 10 Ma, 624 ± 8 Ma, 601 ± 6 Ma, 572 the age of this zircon. Therefore, since there are two ± 7 Ma, 550 ± 7 Ma and 520 ± 8 Ma (Fig. 9) zircons in the sample that have ages c. 264 Ma, we have a totally rounded to subrounded morphology. interpret this to be a maximum time of formation of However, the relatively small group of Paleozoic the Sprigg Diamictite Member. zircons (n = 5) with mean age of 500 ± 6 Ma have three zircons with an angular morphology. Zircon provenance These relatively abundant 650–500 Ma zircons were potentially sourced from the Ordovician Sample R2021406 is a diamictite from which zircons turbiditic sandstones of the Lachlan Fold Belt of were extracted from the rock as a whole, i.e. no southeastern Australia which paleogeographical attempt was made to separate the clasts from the evidence suggests originated from the ice-covered matrix. East Antarctica (Veevers et al. 2006 and references therein). Zircon sources in the Mount Gee vicinity The oldest zircons in the sample group, those with in this age range are also recognised in the the Archean ages (Fig. 9), have no strong correlation Neoproterozoic rocks of the Flinders Ranges (e.g. with known events. The concordant zircons (n = 5) Reid et al. 2009). Veevers et al. (2006) suggested with Paleoproterozoic 207Pb/206Pb mean age of that such grains could also be derived from Antarctic 1732 ± 20 Ma generally display subrounded sources within the Neoproterozoic and Ordovician morphology, and potentially have been sourced rocks which could have been recycled through from the Wallaroo Group/Moonta Porphyry Member, Permian clastic sediments. The Ross Orogen was the Moody Suite or the Middle Camp Granite which being unroofed in the Ordovician and would have date to this age determination. The zircons with a provided a flood of 550–500 Ma zircons to the mean age of 1670 ± 24 Ma display subrounded to depocentres (Veevers et al. 2006), which possibly subhedral morphology, and potentially have some correspond to the 550 Ma and 520 Ma peaks of the relationship with the Willyama Supergroup. Although zircon population from sample R2021406. these older zircons have potentially been recycled numerous times they still are possibly indicative of The subset (n = 10) of post-Delamerian (410– provenance of the diamictite. 310 Ma) Paleozoic groups of zircons with mean ages of 406 ± 6 Ma, 361 ± 6 Ma and 325 ± 13 Ma Not surprisingly, sample R2021406 is dominated (Fig. 9) have a mixture of angular to rounded, by Mesoproterozoic zircons (Fig. 9). The zircon including subhedral, morphologies. The Lachlan sub-sample group (n = 74) with mean age of 1584 Fold Belt is a potential source area which has, ± 5 Ma displays predominately subhedral (n = 35) in addition to the Ordovician (with 700–500 Ma or angular (n = 25) morphology with nine being zircons), Silurian and Devonian sediments, Devonian subrounded and five euhedral. The 11 zircon sub- volcanics and voluminous granitoids aged 450 to sample group with a mean age of 1549 ± 15 Ma 320 Ma (also with inherited 700–500 Ma zircons; displays either angular (n = 7) or subhedral (n = 4) Veevers et al. 2006 and references therein). morphology. These zircon ages are consistent with Fossiliferous (fish) Devonian sandstone boulders being sourced locally from the Mount Painter Inlier, occur in the Early Cretaceous marine Bulldog Shale the Gawler Craton or from the Benagerie Ridge in around the southern margins of the Eromanga the central Curnamona Province, or a combination Basin. The provenance of the boulders has long of these. The proportion of angular (broken) zircons been debated, although they are believed to (n = 32) is a possible indication of strong abrasive originate from the Devonian Amphitheatre and action with subsequently limited or moderate Mulga Downs Groups cropping out in the Cobar transportation. area of New South Wales. The boulders may have In contrast, morphologically, the late been transported northwestwards to South Australia Mesoproterozoic zircon population (n = 13) with during the Permian glaciation and reworked into a mean age of 1178 ± 15 Ma (Fig. 9) has a the basal Bulldog Shale during the Early Cretaceous rounded to subrounded morphology and was most (Alley and Gravestock 1995 and references therein). probably sourced originally from the equivalent- Also, relatively local to the Mount Painter Inlier is aged Pitjantjatjara Supersuite within the Musgrave the 323 ± 5 Ma to 298 ± 4 Ma granite of the Big Province of central Australia or the Albany–Fraser Lake Suite which is located ~250 km to the north- Orogen to the west. Locally, zircons of this age are northeast within the eastern Warburton Basin; this prominent within the Marinoan glacials (McClusky granite was unroofed by rapid denudation before 2009) which crop out along the western margin of deposition of the c. 295 Ma basal sediment of the the Mount Painter Inlier. Cooper Basin (Gravestock and Gatehouse 1995).
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 51 New geology
Of the three youngest zircons analysed one is Diamictite Member, to having at least one late dated at 303 ± 5 Ma and is subrounded and phase during the Early Cretaceous or younger which the other two both gave an age of 264 ± 3 Ma generally supports the age suggested by Blissett and are subhedral–euhedral. The New England (1971) and also Drexel and Major (1990), that Fold Belt, which extends along the eastern the Mount Gee Sinter may be as young as Tertiary Australian coast is characterised by zircon ages based on the high degree of preservation of the of c. 300–200 Ma (Veevers et al. 2006). They are rocks. It constrains the age of a number of alteration voluminous and extensive over 2000 km of the processes to which the region has been subjected. eastern Gondwanaland margin, and were available for erosion throughout Mesozoic time. Acid to The bulk of the Sprigg Diamictite Member intermediate volcanic successions and calcalkaline sediments is interpreted to have been derived granitoid plutons (particularly in the interval from glacial sediments infilling fracture zones in 310–270 Ma) occur throughout the New England the breccia which may include recycling of local Fold Belt (Adams, Campbell and Griffin 2007). Mesoproterozoic rocks, Neoproterozoic glacials However, MacDonald et al. (2013 and references and sediments, Permian glacials, as well the therein) identify zircons ages in the range of c. 300– introduction of exotic clasts. The lithification of the 200 Ma in Eocene sandstones of local derivation in Sprigg Diamictite Member before the intrusion of the paleochannels on Eyre Peninsula that are clearly not Mount Gee Sinter may be associated with the high directly derived from the east coast of Australia. This radiogenic heat of the area, burial by subsequent suggests that the grains with these ages are derived Cretaceous and Cenozoic sedimentation or possibly principally from Permian sandstones formerly by the prolonged epithermal event which was present across the onshore margin, which would responsible for the Mount Gee Sinter. have contributed zircons originally derived from a broad range of sources. The origin of the euhedral zircons dated at 264 ± 3 Ma cannot be determined conclusively at this Interestingly, the c. 264 Ma age of detrital zircons stage but they were either (a) weathered from a has been previously recognised from six other relatively local host rock (of which none are currently local sediment samples collected along the eastern known) and subjected to limited transportation, or rangefront of the Mount Painter Inlier: (b) contained within a host rock that has travelled • A small grouping of zircons collected from a some distance, which could be attributed to being sample of the Namba Formation from drillhole sourced from the New England Fold Belt. The WC2 gave a SHRIMP age 256 ± 3 Ma (Cross et transportation mode of this zircon could have been al. 2010). either glacial, fluvial or possibly aerial. • Two zircons within Namba Formation from drillhole WC2 gave an ICPMS age of c. 256 Also, the c. 264 Ma detrital zircons previously ± 10 Ma (Wulser 2009). recognised from various Eocene and Miocene sediment samples collected along the eastern • A sample interpreted to be Bulldog Shale rangefront of the Mount Painter Inlier suggest a collected from an outcrop ~1.5 km south- possible reworking of the Early Cretaceous glacial southeast of Parabarana Hill (EA Jagodzinski, sequence. Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, unpublished data, 2011). • Three samples collected at Hore and Hill’s (2009) Appendix 1: Definition of Sprigg Dead Tree section – two from Eyre Formation Diamictite Member sediments and one from Miocene Namba Name. Sprigg Diamictite Member. Formation sediments (unpublished data by authors, 2014). Derivation of name. ‘Sprigg Nob’ 4 km northwest of Arkaroola Tourist Complex. Conclusion Lithology. Tillite. Based on the two youngest zircons of the analysed sample set for the Sprigg Diamictite Member sample Chronostratigraphic age. Early Cretaceous R2021406, with ages 264 ± 3 Ma (Late Permian), (Berriasian–Valanginian). we interpret this age to be the maximum time of formation of the Sprigg Diamictite Member and Radiometric age. Maximum depositional age further we propose a correlation with the Early 264 Ma. Cretaceous Livingston Tillite Member of the Cadna- owie Formation. Designation. Lower member of the Cadna- owie Formation (or locally known as Parabarana Our interpretation more tightly constrains the age Sandstone) and an equivalent of the Livingston Tillite of the Mount Gee Sinter, which crosscuts the Sprigg Member.
52 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Sprigg Diamictite Member
Distribution. Limited to the Mount Painter Inlier Alley NF and Frakes LA 2003. First known Cretaceous and then only a few kilometres to the west and east glaciation: Livingston Tillite Member of the Cadna-owie Formation, South Australia. Australian Journal of Earth of Mount Gee, 9 km north of Arkaroola. Sciences 50:139–144. Alley NF, Frakes LA, Sheard M and Gray D 2011. Unravelling Thickness. Not relevant as unit is not bedded. Early Cretaceous glacial events in the southern Eromanga Up to 2 m across in type section, but some bodies Basin: evidence from the Cadna-owie Formation and extend laterally to more than 100 m. Bulldog Shale. 6th Sprigg Symposium, Abstracts 100. Geological Society of Australia, pp. 1–4. Boundary relationships. In the main, the contact Alley NF and Gravestock DI 1995. Middle Palaeozoic (Devonian). In JF Drexel, WV Preiss and AJ Parker eds, The with the hosting brecciated granite is sharp. geology of South Australia, Volume 2, The Phanerozoic, Bulletin 54. Geological Survey of South Australia, Depositional environment. Interpreted to Adelaide, pp. 43–45. represent glacial till infill of a crevice. Armit RJ, Betts PG, Schaefer BF, Pankhurst MJ and Giles D 2014. Provenance of the early Mesoproterozoic Radium Relationships. Crosscuts granitic and chloritic Creek Group in the northern Mount Painter Inlier: breccias of Radium Ridge Breccias (Ordovician to correlating isotopic signatures to inform tectonic reconstructions. Precambrian Research 243:63–87. Carboniferous); crosscut by Mount Gee Sinter. Blissett AH 1971. Economic geology of the Mount Painter province. In RP Coats and AH Blissett, Regional and Type section. The Sprigg costean near the eastern economic geology of the Mount Painter Province, flank of Mount Gee, 340845mE, 6655290mN Bulletin 43. Geological Survey of South Australia, (GDA 94, Zone 54). Here a bulldozer cut Adelaide, pp. 142–407. perpendicular to the length of outcropping diamictite Brugger J, Wülser PA and Foden J 2011. Genesis and reveals the diamictite occurring as two, steeply preservation of a uranium-rich Paleozoic epithermal system with a surface expression (northern Flinders dipping dyke-like bodies, which appear to grade Ranges, South Australia): radiogenic heat driving regional laterally into the hosting chloritic breccia. The clasts hydrothermal circulation over geological timescales. are generally rounded, mostly felsic volcanics and Astrobiology 11(6):499–508. quartzite. Small, round holes cut into the sides of Corbett G 1997. Comments on the potential for gold mineralisation and exploration methods in the Arkaroola the costean and outcrop were the sample sites for region. Corbett Geological Services, Sydney. paleomagnetic dating by Idnurm and Heinrich Cowley WM, Hore SB, Preiss WV, Sheard JM and Wade CE (1993). 2011. A revised stratigraphic scheme for the Mount Painter and Mount Babbage Inliers. 6th Sprigg Symposium, Subsidiary section. CRAE drillcore DD91GE33 Abstracts 100. Geological Society of Australia, pp. 11–18. (340512mE, 6655158mN, GDA 94, Zone 54). Cross AJ, Jaireth S, Hore SB, Michaelsen BH and Schofield A 2010. SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon results, Lake Frome region, South Australia, Record 2010/46. Geoscience Appendix 2 (electronic): Analyses Australia, Canberra. Drexel JF 1980a. SADME Mount Painter diamond drilling - of Sprigg Diamictite Member 1976 - corelogs and petrographic descriptions, Report zircons Book 80/00117. South Australia Department Mines and Energy, Adelaide. Sprigg Diamictite Member zircon analyses from this Drexel JF 1980b. Geology of a portion of the southern Mount study – attached to the PDF of this article. Painter Inlier, Report Book 80/00120. South Australia Department Mines and Energy, Adelaide. Drexel JD and Major RB 1987. Geology of the uraniferous Acknowledgements breccias near Mount Painter, South Australia, and revision of rock nomenclature. Quarterly Geological We thank Marg and Doug Sprigg for their Notes 104:14–24. Geological Survey of South Australia, continued support of geological research on their Adelaide. property, the Arkaroola Pastoral Lease. Wolfgang Drexel JD and Major RB 1990. Mount Painter uranium – rare Preiss (Geological Survey of South Australia) and earth deposits. In FE Hughes ed., Geology of the mineral deposits of Australia and Papua New Guinea, vol. 2. Neville Alley are thanked for constructive and useful The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, feedback which has improved the publication. Melbourne, pp. 993–998. Ben Wade from Adelaide Microscopy (University Fanning CM, Teale GS and Robertson RS 2003. Is there a of Adelaide) is thanked for his knowledgeable Willyama Supergroup sequence in the Mount Painter Inlier? Broken Hill Exploration Initiative: abstracts from assistance with ICPMS operations. the July 2003 conference, Record 2003/13. Geoscience Australia, Canberra, pp. 38–41. References Fricke CE and Hore SB 2011. Definition of the Mesoproterozoic Ninnerie Supersuite, Curnamona Province, Adams CJ, Campbell HJ and Griffin WL 2007. Provenance South Australia, Report Book 2010/00020. Department comparisons of Permian to Jurassic tectonostratigraphic of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, terranes in New Zealand: perspectives from detrital zircon Adelaide. age patterns. Geological Magazine 144(4):701–729. Gravestock DI and Gatehouse CG 1995. Eastern Warburton Alley NF 1995. Late Palaeozoic. In JF Drexel, WV Preiss and Basin. In JF Drexel, WV Preiss and AJ Parker eds, The AJ Parker eds, The geology of South Australia, Volume 2, geology of South Australia, Volume 2, The Phanerozoic, The Phanerozoic, Bulletin 54. Geological Survey of South Bulletin 54. Geological Survey of South Australia, Australia, Adelaide, pp. 63–93. Adelaide, pp. 31–34.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 53 New geology
Griffin WL, Powell WJ, Pearson NJ and O’Reilly SY 2008. Preiss WV 1995. Delamerian Orogeny. In JF Drexel, WV Preiss GLITTER: data reduction software for laser ablation ICP- and AJ Parker eds, The geology of South Australia, MS. In P Sylvester ed., Laser ablation ICP–MS in the earth Volume 2, The Phanerozoic, Bulletin 54. Geological Survey sciences: current practices and outstanding issues, Short of South Australia, Adelaide, pp. 45–59. Course Series 40. Mineralogical Association of Canada, Preiss WV 2000. The Adelaide Geosyncline of South Australia pp. 204–207. and its significance in Neoproterozoic continental Hore SB and Hill SM 2009. Palaeoredox fronts: setting and reconstruction. Precambrian Research 100:21–63. associated alteration exposed within a key section for Reid AJ, Korsch RJ, Hou B and Black LP 2009. Sources of understanding uranium mineralisation at the Four Mile sediment in the Eocene Garford paleovalley, South West deposit. MESA Journal 55:34–39. Department Australia, from detrital-zircon geochronology. Australian of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, Journal of Earth Sciences 56:125–137. Adelaide. Sircombe KN 2004. AgeDisplay; an Excel workbook to Idnurm M and Heinrich CA 1993. A palaeomagnetic study evaluate and display univariate geochronological data of hydrothermal activity and uranium mineralization at using binned frequency histograms and probability density Mt Painter, South Australia. Australian Journal of Earth distributions. Computers & Geosciences 30:21–31. Sciences 40(1):87–101. Skirrow RG, Creaser R and Hore SB 2011. Mt Gee-Armchair Jackson SE, Pearson NJ, Griffin WL and Belousova EA U-REE deposits, South Australia. In RG Skirrow ed., 2004. The application of laser ablation-inductively Uranium mineralisation events in Australia: geochronology coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to in situ U-Pb zircon of the Nolans Bore, Kintyre Oasis, Mt Gee-Armchair, and Maureen Deposits, Record 2011/12. Geoscience Australia, geochronology. Chemical Geology 211:47–69. Canberra, pp. 36–58. Ludwig KR 2003. User’s manual for Isoplot 3.00: a Sprigg RC 1989. Megashears, megabreccias and breccia geochronological toolkit for Microsoft Excel, Special intrusions in the evolution of the Adelaide Geosyncline. In Publication 4. Berkeley Geochronological Center, RW Le Maitre ed., Pathways in geology: essays in honour Berkeley CA. of Edwin Sherbon Hills. Blackwell Scientific Publications, MacDonald JD, Holford SP, Green PF, Duddy IR, King RC and Melbourne, pp. 353–365. Backe G 2013. Detrital zircon data reveal the origin of Steveson BG 1975. AMDEL Report MP2630/75. Department Australia’s largest delta system. Journal of the Geological of State Development, South Australia, Adelaide. Society 170:3–6. Veevers JJ, Belousova EA, Saeed A, Sircombe K, Cooper AF Major RB 1976. The uranium-bearing Radium Ridge Beds, and Read SE 2006. Pan-Gondwanaland detrital zircons Mount Painter, South Australia. 25th International from Australia analysed for Hf-isotopes and trace Geological Congress, Abstracts Vol. 1. International elements reflect an ice-covered Antarctic provenance of Geological Congress, Sydney, p. 175. 700–500 Ma age, T-DM of 2.0–1.0 Ga, and alkaline Mawson D 1944. The nature and occurrence of uraniferous affinity. Earth Science Reviews 76:135–174. mineral deposits in South Australia. Transactions of the Ward LK and Jack RL 1916. The Yudnamutana mining field, Royal Society of South Australia 68:334–357. Report 3. Department of Mines, Adelaide. McCluskey R 2009. Detrital zircon geochronology of Whitehead S 1976a. AMDEL Petrological Report MP204/77. Neoproterozoic glacials, Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Department of State Development, South Australia, BSc Hons thesis, University of Melbourne. Adelaide. McLaren S, Sandiford M, Powell R, Neumann N and Whitehead S 1976b. AMDEL Petrological Report MP2714/76. Woodhead J 2006. Palaeozoic intraplate crustal anatexis Department of State Development, South Australia, in the Mount Painter Province, South Australia: timing, Adelaide. thermal budgets and the role of crustal heat production. Whitehead S 1980. AMDEL Petrological Report GS1902/80. Journal of Petrology 47(12):2281–2302. Department of State Development, South Australia, Adelaide. Morton JGG, Alley NF, Hill A and Griffiths M 1984. Possible late Palaeozoic glacigene sediments near Blinman, Wülser P-A 2009. Uranium metallogeny in the North Flinders Flinders Ranges. Quarterly Geological Notes 91:9–15. Ranges region of South Australia. PhD thesis, University of Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide. Adelaide. Neumann N, Hore SB and Fraser G 2010. New Youles IP 1975. Mount Painter uranium deposits. In CL Knight geochronology from the Mount Painter Province, South ed., Economic geology of Australia and Papua New Australia – linking the Gawler Craton and Curnamona Guinea, vol. 1, Metals, Monograph 5. Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Parkville, Victoria, Province. Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2010, pp. 505–508. Program and Abstracts. Geological Society of Australia, Sydney. Youles IP 1978. Comparison of Olympic Dam copper-uranium deposit and Mount Painter uranium deposits, Report Book Neumann N, Sandiford M and Foden J 2000. Regional 78/00085. South Australia Department of Mines and geochemistry and continental heat flow: implications for Energy, Adelaide. the origin of the South Australian heat flow anomaly. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 183:107–120. Youles IP 1981. Exploration Licence 533 final report, Techmin Pty Ltd, Open File Envelope 03633. South Australia Ogilvie JM 2006. U-Pb detrital zircon dating of structural Department of Mines and Energy, Adelaide. and stratigraphic relationships within Hidden Valley, Mt Youles IP 1986. Mt Painter uranium deposits. In Vein type Painter Inlier: implications for Proterozoic crustal evolution uranium deposits, Technical Document 361. International of eastern Australia. BSc Hons thesis, Monash University, Atomic Energy Agency, pp. 101–112. Melbourne. Pidgeon RT 1979. Report on the age of monazite samples 930 and 932, 1 October 1979, Open File Envelope 03931. South Australia Department of Mines and Energy, Adelaide. FURTHER INFORMATION Preiss WV 1987. Basement to the Adelaide Geosyncline. In WV Preiss comp., Adelaide Geosyncline — late Proterozoic Stephen Hore stratigraphy, sedimentation, palaeontology and tectonics, [email protected] Bulletin 53. Geological Survey of South Australia, +61 8 8463 3046 Adelaide, pp. 34–41.
54 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 WINTINNA geological map
WINTINNA 1:250 000 geological map (1st edition) and explanatory notes
Malcolm J Sheard Geological Survey of South Australia, Department of State Development
A new generation Physiography WINTINNA WINTINNA map area lies between latitudes 27° to 1:250 000 scale 28°S and longitudes 133°30’ to 135°00’E (Fig. 1). geological map and This ~16 400 km2 area includes the settlements of explanatory notes Marla and Cadney Park; it is crossed by the parallel have been published Stuart Highway and Adelaide to Darwin Railway. (Rogers et al. 2015; WINTINNA includes parts of the Great Victoria Sheard et al. 2015). and Pedirka deserts. Ephemeral drainage includes An image of the new Alberga River which flows in from the more elevated map, together with a Musgrave Ranges to the northwest; while Neales summary of the River and Arckaringa Creek headwaters occur in the physiography, previous investigations, centre of WINTINNA, they flow east and southeast stratigraphy, geological history, respectively. WINTINNA is broadly convex, gently resources and economic potential, and sloping towards the southeast and south, forming an natural history are provided below. incised peneplain where duricrust capped tableland plateaus and mesas retain older land stability surfaces (pediments). Inverted topography abounds where Cenozoic erosion has and continues to incise or undercut exposed softer strata. Elevation extremes include the highest point 436 m and an alluvial plain at ~130 m above sea level, but more typically the range is ~170 to ~350 m. Climatically this region is dominantly arid with hot dry summers and cool winters; sporadic rainfall may occur between autumn to late spring, and heavy downpours can cause flash flooding that impedes some surface travelling. Rainfall averages 200 to 250 mm/y; evaporation ranges between 3600 to 3800 mm/y.
Previous and recent investigations John McDouall Stuart (1858–62), Peter Egerton Warburton (1858–66), Ernest Giles (1872–76) and William Gosse (1873) were the first European explorers to describe features, produce route maps and collect samples from this area (Griffin and Cretaceous Cadna-owie Formation in a mesa outcrop; top few metres are silcreted, lower eroding sands are variably McCaskill 1986; O’Neil 1997). The Overland weakly bound. Site on Marla 100 000 sheet. Telegraph passed to the east of WINTINNA in (Photo 413934) 1871 and the Ghan Railway (Adelaide to Alice
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 55 New geology
132° 133°30' NORTHERN TERRITORY 135° 136°30' 26° Abminga Finke River Tieyon
Eateri Witjira NP ng inn Ilbunga Well Simpson a Cr ALBERGA eek ABMINGA DALHOUSIE Desert
Simpson Desert Pedirka Desert RR Granite Lambina Alberga River Downs 27° Lambina Todmorden River Macumba Oodnadatta Anangu Pitjantjatjara Marla WELBOURN HILL Yankunytjatjara Lands Tarcoola - Alice Springs Stuart Highway Welbourn Hill Track EVERARD WINTINNA Oodnadatta OODNADATTA Great Victoria Desert Wintinna Arckaringa Wintinna Arckaringa Neales River Cadney Park Arckaringa Mount Willoughby Copper Hill reek e C 28° Railway k Creek Pea ENGLAND HILL Peake and Denison Ranges Oodnadatta Mount Barry Woomera Prohibited Area Evelyn Downs
MURLOOCOPPIE GILES WARRINA Emu Tallaringa CP Track FENCE Breakaways CP Maralinga Tjarutja Lands Mount Clarence Woomera Lake Cadibarra- Prohibited wirracanna
DOG OBSERVATORY HILL Mabel Creek Coober Pedy Area Tallaringa Well 29° Warriner Creek 0 50 100 Kilometres
Datum GDA94
204490_001
Figure 1 Regional locality plan showing WINTINNA 1:250 000 map and adjoining map areas.
Springs) arrived at Oodnadatta Siding in 1891 exploration industry drilling, seismic surveying, (OODNADATTA). Both of these new continental- basinal appraisals and modelling (Sheard et al. scale infrastructures helped to open up this region 2015; O’Neil 1997). to settlement and pastoralism, thereby adding this From late 1990 to mid 1993 a reinvigorated remote part of South Australia’s geo-inventory, geological mapping program over WINTINNA was as a potential contributor to the state’s emerging carried out, culminating in six digital 1:100 000 economy. Pastoralists came into this area during the maps and a preliminary full colour 1:250 000 late 1880s, followed by mineral prospectors (O’Neil digital map (Rogers and Freeman 2003). Further 1997; Brown 1908). Afghan cameleers walking refinements of surface units and subsurface the Oodnadatta to Alice Springs routes noticed and stratigraphy, geochronology and drillcore logging prospected for opal via shallow diggings in the late since 2008 have led to the new 1:250 000 map 1800s to early 1900s, and discovered precious which includes: stratigraphic reference columns with pin-fire opal just to the north of WINTINNA on 72 units, of which 29 are subsurface only; three rock ABMINGA (Lambina Opal Field). relation diagrams, a structural interpretation sketch, South Australia’s first government geologist a cross-section; and a TMI magnetics image and a (HYL Brown) included this area within his statewide Bouguer gravity image (Rogers et al. 2015). The six geological reports and maps (Brown 1884, 1899). digital 1:100 000 geodetail maps have been refined However, systematic Geological Atlas mapping of for inclusion within SARIG geo-databases, and an this region only began in the late 1960s to 1970s, accompanying explanatory notes has also been covering several basinal sedimentary successions compiled (Sheard et al. 2015). and limited crystalline basement outcrop (Wopfner 1969; Barnes 1974; Barnes and Pitt 1976). Between Stratigraphy 1970 and 2014 numerous South Australian Government geologists (Geological Survey and The WINTINNA area forms part of a broader Energy Resources Division) and external geological region containing Archean to Proterozoic crystalline researchers have added greatly to the geological, basement rocks of the Gawler Craton and Musgrave stratigraphic, structural and geochronological Province, which are overlain by four successive understanding of this region. Much of that work sedimentary basins where episodic deposition spans relied significantly upon petroleum and mineral more than 700 million years.
56 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 WINTINNA geological map
Outcropping granitic gneiss, granitic dykes and subcropping metasediments of Yoolperlunna Inlier; and subsurface Nawa Domain Middle Bore Ridge (Paleoproterozoic mafic orthogneiss), Ammaroodinna Subdomain and Bitchera Ridge metasediments, together form the oldest local crystalline basements. Some of these rocks are intruded subsurface by early Neoproterozoic Gairdner Dolerite dykes. Those rocks are unconformably overlain by Neoproterozoic metasediments and volcanics of the Officer Basin episode 1 sagging and deposition: Willouran– Torrensian ungrouped sediments, Callanna Group sediments and volcanics and ?Burra Group sediments; Sturtian ungrouped glacigene to fluvial sediments and volcanics; and Marinoan Lake Sturtian Chambers Bluff Tillite, an outcrop of bedded Maurice and Ungoolya groups sediments (Sheard quartzite from the formation’s upper part, dipping gently southwest. Site is north of Marla. Hammer scale is 300 mm et al. 2015). long. (Photo 413932) Resting unconformably on those rocks is the thick Cambrian–Ordovician Officer Basin episode 2 sedimentary succession comprising the Marla and Munda groups. These are in turn overlain unconformably by the Carboniferous–Permian Arckaringa Basin glacigene to fluviatile and coal-bearing paludal sediments. The regionally extensive Mesozoic Eromanga Basin terrigenous to marine sediments cover much of WINTINNA, and unconformably overlie the older strata. Eromanga Basin rocks are commonly deeply weathered and partly indurated where exposed to several Cenozoic weathering regimes. Cenozoic sediments blanket much of this area, concealing many of the older rocks, and younger units commonly occupy lower landscape positions than do the older units (Sheard et al. 2015). Cambrian Ouldburra Formation, a feldspathic sandstone with dolomite intraclasts at 664.1 m in Marla 6 drillcore. The vuggy porosity is due to dissolution of dolomite clasts. Core diameter is 50 mm. (Photo 044377)
Complex silcretes can represent several silicifications, and may incorporate one or more ferruginising episodes. This example is part of a Cenozoic silicified regolith megamottle Cretaceous trace fossils within sandy upper Bulldog zone (previously informally named ‘Mabel Creek jasper’ or Shale, featuring infilled invertebrate burrows and U-tubes. ‘Terrazzo silcrete’). (Photo 413935) Hammer portion ~290 mm long. (Photo 413936)
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 57
New geology
Fossils on WINTINNA include Neoproterozoic stromatolites and trace fossils from the Cambrian. Permian plant impressions occur subsurface in numerous coal seams. Shelly fauna, petrified wood and many invertebrate burrows have been recorded from the Cretaceous Eromanga Basin succession.
Geological history Paleoproterozoic crustal collisions deformed and metamorphosed Archean to Paleoproterozoic rocks during the Kimban Orogeny (c. 1730–1690 Ma) and the Kararan Orogeny (c. 1580–1540 Ma). Mesoproterozoic metamorphism and faulting affected rocks of this region during the Musgravian Orogeny (c. 1220–1120 Ma) and Giles Event (c. 1085–1040 Ma). Early Neoproterozoic extension promoted magmatic intrusion of dolerite dykes. Officer Basin episode 1 (c. 850–550 Ma) sagging and faulting led to thick Adelaidean sedimentation and localised diapirism (Willouran to Marinoan). Deformation by the Petermann Orogeny (c. 570– 530 Ma) affected crystalline basement and the thick Adelaidean succession (Baines et al. 2011; Rankin 2003). Early Cenozoic Ouldburra Hill opal showing matrix opal in sandstone where the opal forms an inter-grain void cement. Crustal deformation occurred several times during Specimens are ~70 mm wide. (Photo 039438) the Paleozoic and brought on the Officer Basin episode 2 deposition through sag and faulting phases. Cambrian Officer Basin deposition and subsurface Manya Trough and Middle Bore Ridge. diapiric activity were halted by regional folding, Sedimentary uranium is also a potential regional uplift and erosion associated with the Delamerian exploration target in the Carboniferous–Permian, Orogeny (c. 515–470 Ma). Officer Basin Mesozoic and Cenozoic successions. Small-scale sedimentation continued during the Ordovician to mining has so far extracted road construction Silurian. The Alice Springs Orogeny and Boorthanna materials and small quantities of precious opal. Trough reactivation (c. 405–355 Ma), which uplifted this region, induced significant overthrusting and Groundwater is a valuable commodity and is widely erosive episodes, followed by waning Officer Basin used by regional pastoralism, tourism and wildlife, sedimentation (Rankin 2003; Gravestock 1997; and is locally relied upon by Marla and Cadney Park Preiss 1993). Deformation of Paleozoic sediments residents. The main aquifers occur within Paleozoic, involved gentle folding, significant overthrusting Mesozoic and Cenozoic rock successions. The and some thermal overprinting. Later deformation earliest bores were drilled between the 1890s and has been very mild and restricted to regional 1960s. sagging with associated sedimentation within the Carboniferous–Permian Arckaringa Basin and the Geothermal energy has a low to moderate Mesozoic Eromanga Basin. Cenozoic tectonics prospectivity in this area based upon recent in situ were limited to moderate uplift and minor faulting downhole measurements and regional interpretive (Sheard et al. 2015). assessments.
Resources and economic potential Natural history Minerals, coal and petroleum prospecting, Rocks, geomorphology, soil types and climate exploration and drilling since the 1900s have together commonly dictate where the region’s biota located coal, common and precious opal, and traces reside, feed and breed. The flora and fauna of this of oil on drillcore. Coal seam gas (Carboniferous– area are diverse, fragile, yet tenacious and well Permian Arckaringa Basin), unconventional (shale) adapted to the harshness of desert life. Sparse grass gas and conventional gas (Neoproterozoic– and shrub lands cover many areas and these plants Ordovician Officer Basin) are considered major are denser in low lying areas. The rivers, creeks and exploration targets. Zinc and lead are interpreted to pans, subject to flooding, are commonly fringed by be prospective within Cambrian carbonates of the trees, including: coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah ssp.
60 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 WINTINNA geological map
arida) and rarer paperbark (Melaleuca sp.). Other petroleum geology of South Australia, Volume tree and shrub species typical of this area include 3: Officer Basin, Report Book 97/00019. Mines and Energy Resources South Australia, Adelaide, species of Acacia, Atriplex, Eucalyptus, Eremophila, pp. 35–46. Pittosporum and Santalum. Near and on tablelands, vegetation can be more pronounced and includes: Griffin T and McCaskill M eds 1986. Atlas of South Acacia, Cassia, Eucalyptus, Eremophila, Hakea and Australia. South Australian Government Printing Division and Wakefield Press on behalf of the in some areas spinifex Triodia sp. is abundant. South Australian Jubilee 150 Board, Adelaide.
Large indigenous animals include kangaroos, O’Neil BJ 1997. History of petroleum exploration, dingos, echidna, reptiles, emus, bustards, parrots, Chapter 2. In JGG Morton and JF Drexel eds, The petroleum geology of South Australia, Volume 3: raptors, crows, finches, pigeons and vagrant aquatic Officer Basin, Report Book 97/00019. Mines and birds. Introduced feral animals comprise horses, Energy Resources South Australia, Adelaide, pp. 7–22. donkeys, goats, camels, rabbits, cats, foxes, rats and mice. Preiss WV comp. 1993. Neoproterozoic. In JF Drexel, WV Preiss and AJ Parker eds, The geology of South Australia, Volume 1, The Precambrian, Bulletin 54. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide, Aboriginal heritage pp. 171–203. Aboriginal occupation and history spans many tens Rankin LR 2003. Eastern Officer Basin: structural of millennia, and recent and ancient occupational framework from geophysical data, Report Book and trace evidence for their long-standing 2003/00032. Department of Primary Industries and presence abounds over much of WINTINNA and Resources South Australia, Adelaide. its surrounds. In South Australia it is an offence Rogers PA and Freeman PJ comps 2003. WINTINNA, to disturb or destroy Aboriginal sites, objects or South Australia, 1:250 000 Geological Atlas Series remains (Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988). Standard Map, sheet SG 53 14. Preliminary map. Geological procedures for determining the presence of Survey of South Australia, Adelaide. Aboriginal heritage prior to commencement of Rogers PA, Freeman PJ and Sheard MJ comps 2015. activities have been determined. These involve WINTINNA, South Australia, 1:250 000 Geological consulting with the relevant Aboriginal organisations Atlas Series Map, sheet SG 53 14. 1st edn. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide. and maintaining a watch for sites, objects or remains during exploration and other activities. Sheard MJ, Freeman PJ, Rogers PA and Alexander EM These sites are generally no larger than a few 2015. Explanatory notes for WINTINNA 1:250 000 hundred square metres and are easily avoided. geological map, sheet SG 53-14, Report Book 2014/00005. Department of State Development, The Department of State Development, through its South Australia, Adelaide. Resource Land Access Strategy Branch, can provide advice to companies and individuals on Aboriginal Wopfner H 1969. Lithology and distribution of the Observatory Hill Beds, eastern Officer Basin. heritage. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 93:169–187. References Baines G, Giles D, Betts PG and Backé G 2011. Locating a major Proterozoic crustal boundary beneath the eastern Officer Basin, Australia. Precambrian Research 191:120–140.
Barnes LC 1974. WINTINNA, South Australia, 1:250 000 Geological Atlas Series Map, sheet SG 53 14. Preliminary map, limited edition, B/W dyeline base, hand coloured. Geological Survey of South Australia, Adelaide. FURTHER INFORMATION Barnes LC and Pitt GW 1976. Silcrete, sediments and stratigraphy, Report Book 76/00119. South Australia The WINTINNA published map can be ordered Department of Mines and Energy, Adelaide. via SARIG
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 61 Mineral information release
Five-year company mineral exploration information release
Todd McKenzie Mineral Tenements and Exploration, Department of State Development
This release to the public of the mineral exploration 2803 data listed in Table 1, namely, company data which 2584,3932 was acquired more than five years ago, is being Marla ") done by the Department of State Development ") 3402 Oodnadatta in accord with the provisions of section 77D of Moomba ") the Mining Act 1971 and regulation 88 of the Coober Pedy Mining Regulations 2011. The data is summarised ")
below and includes links to the abstracts and Marree ") downloadable files via SARIG. Tenements are See 2460,3045, enlarge- located in Figure 1. 4015 ment 3
ELs 2055 and 2720 2560 2664 Placer Exploration Ltd; Placer Dome Asia Pacific 2685 Ltd; Newcrest Mining Ltd; MIM Exploration Pty Ltd 2408,3220 2055,2720 Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Port 2433, 2845 Augusta ") See 3017, Kalkaroo. Data release at licence expiry/renewal : annual enlarge- 3936 reports for the period 18/1/1997 to 9/5/2003. [ Index Part 2669 ment 2 0 100 200 km 2188 ") 2 of the open file content of Envelope 9894 - additional Port Pirie 2649 index parts, covering incremental time periods, will be 2905 2107 created in due course, to accommodate future data 3290 2887 releases. ] Port Lincoln ") 2905 ADELAIDE ") Province: Curnamona Province; Olary Domain; Benagerie Exploration licence subject to Ridge. five-year information release 2725 Work performed: Indexing in progress – ground magnetic and IP surveys; geological mapping; soil and rock chip See enlargement 1 geochemistry; drilling (AC, RC, diamond; age dating). Enlargement 1 Enlargement 2
SARIG reference: Env 09894 (part 2 of 2; 213 MB). 2618 8
0
3627 0 2603,3225 2686 - 3378 Mount 7
2
Gambier 6 ELs 2100, 2565 and 2570 2827 ") 4
0
2603 2686 2 BHP Minerals Pty Ltd; Magnesium Developments Ltd 2530 3539 2605 Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : 2857 2826 Northern Flinders Ranges Magnesite Project. Feasibility 3090, 2699 study technical reports concerning raw material 3082 4181 3225 beneficiation, mineral processing and economics, and mine 4180 2769, 2864 3569 50km planning and construction details. 2512 2767 3568 2519 Province: Adelaide Geosyncline. 3082, Enlargement 3 4180 2448, 3051 4182 3046,4018 Work performed: Indexing in progress – HyMap airborne 2477, 2565 survey; drilling (diamond; geophysical logging; assays); 2439,3041, 3103 2340 4017 2594 2687 rock chip geochemistry; batch leach tests. 3042 2100 4016 2805 2570 3347 SARIG reference: Env 09552 (474 MB). 2746 2565 3786 2658 2657 3195 L 2747 a k 3274 2438 e ELs 2100, 2565 and 2570 2533 2702,3379 2675 SAMAG Ltd 2593 Lake
2873 3275T
o Frome r
Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : re 2661 n
2873 s 2627 Technical report about bulk sampling of the Mount Hutton 75 km 2516 magnesite deposit - submitted as the EL 2565 annual report 3276 50km for the period 19/11/1998 to 18/11/2000. Province: Adelaide Geosyncline. Work performed: Indexing in progress – bulk sample assays. Figure 1 Five-year company mineral exploration SARIG reference: Env 09776 (2 MB). information release, 2015 – release 2.
62 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Mineral information release
Table 1 Five-year company mineral exploration information release, 2015 – release 2* Exploration licence (EL) Current licensee Location/project 2055, 2720 Havilah Resources NL Kalkaroo 2100, 2565, 2570 Kelaray Pty Ltd Northern Flinders Ranges Magnesite Project 2100, 2565, 2570 SAMAG Ltd Technical report about bulk sampling of the Mount Hutton magnesite deposit
2107 Flinders Power Partnership Lake Bumbunga 2188, 2845 Peninsula Resources Limited Minnipa 2340 Tasman Resources Limited Hedley Hill 2408, 3220 Tarcila Resources Pty Ltd Lake Gairdner South 2433, 3017, 3936 Uranium One Australia Pty Ltd South Eagle 2438, 2439, 2448, 2477, 2512, 2519, Murray Zircon Pty Ltd Mindarie Project 2746, 2747, 2767, 2769, 2805, 2826, 2827, 2857, 2873, 3041, 3042, 3046, 3051, 3082, 3090, 3103, 3539, 3568, 3569, 3627, 3786, 4016, 4017, 4018, 4180, 4181, 4182 2460, 3045, 4015 Australian Metals Group Limited Bulgunnia (part of the Gawler JV Project) 2516 Strandline Resources Limited Yeltacowie (part of the Mount Gunson Project) 2530 ACI Operations Pty Ltd Mount Gambier 2533, 3195 Straits Exploration (Australia) Bosworth Pty Ltd 2560 Havilah Resources NL Lake Charles 2570 Kelaray Pty Ltd Mount Parry (part of the Northern Flinders Ranges Magnesite Project) 2584, 3932 Austral Nickel Pty Limited Mount Davies (part of the Central Giles Nickel Project) 2593 Perilya Limited Blinman (part of the Flinders Range Project) 2594 Tasman Resources Limited Andamooka North 2603 Simnovec, John Jacob Nackara 2603, 2605, 2686, 2699, 2864, 3225, Simnovec, John Jacob Mount Grainger, Nackara, Fred Dam and Paratoo (the 3378 Mount Grainger JV Project with Rio Tinto, and the Nackara Arc JV Project with Range River Gold) 2618 Agricola Mining Pty Ltd Lochaber 2627 Perilya Limited Wilkawillina (part of the Flinders Ranges Project) 2649, 3290 Lymex Tenements Pty Ltd Mount Hope 2657, 2658, 2661, 2687, 2702, 3274, Perilya Limited Mount Goddard, Mount Deception, Parachilna, Yandina 3275, 3276, 3347, 3379 Hill and Ben Lomond (the Flinders Ranges Project) 2664 Havilah Resources NL Billeroo West 2669 Peninsula Resources Limited Wundinna Hill 2675 Perilya Limited Ediacara (part of the Flinders Ranges Project) 2685 Challenger Gold Operations Yumbarra (part of the Gawler Joint Venture Project) Pty Ltd 2686 Gawler Craton Resources Pty Ltd Paratoo 2687 Perilya Limited Yandina Hill (part of the Flinders Ranges Project) 2725 Monax Mining Limited Parndana (Kangaroo Island) 2803 Musgrave Minerals Limited Mount Woodroffe (part of the Central Giles Nickel Project) 2887 South Australian Iron Ore Tumby Bay Group Pty Ltd 2905 South Australian Iron Ore Mount Hill - Todd River Group Pty Ltd 3402 Metallica Minerals Limited Mount Toodla * Data held by the department for at least five years and released under the Mining Act, s. 77D , and Mining Regulations, r. 88.
EL 2107 ELs 2188 and 2845 Flinders Power Pty Ltd Adelaide Resources NL; Adelaide Resources Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Limited; Newmont Australia Limited Lake Bumbunga. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : for the period 25/9/1995 to 24/9/2000. Minnipa. Annual reports submitted until the commencement Province: St Vincent Basin. of joint reporting for the nine licences comprising the Adelaide Resources - Newmont Australia Eyre Peninsula JV Work performed: Indexing in progress – advanced Project, for the period 7/6/1996 to 20/9/2003. pressurised fluid bed combustion. Province: Gawler Craton; Nuyts Domain. SARIG reference: Env 09643 (1 MB).
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 63 Mineral information release
Work performed: Indexing in progress – calcrete ELs 2460, 3045 and 4015 geochemistry; regolith mapping; drilling (RAB, RC, Resolute Resources Ltd; Dominion Gold Operations diamond); ground magnetic and IP surveys. Pty Ltd; Minex (SA) Pty Ltd; Toro Energy Ltd; BHP Billiton Exploration Australia Pty Ltd SARIG reference: Env 09666 (29 MB). Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Bulgunnia (part of the Gawler JV Project). Annual reports EL 2340 for the period 19/11/1997 to 1/1/2010. Tasman Resources NL Province: Gawler Craton; Wilgena Domain. Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ Work performed: Indexing in progress – AEM, ground discretion] : Hedley Hill. Annual reports submitted until the magnetic, gravity and IP surveys; rock chip and commencement of joint reporting for the six Lake Torrens groundwater geochemistry; drilling (RC, diamond). Project licences, for the period 26/5/1997 to 25/5/2000. SARIG reference: Env 09602 (56 MB). Province: Gawler Craton; Olympic Domain; Torrens Hinge Zone. EL 2516 Stuart Metals NL; Stuart Petroleum NL; Gunson Work performed: Indexing in progress – airborne magnetic Resources Ltd survey; mobile metal ion geochemistry; drilling (RAB, RC). Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : SARIG reference: Env 09526 (27 MB). Yeltacowie (part of the Mount Gunson Project). Technical reports and annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for the period 4/5/1998 to 3/5/2003. ELs 2408 and 3220 Province: Gawler Craton; Stuart Shelf. RMG Services Pty Ltd; Craton Resources NL Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Work performed: Indexing in progress – gravity survey; Lake Gairdner South. Annual reports to licence expiry/ drilling (diamond); geochemical survey. renewal, for the period 11/8/1997 to 20/7/2009. SARIG reference: Env 09530 (56 MB). Province: Gawler Craton; Gawler Range Volcanics Domain. EL 2530 ACI. Industrial Minerals Div. Work performed: Indexing in progress – no field work Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : undertaken. Mount Gambier. Final geological report on drilling. SARIG reference: Env 09627 (1 MB). Province: Otway Basin. Work performed: Indexing in progress – drilling (RAB). ELs 2433, 3017 and 3936 SARIG reference: Env 09591 (3 MB). Placer Exploration Ltd; Mount Isa Mines Ltd; Southern Cross Resources Australia Pty Ltd; ELs 2533 and 3195 Uranium One Australia Pty Ltd Kelaray Pty Ltd; Minotaur Gold NL; Minex (SA) Pty Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Ltd; Billiton Exploration Australia Pty Ltd; Straits South Eagle. Annual reports for the period 17/9/2000 to Exploration (Australia) Pty Ltd 25/9/2009. Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Bosworth. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for the Province: Lake Eyre Basin; Callabonna Sub-basin; period 13/7/1998 to 5/4/2009. Curnamona Province; Olary Domain. Province: Gawler Craton; Olympic Domain; Stuart Shelf; Work performed: Indexing in progress – AEM, IP and Torrens Hinge Zone. gravity surveys; drilling (rotary-mud; geophysical logging; Work performed: Indexing in progress – AEM and gravity petrology). surveys; anthropological and archaeological survey; SARIG reference: Env 09891 (268 MB). drilling (diamond). SARIG reference: Env 09474 (89 MB). ELs 2438, 2439, 2448, 2477, 2512, 2519, 2746, 2747, 2767, 2769, 2805, 2826, 2827, 2857, 2873, EL 2560 3041, 3042, 3046, 3051, 3082, 3090, 3103, 3539, Lynch Mining Pty Ltd 3568, 3569, 3627, 3786, 4016, 4017, 4018, 4180, Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Lake Charles. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for 4181 and 4182 the period 26/10/1998 to 25/10/2003. Steiner Holdings Pty Ltd; Murray Basin Minerals NL; Southern Titanium NL; Australian Zircon NL; Province: Curnamona Province; Benagerie Ridge. Gold Fields Australasia Pty Limited Work performed: Indexing in progress – no field work Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : undertaken. Karoonda, Halidon, Mantung, Meribah, Morgan, Loxton, SARIG reference: Env 09852 (1 MB). Lameroo, Allenby, Woolpunda, Pine Valley, Renmark, Prinpun Bore, Chowilla, Sturt Vale, Old Koomooloo, EL 2570 Wynarka, Loveday, Meribah, Murray Bridge and Tailem Kelaray Pty Ltd Bend (the Mindarie Heavy Mineral Sands Project). Joint Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : annual reports for the period 19/12/1997 to 31/12/2009. Mount Parry (part of the Northern Flinders Ranges Magnesite Project). Annual reports to licence expiry/ Province: Murray Basin; Adelaide Geosyncline; Nackara renewal, for the period 4/1/1999 to 3/1/2004. Arc; Delamerian Orogeny. Province: Adelaide Geosyncline. Work performed: Indexing in progress – airborne Work performed: Indexing in progress – HyMap survey; magnetic–radiometric survey; drilling (AC; geophysical drilling (diamond; geophysical logging; assays); bulk logging; assays). sampling; metallurgical testing. SARIG reference: Env 09514 (318 MB). SARIG reference: Env 09868 (73 MB).
64 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Mineral information release
ELs 2584 and 3932 EL 2618 Delta Gold NL; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Ltd; Delta Agricola Mining Pty Ltd Gold Limited; PepinNini Minerals Ltd Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Lochaber. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for the Mount Davies (part of the Central Giles Nickel Project). Annual reports for the period 4/3/1999 to 23/9/2009. period 6/7/1999 to 4/7/2004. Province: Musgrave Province; Petermann Orogeny. Province: Murray Basin. Work performed: Indexing in progress – airborne Work performed: Indexing in progress – drilling; push tube magnetics and helicopter EM surveys; stream sediment, sampling; bulk sampling; assays. colluvium, laterite and rock chip geochemistry; drilling (geophysical logging; SEM analyses). SARIG reference: Env 09660 (1 MB). SARIG reference: Env 09631 (45 MB). EL 2627 EL 2593 Perilya Ltd Minotaur Exploration Pty Ltd; Perilya Limited Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] Wilkawillina (part of the Flinders Ranges Project). Annual : Blinman (part of the Flinders Ranges Project). Annual reports submitted until the commencement of joint reporting reports to the commencement of project licences’ joint for all six Project licences, for the period 5/8/1999 to reporting, for the period 21/4/1999 to 20/4/2002. 3/8/2002. Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Arrowie Basin. Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Arrowie Basin. Work performed: Indexing in progress – rock chip, orientation soil and stream sediment geochemistry. Work performed: Indexing in progress – stream sediment, SARIG reference: Env 09647 (79 MB). soil and rock chip geochemistry; mapping; micro-gravity survey; drilling. EL 2594 SARIG reference: Env 09736 (175 MB). Tasman Resources NL Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Andamooka North. Sole annual report submitted until the ELs 2649 and 3290 commencement of joint reporting for the six Lake Torrens Lynch Mining Pty Ltd; Alphadale Pty Ltd; BHP Project licences, for the period 3/5/1999 to 25/5/2000. Minerals Pty Ltd Province: Gawler Craton; Olympic Domain; Torrens Hinge Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Zone; Stuart Shelf. Mount Hope. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for Work performed: Indexing in progress – magnetic survey; the period 12/4/2002 to 21/12/2009. mobile metal ion geochemistry. Province: Gawler Craton; Coulta Domain. SARIG reference: Env 09661 (1 MB). Work performed: Indexing in progress – ground magnetic and helicopter magnetic surveys; calcrete geochemistry; EL 2603 drilling (assays). John Jacob Simnovec; Ian Robert Filsell; Mark Andrew Filsell; William John Filsell; Goldstream SARIG reference: Env 09876 (50 MB). Mining NL Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : ELs 2657, 2658, 2661, 2687, 2702, 3274, 3275, Nackara. Annual reports for the period 16/6/1999 to 15/6/2001. 3276, 3347 and 3379 Perilya Ltd Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Nackara Arc. Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Work performed: Indexing in progress – rock chip and soil geochemistry; soil vegetation mapping; ground magnetic Mount Goddard, Mount Deception, Parachilna, Yandina Hill survey; drilling (RAB). and Ben Lomond (the Flinders Ranges Project). Combined SARIG reference: Env 09730 (36 MB). annual reports for the period 14/10/1999 to 31/12/2009. Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Arrowie Basin. ELs 2603, 2605, 2686, 2699, 2864, 3225 and 3378 Work performed: Indexing in progress – soil and rock chip John Jacob Simnovec; Ian Robert Filsell; Mark geochemistry; mapping. Andrew Filsell; William John Filsell; Goldstream Mining NL; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Ltd; Range SARIG reference: Env 09714 (22 MB). River Gold Ltd Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : EL 2664 Mount Grainger, Nackara, Fred Dam and Paratoo (the Mount Grainger JV Project with Rio Tinto, and the Nackara Lynch Mining Ltd; Pasminco Australia Ltd; Werrie Arc JV Project with Range River Gold). Progress and Gold Limited; Havilah Resources Limited combined annual reports to the cessation of these joint Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : ventures, for the period 16/6/1999 to 31/1/2006. Billeroo West. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Nackara Arc. the period 3/11/1999 to 2/11/2004. Work performed: Indexing in progress – soil and rock Province: Curnamona Province; Benagerie Ridge. chip geochemistry; geological mapping; ground magnetic and IP–resistivity surveys; drilling (RC, RAB; assays); Work performed: Indexing in progress – no field work metallurgical studies; bottle roll analysis. undertaken. SARIG reference: Env 09857 (53 MB). SARIG reference: Env 09729 (1 MB).
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 65 Mineral information release
EL 2669 Work performed: Indexing in progress – soil geochemistry; Adelaide Resources Ltd drilling (AC). Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ SARIG reference: Env 09798 (2 MB). discretion] : Wudinna Hill. Annual reports submitted until the commencement of joint reporting for the nine licences comprising the Adelaide Resources - Newmont Australia EL 2803 Eyre Peninsula JV Project, for the period 11/11/1999 to Delta Gold Limited; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Ltd; 10/11/2002. Musgrave Minerals Limited Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Province: Gawler Craton; Nuyts Domain. Mount Woodroffe (part of the Central Giles Nickel Project). Target: Archean to Proterozoic Au. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for the period Work performed: Indexing in progress – calcrete 5/3/2001 to 4/3/2006. geochemistry; drilling. Province: Musgrave Province; Fregon Subdomain. SARIG reference: Env 09756 (1 MB). Work performed: Indexing in progress – field reconnaissance; rock chip and stream sediment EL 2675 geochemistry. Perilya Ltd SARIG reference: Env 09848 (7 MB). Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Ediacara (part of the Flinders Ranges Project). Annual technical report for the period ending 2/12/2001. EL 2887 South Australian Iron Ore Group Pty Ltd; Centrex Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Arrowie Basin. Metals Ltd; Kanowna Lights Ltd; Peninsula Work performed: Indexing in progress – calcrete, soil and Minerals Ltd rock chip geochemistry. Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ SARIG reference: Env 09773 (10 MB). discretion] : Tumby Bay. Annual reports [to the 24/11/2006 commencement of the Eyre Peninsula Project licences’ combined reporting status] for the period18/1/2002 to EL 2685 17/1/2007. Dominion Gold Operations Pty Ltd; Resolute Province: Gawler Craton; Spencer Domain. Resources Ltd Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ Work performed: Indexing in progress – airborne magnetic and ground magnetic surveys; drilling (diamond; camera discretion] : Yumbarra (part of the Gawler Joint Venture survey). Project). Environmental monitoring assessment report and management plan. SARIG reference: Env 09896 (48 MB). Province: Gawler Craton; Fowler Domain. Work performed: Indexing in progress – IP survey; soil, EL 2905 calcrete, regolith and bedrock geochemistry; biological South Australian Iron Ore Group Pty Ltd; Centrex surveys (4; flora and fauna); drilling (AC). Metals Ltd; Kanowna Lights Ltd; Peninsula Minerals Ltd SARIG reference: Env 09890 (3 MB). Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Mount Hill - Tod River area. Annual reports EL 2686 [to the commencement of the Northern Eyre Peninsula Ian Robert Filsell; Mark Andrew Filsell Project licences’ combined reporting status] for the period Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ 13/3/2002 to 12/3/2005. discretion] : Paratoo. Annual report (in lieu of a first Province: Gawler Craton; Spencer Domain. partial relinquishment report) for the period 10/1/2000 to Work performed: Indexing in progress – airborne magnetic 9/1/2001. and gravity surveys; drilling (diamond; assays) metallurgy Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Nackara Arc. (Davis Tube Recovery; XRF4 fusion analysis). Work performed: Indexing in progress – rock chip SARIG reference: Env 09905 (14 MB). geochemistry; rock chip petrology. SARIG reference: Env 09779 (2 MB). EL 3402 James Fraser Allender; Basegrove Holdings Pty Ltd; Inca Resources Pty Ltd; Metallica Minerals EL 2687 Limited; Outlier No 1 Pty Ltd Perilya Ltd Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Mount Toodla. Annual reports to licence expiry/renewal, for Yandina Hill (part of the Flinders Ranges Project). Annual the period 23/8/2005 to 22/8/2010. reports submitted until the commencement of joint reporting Province: Gawler Craton; Adelaide Geosyncline; Peake for all six Project licences, for the period 10/1/2000 to and Denison Inliers. 9/1/2002. Work performed: Indexing in progress – gravity survey; Province: Adelaide Geosyncline; Arrowie Basin. drilling (assays). Work performed: Indexing in progress – no field work SARIG reference: Env 11478 (17 MB). undertaken. SARIG reference: Env 09719 (1 MB).
EL 2725 Monax Mining Limited; Havilah Resources NL FURTHER INFORMATION Data release [made at SA Director of Mines’ discretion] : Todd McKenzie Parndana (Kangaroo Island). Annual reports to licence [email protected] expiry/renewal, for the period 19/5/2000 to 18/5/2005. +61 8 8463 3282 Province: Kanmantoo Trough.
66 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 New Zealand field trip
Faults, flows and fumaroles: a journey through the geology of New Zealand
Mark Pawley1, Anthony Reid1, John Foden2, Alan Collins2, Stijn Glorie2 and Katie Howard2 1 Geological Survey of South Australia, Department of State Development 2 Department of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide
The Honours course in Geology and Geophysics The Geological Survey of South Australia is a at the University of Adelaide includes a field trip sponsor of the field trip, and it is considered component that has been run in New Zealand beneficial for one of its staff members to attend the for several years. The trip is intended to introduce trip. This provides an opportunity for interaction students to active geological processes that are only with University of Adelaide staff and students (future partly preserved in the ancient geological record. professional geoscientists who will hopefully work It is also an excellent opportunity to observe the in South Australia) to discuss the role and activities variety of geological features that can develop within of the Geological Survey, and promote geoscience the same tectonic setting. Consequently, there is a in South Australia. Additionally, the trip is a training strong emphasis on encouraging the students to opportunity in modern geological processes for the think about the different apparently unconnected Geological Survey attendee. Anthony Reid attended outcrops within a broader geological context. the course in 2014, and in this article Mark Pawley provides his perspective of the 2015 Honours field geology course.
The 2015 trip started in Auckland and included 164°E 170°E 176°E 35°S seven days travelling across the North Island to Wellington. From Wellington, a ferry ride across Cook Strait began the next five days around the northwestern and central part of the South Island,
Auckland concluding in Christchurch (Fig. 1). Geologically, the NORTH ISLAND trip started by examining hot-spot-related volcanic TASMAN 2 Lake Taupo rocks near Auckland. We then travelled across 3 h SEA c 6 n e basement rocks, including a large ribbon of the New Mt Ruapehu r T i 41°S g England Orogen of eastern Australia that rifted off n ra Wellington u during the breakup of Gondwana and the formation ik H Marlborough of the Tasman Sea; and the Torlesse Supergroup, Fault System a marine sequence deposited on the continental shelf and slope. The trip continued along an active, SOUTH ISLAND PACIFIC convergent plate margin where we saw a range of lt OCEAN au Christchurch F subduction-related processes, including volcanic, e in 4 lp 5 A volcaniclastic and plutonic rocks; back-arc basin 47°S Mt Cook SOUTHERN development and sedimentation; faulting; and the h ALPS Taupo Volcanic Zone nc re Figure location T 2 deformation of the older basement. r u Major fault g Dunedin e Subduction zone s y It was an incredible opportunity, and great rocks u Mountain range P 0 100 200 300 km were seen every day. However, there were several Stewart Island highlights of the trip, one of which was the boundary 204589_024 between the Australian and Pacific plates which Figure 1 Map of New Zealand showing the subduction is exposed in New Zealand. This boundary is zones, main faults and ranges. manifested in several ways, with the lithological
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 67 New Zealand field trip
and structural consequences changing along with fumaroles, mud pools, geysers and geothermal strike to form four distinct zones – the Hikurangi power. To the south of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Trench, Marlborough Fault System, Alpine Fault and the Wanganui Basin is a marine basin formed as Puysegur Trench (Fig. 1). a result of a lithospheric flexure that is migrating ahead of the southward un-zippering of the Taupo To the north, the boundary is represented by Volcanic Zone. the Hikurangi Trench, which is a west-dipping subduction zone located under the Pacific Ocean On the South Island, the plate boundary is east of the North Island. Onshore, extension in the represented by the Alpine Fault which runs along the central northern part of the island has resulted in west coast (Fig. 1). It was exciting to see and actually the Taupo Volcanic Zone (Fig. 1), which is a zone put my finger on the Alpine Fault at Gaunt Creek, as of syn-extensional volcanism, normal faulting and this is the margin between the Australian and Pacific high heat flow. The volcanism ranges from rhyolites tectonic plates. At this outcrop, mylonitic rocks of the in the central and northern Taupo Volcanic Zone, to Carboniferous–Triassic Alpine Schist of the Pacific andesite-basalt in the south, near Mount Ruapehu Plate to the east, are thrust over unconsolidated (Fig. 1). The faults, such as the Paeroa Fault (Fig. 2) gravels on the Australian Plate, dated at 13 000 and Tarawera Rift (a rift valley that formed during to 10 000 years old (Fig. 4). It has been calculated the 1886 AD eruption of Mount Tarawera; Fig 3), that the thrust moves between 18 to 24 mm/y, with also host the geothermal systems that are associated the underlying gravels forming fans derived from
(a) (b)
Figure 2 (a) View to the east of a prominent scarp formed by the slip surface of the Paeroa Fault. The Paeroa Fault can be traced for 30 km along strike, is one of the fastest slipping faults in the Taupo Volcanic Zone (has vertical displacement of ~1.5 mm/y) and hosts a series of geothermal systems. An example can be seen in the centre of the photograph, where steam is rising from a set of fumaroles and mud pools. (b) Fumaroles at the base of the fault scarp. (Photos 414474, 414475)
(a) (b)
Figure 3 Views of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley showing a range of geothermal features. (a) Water erupting from Bird’s Nest Spring. The precipitation of silica has resulted in a series of fine-scale terraces. (b) Hot water flowing over the Marble Terrace, which is a broad sinter flat formed by the precipitation of silica from a hot water spring – the water is 97 °C as it leaves the spring. (Photos 414476, 414477)
68 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 New Zealand field trip
the erosion of the overthrust rocks (Cooper and a dextral, southeast-side up sense of movement. At Norris 1994). This results in the juxtaposition of very this point it was possible to recognise the progressive different metamorphic grades. I was also interested movement along this structure, as the amount of to find that rather than being a single thrust, the offset increases with distance of the uplifted terraces Alpine Fault has a ‘zig-zag’ pattern, where sections from the current stream channel. This suggests that with oblique thrust characteristics alternate with the increasingly distal, and therefore older, terraces dextral strike-slip sections on the scale of 1–10 km have experienced more stages of incremental (Norris and Cooper 1995, 1997). It was particularly offset, resulting in greater overall displacement. It surprising to learn that the alternation between was particularly interesting to see the neotectonic thrusting and strike-slip movement was influenced features, as similar surface expressions, albeit by the current drainage patterns, with uplift and without the obvious progressive development, have thrusting occurring in the river valleys where there been seen during recent Geological Survey mapping was less overlying rock (Norris and Cooper 1995, on the northern Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. 1997). Essentially, the surface geometry of the plate margin is controlled by the current topography! Another highlight was the Tongariro Alpine crossing near Mount Ruapehu (Fig. 1) where we examined Thrusting along the Alpine Fault also led to the the volcanic stratigraphy and architecture around a ongoing uplift of the Alps along the South Island, series of evolving, overlapping volcanic centres. The which are rising up to 5 mm/y. Uplift has led to crossing involved a walk around the foot of Mount the deposition of thick conglomerate units on the Ngauruhoe, before climbing up onto Red Crater Canterbury Plains to the east of the Alps. Although and Mount Tongariro. The traverse highlighted the they’re not so obvious from on top because of complexity that can form as the different volcanic the farmland, it was interesting to see the thick centres interact, resulting in a dynamic system of sequences exposed within the banks of deeply interfingering flows and rocks (Fig. 6). To further eroded rivers (Fig. 5). Furthermore, the erosion complicate the story, glacial activity has also eroded to expose these sections is also the result of the and affected the topography in the area, influencing continued uplift of the Alps, accelerating the down the distribution of younger lava flows. Looking at cutting of the rivers. the current field relations underlines how difficult it The Hikurangi Trench and Alpine Fault are linked by would be to unravel the volcanic architecture once a series of northeast-trending strike-slip faults, the it has been buried and deformed. This shatters the Marlborough Fault System, which crops out in the idea that volcanic rocks in the ancient geological northern part of the South Island (Fig. 1). We visited record form the simple, widely correlatable ‘layer one of these fault strands, the Wairau Fault in the cake’ stratigraphy that is often presented in maps Wairau Valley, where river terraces are offset with and figures.
Figure 4 Outcrop of the Alpine Fault in Gaunt Figure 5 Thick deposits of fluvial gravels that Creek. The black line shows the location of were shed off the rising Southern Alps. The gravels the thrust, with the Alpine Schist of the Pacific are being incised as the continued uplift of the Plate thrust over unconsolidated gravels on the Alps has resulted in the down cutting of the rivers. Australian Plate. The thrust on the right side of the There is a 4WD in the left of the photograph for photograph is obscured by fans of gravel, derived scale. (Photo 414479) from the overlying schist, which are actively being deposited onto the Australian plate to produce the footwall. (Photo 414478)
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 69 New Zealand field trip
(a) (b)
(c) Figure 6 Tongariro Alpine crossing showing the interaction between the different volcanic events and the glaciation. (a) View to the west down the glacial Mangatepopo Valley. Pre-glacial volcanic deposits of the 65 000–110 000 years old Tongariro Trig cone are exposed in the valley wall. The floor of the valley is covered by a series of lava flows and pyroclastic deposits that were deposited over the last 25 000 years. (b) North slope of Ngauruhoe showing the river-like lava flows that were deposited as recently as February 1975. (c) View to the southeast across Red Crater, where units of red and black basaltic andesite scoria are draped over light grey, columnar jointed lava flows (seen at the right edge of the photograph). The vertical fissure just right of centre is a hollow, drained lava tube. (Site 5 in Fig. 1; photos 414480–414482)
There were many benefits from attending the field including a short presentation one evening where I trip. A lot of experience was gained looking at rocks explained the role of the Geological Survey, what it that are considerably younger, fresher, and less does in regard to data collection, compilation and deformed than those seen in South Australia. The publication, and how it may benefit them, both as rocks and geological processes described in the students and professional geologists. three zones along the boundary (along with other stops that have not been mentioned) represented a considerable part of the geology that was seen on References the field trip. The diversity of geology that could be Cooper AF and Norris RJ 1994. Anatomy, structural evolution, and slip rate of a plate-boundary thrust: the related to oblique convergence along the boundary Alpine Fault at Gaunt Creek, Westland, New Zealand. illustrated how far-field processes can have very Bulletin of the Geological Society of America diverse results, even at the local scale. This also 106(5):627–633. reinforced the concept that outcrops should not be Norris RJ and Cooper AF 1995. Origin of small-scale regarded in isolation, but need to be considered in a segmentation and transpressional thrusting along the broader context. Alpine Fault, New Zealand. Bulletin of the Geological Society of America 107(2):231–240. There was the opportunity to meet with University of Adelaide geology staff and learn about their Norris RJ and Cooper AF 1997. Erosional control on the structural evolution of a transpressional thrust complex research interests, which led to discussions about on the Alpine Fault, New Zealand. Journal of Structural possible collaborative research projects. There Geology 19(10):1323–1342. was also the chance to pass on my knowledge by contributing to geological discussions on the outcrops, as well as passing on some of my FURTHER INFORMATION experience in fieldwork and geological mapping. John Foden [email protected] There were discussions with the students and staff +61 8 8313 5380 about the Geological Survey of South Australia,
70 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Events
Events
Broken Hill Resources Investment capture their collective knowledge to help develop Symposium a copper strategy that will position South Australia as a world-leading copper producer, with a target The 2015 Broken Hill Resources Investment that will grow South Australian copper exports from Symposium was held from 25 to 28 May 2015. 0.3 Mtpa to around 1 Mtpa over a 10 to 15 year The South Australian contingent was led by period. The summit was enthusiastically received Ted Tyne, Minerals Resources Executive Director, and generated a wealth of information. A directions who provided a keynote address titled ‘The state of paper, identifying the major themes addressed, was South Australia: open for business and working to subsequently released and is being followed up by a grow our minerals value chain’. The symposium also number of workshops with the final copper strategy provided the opportunity to hold meetings with the expected to be released by the end of the year. Geological Survey of New South Wales to progress joint initiatives established under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) initiated in October 2013. Trade mission to China In late May 2015 the Department of State This year the event was expanded to include a Development led a large outbound government third day of technical presentations – Uncover trade mission to China’s Shandong Province with Curnamona – in collaboration with the Geological 250 South Australian delegates representing Survey of New South Wales; feedback from the industry, government and teaching institutions. day was very positive. Presentations were provided The mission was led by Paul Goiak (Industry by Anthony Reid, Wolfgang Preiss, Liz Jagodzinski, Participation Director) with on-ground support from Stephan Thiel and Steve Hill from the Geological Baohong Hou (GSSA). The full schedule included Survey of South Australia (GSSA), and recent maps visiting three towns in six days, participating in the and products were displayed in the Department of South Australian Cooperation and Development State Development’s booth. Day 3 also included the forum, and numerous roundtables, meetings and launch of the Mount Painter 1:100 000 geological site visits. Over the course of the visit five MOUs map and the Geological field excursion guide from were signed including one between the GSSA and Arkaroola to Paralana Hot Springs (see separate the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and articles this journal). Mineral Resources.
A Broken Hill regional geology field excursion was run as part of Uncover Curnamona and CODES Science Planning Meeting attracted over 40 geologists. The excursion guide is Anthony Reid (GSSA, Department of State Development) available for free download from SARIG (reference: The GSSA was represented by Anthony Reid at the RB 2015/00013). University of Tasmania’s Centre for Ore Deposit and Exploration Science (CODES) Science Planning South Australian Copper Summit Meeting held in Hobart on 2 June 2015. The meeting involved presentations from both university The South Australian Copper Summit was held on researchers and industry partners and gave an 6 May 2015 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. overview of the educational programs run by the Hosted by the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister organisation and the range of research being for Mineral Resources and Energy, the summit carried out at CODES. Significantly, the meeting brought together more than 100 representatives of highlighted the strong engagement CODES has industry, government and research institutions to been able to garner amongst the minerals industry
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 71 Events
over its 26 year life, first as an Australian Research 5 km beyond a porphyry system and which can be Council (ARC) Key Centre then a Special Research distinguished from background metamorphism in Centre beginning in 1989, and since 2005 as a low metamorphic grade host rocks was proposed to Centre of Excellence. The meeting was attended by be a very powerful vectoring tool in part of two talks around 100 people from industry and academia on AMIRA project P1060 by David Cooke (CODES) and many student posters were presented during and Paul Agnew (Rio Tinto). The talks demonstrated the lunch break, with the poster space overflowing the methodology behind in situ chemical with people and conversation. Poster topics ranged mapping and how this technique can be applied. from application of pyrite laser ablation chemical Paul Agnew showed examples from Rio Tinto mapping, to reconstruction of the tectonics of Pacific exploration programs in which trace elements such rim plates and the relationship to porphyry deposits. as Ti, Sc and Sr within chlorite and epidote show A poster was also presented on metamorphism in systematic spatial patterning around known deposits the Gawler Craton by Jacqueline Halpin (CODES), and was used as a technique to vector towards co-authored with Anthony Reid. mineralisation. Data from a previous iteration of this AMIRA project has been published recently in the The program of talks showcased the high student Journal of Geochemical Exploration (Wilkinson et al. numbers and standards obtained by those enrolled 2015). The technique is being applied in ongoing in the popular Masters of Economic Geology exploration by the company. program run by CODES. The PhD program is also strongly supported by the University of Tasmania A significant project of the CODES research group and covers the full spectrum of CODES research, of direct application to South Australia is the work with one speaker describing PhD students as of Vadim Kamenetsky and colleagues as part of an the ‘bread and butter’ of the research program. ARC Linkage project looking at the chemical and Interestingly, 75% of students enrolled are isotopic characterisation of Olympic Dam (ARC international, with some 20 nationalities represented Linkage Project LP130100438: The supergiant in the current cohort of over 44 PhD students. Olympic Dam ore deposit: towards a new genetic model). Some work from this ARC Linkage project One of the backbones of CODES research is has already been published (McPhie et al. 2011; their heavy investment in the last decade in Ehrig, McPhie and Kamenetsky 2012), and the two microanalytical techniques, in particular laser talks covered the various new dates that have been ablation - inductively coupled plasma mass obtained on mafic intrusions and alteration minerals spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). CODES has been at the in the project and the metallurgical implications forefront of using this technique to gain point data of microanalytical data. A key theme of the talk on the elemental composition of mineral species, by Kamenetsky was the multiplicity of igneous and but has also developed routines to be able to hydrothermal events that have affected the Olympic chemically map minerals for a range of elements at Dam orebody, from the c. 1590 Ma event through very fine spatial and chemical resolution; gold for to the Delamerian (Cambrian) ages obtained example can be detected within pyrite to ppb levels. from fluorite and other minerals. When asked why This instrumentation has been utilised extensively in Olympic Dam seems to have had such a prolonged the major industry-sponsored research programs history of mineral growth and fluid movement, that were discussed on the day. Professor Kamenetsky quipped, ‘Location, location, location’, referring to the conclusion from their work Presentations by David Selly (CODES) and that Olympic Dam must sit on major structures Anthony Harris (Newcrest) revealed how that have been persistently reactivated through fundamental geological mapping and petrography geological time. Kathy Ehrig (BHP Billiton) spoke were being combined with in situ characterisation of of the use of chemical characterisation of uranium Cu–Au porphyry systems in the Pacific rim systems minerals to improve the understanding and from Indonesia through to Papua New Guinea. The metallurgical processes at the Olympic Dam Mine. recognition of alteration haloes that extend up to Notably, hematite was identified as containing up to 15% of the total uranium budget for the deposit, located in disseminated micro-inclusions.
David Cooke spoke on a new ARC-funded hub for transforming the mining value chain that is being set up at the University of Tasmania. This major research initiative is associated with AMIRA project P1153: Applying the explorers’ toolbox to discover Cu, Au and Mo deposits. This hub has collaborative
The student poster display at the CODES Science Planning Meeting generated lively discussions. (Photo 414648)
72 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Events
links with a range of major mineral companies and AusIMM International Uranium national and international research organisations. Conference The three themes for the transformation hub are: (i) detecting proximity to ore via geochemical The AusIMM International Uranium Conference footprints, (ii) quantifying geometallurgical character, was held from 9 to 10 June at the Adelaide and (iii) predicting geoenvironmental behaviour. Convention Centre, Adelaide. The conference is The transformation hub therefore provides a vehicle the nation’s leading technical uranium conference that covers the key research priorities of the CODES attracting some of the world’s most experienced group and is proposed to begin mid 2015. and recognised technical experts, with a program that covers nearly every aspect of exploration, Other talks during the day focused on the development, production, environment, and health CRC ORE II
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 73 Events
In the opening session Barry Goldstein, Energy technical disconnects between the office, field and Resources Executive Director, and Paul Goiak, overseas workplaces. Cultural change is a key Industry Participation Director, both in the South challenge in the introduction of new technology, yet Australian Department of State Development, set the an important issue if these technologies are to be scene with the key message being that the industry adopted successfully. The top priorities for operators needs to collaborate and innovate to improve its in the Cooper Basin include maximising capability competitiveness. and functionality of existing infrastructure as well as establishing or increasing connectivity to create Debbie Newton, federal Department of Industry value, improve production, liaise efficiently with and Science, spoke about the establishment of the multiple locations and improve safety. Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Industry Growth Centre which aims to foster innovation and What does this all mean for suppliers looking to entrepreneurship, and improve the capability of enter the oil and gas sector? Suppliers need to work this key growth sector to engage with international smarter to be competitive, which means thinking markets and access global supply chains. differently and approaching old problems with new solutions. First impressions and selling their business Innovation will be instrumental in unlocking the value proposition are vital – explaining how your value of unconventional gas resources in the Cooper business will reduce costs and risks, and increase and Eromanga basins to offset the challenges productivity for your clients. Suppliers need to have a of operating in remote locations. Examples of good understanding of the remote environment and challenges include driving in remote areas (a high infrastructure of the Cooper Basin, how it works and risk activity with low productivity), water availability where they might fit in the supply chain. Innovation and transport. is key to unlocking the value of the Cooper Basin.
Procurement managers from Santos, Beach Energy, The Roundtable for Oil and Gas Projects offers Senex Energy and Drillsearch Energy spoke about opportunities where businesses with specific the current state of the oil and gas sector. In the capability and expertise are able to pitch to major current climate Cooper Basin operators are focusing players in the oil and gas sector. More information on decreasing operating costs and positioning their is available on the DSD Petroleum website. To businesses for future opportunities. Companies join the roundtable, submit your contact details to are now entering shorter term contracts to share [email protected]. the available work among existing suppliers. Contracting new suppliers is considered to add risk More information about ICNSA is available at to the business and there is a growing willingness
Achilles and the Industry Capability Network in AMEC Convention South Australia (ICNSA) are independent business On 22 June 2015 Minister Koutsantonis and networks connecting companies with suppliers. Executive Director Ted Tyne attended the Association Both networks support suppliers to increase their of Mining and Exploration Companies’ (AMEC) market reach into the oil and gas sector as well annual convention in Perth. AMEC is the peak as other sectors. Santos, Senex Energy, Beach industry representative body for mineral exploration Energy and Drillsearch Energy are now requiring and mining companies throughout Australia. The their suppliers to be registered with Achilles. As a program included presentations by three state complementary measure, registering with ICNSA resources ministers: Western Australian Minister provides an additional platform to connect suppliers for Mines and Petroleum, Hon Bill Marmion, who with procurement managers across Australia and opened proceedings; Northern Territory Deputy New Zealand. Chief Minister, Hon Willem Westra van Holthe; and our own minister. There were numerous references The Water panel consisted of representatives from throughout the convention to the good work the Santos, Beach Energy, Senex Energy and Strike South Australian Government is doing across the Energy. They identified opportunities for improving resources sector and the bench mark set for other the usage and transport of water in the Cooper states to follow. and Eromanga basins. There may be opportunities for increased reuse of produced formation water or co-produced water and hydraulic fracturing RECENT PRESENTATIONS flowback fluid. Some of this water could be used for Minerals
The ICT panel representatives from Santos, Petroleum
74 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Minerals
Mineral tenement activity
1 April to 30 June 2015
Exploration licences – applications Reference Applicant Received Area 2 and granted (km ) 2015/00079 Minotaur Operations 16/04/15 104 Sixty-five applications for exploration licences (ELs) Pty Ltd were received, of which 11 are for exploration 2015/00080 Minotaur Operations 17/04/15 978 release areas (ERAs), 38 for open-ground and 16 Pty Ltd for subsequent licences (Table 1; Fig. 1). 2015/00084 Piper Preston Pty Ltd 22/04/15 978 2015/00085 Piper Preston Pty Ltd 22/04/15 816 Forty-nine ELs were granted, of which 34 are new 2015/00086 Campfire Resource 23/04/15 660 and 15 subsequent licences (Table 2; Fig. 1). Projects Pty Ltd 2015/00089 Nasaco Resources 06/05/15 995 Pty Ltd Table 1 EL applications 2015/00090 Nasaco Resources 06/05/15 998 Pty Ltd Reference Applicant Received Area (km2) 2015/00091 Nasaco Resources 06/05/15 967 Pty Ltd ERA application 2015/00092 White Hill Resources 06/05/15 736 2015/00069 Endeavour Copper Gold 20/04/15 730 Pty Limited (ERA 000531) Pty Ltd 2015/00103 Monax Mining Limited 29/05/15 895 2015/00071 Malaco Leichhardt 18/05/15 834 (ERA 000523) Pty Ltd 2015/00104 Monax Mining Limited 29/05/15 378 2015/00072 Yunnan International 20/04/15 152 2015/00105 Monax Mining Limited 29/05/15 394 (ERA 000515) Mining Investment Corp Pty Ltd 2015/00107 Ausmin Development 01/06/15 270 Pty Ltd 2015/00094 Terramin Australia 12/05/15 462 (ERA 000534) Limited 2015/00111 Mingoola Gold Pty Ltd 04/06/15 548 2015/00106 ARK Energy Pty Ltd 10/06/15 509 2015/00112 Havilah Resources 04/06/15 343 (ERA 000559) Limited 2015/00108 Mingoola Gold Pty Ltd 09/06/15 988 2015/00113 Boston Minerals Pty Ltd 03/06/15 701 (ERA 000548) 2015/00114 Boston Minerals Pty Ltd 03/06/15 995 2015/00109 Mingoola Gold Pty Ltd 09/06/15 840 2015/00118 Half Moon Pty Ltd 09/06/15 27 (ERA 000547) 2015/00119 Mingoola Gold Pty Ltd 09/06/15 925 2015/00110 Mingoola Gold Pty Ltd 09/06/15 827 (ERA 000546) 2015/00120 Half Moon Pty Ltd 09/06/15 42 2015/00115 Southern Iron Pty Ltd 09/06/15 635 2015/00121 Half Moon Pty Ltd 09/06/15 98 (ERA 000555) 2015/00122 Half Moon Pty Ltd 09/06/15 59 2015/00116 Southern Iron Pty Ltd 09/06/15 348 2015/00125 Sturt Exploration Pty Ltd 23/06/15 454 (ERA 000556) 2015/00126 Boston Minerals Pty Ltd 24/06/15 700 2015/00117 Southern Iron Pty Ltd 09/06/15 296 (ERA 000558) 2015/00127 Boston Minerals Pty Ltd 24/06/15 493 Open-ground application 2015/00128 Boston Minerals Pty Ltd 24/06/15 995 2015/00073 Panda Mining Pty Ltd 10/04/15 484 2015/00129 Boston Minerals Pty Ltd 24/06/15 977 2015/00074 Minotaur Operations 13/04/15 692 2015/00130 Minotaur Operations 25/06/15 182 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd 2015/00075 Minotaur Operations 13/04/15 878 2015/00132 Resource Holdings 26/06/15 134 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd 2015/00076 ARK Energy Pty Ltd 16/04/15 835 2015/00133 Tasman Resources 29/06/15 894 Limited 2015/00077 ARK Energy Pty Ltd 16/04/15 932 2015/00134 Tasman Resources 29/06/15 396 2015/00078 ARK Energy Pty Ltd 16/04/15 851 Limited
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 75 Tenement activity
5633 5633 5634
" Marla Oodnadatta " 2015/00106 5598 5599 5629 2015/00089 5625 Moomba "
5598 2015/00105 2015/00099 2015/00091 5594 2015/00104 2015/00134 2015/00116 2015/00117 2015/00078 2015/00077 5600 2015/00115 2015/00104 2015/00083 2015/00090 2015/00072 5588 Marree 2015/00118 5589 2015/00103 5586 " 2015/00131 5631 5597 2015/00120 2015/00073 2015/00133 5596 2015/00125 5587 2015/00121 2015/00101 2015/00069 2015/00086 2015/00121 2015/00126 2015/00122 2015/00100 2015/00088 2015/00123 5630 5619 5595 2015/00127 5614
2015/00093 2015/00098 2015/ 2015/00084 2015/00097 00075 2015/00119 2015/00095 2015/00080 5593 5620 2015/00132 5622 2015/ 2015/00110 5623 2015/00096 5621 2015/00074 00128 2015/00111 2015/00108 2015/ 5605 2015/ Ceduna 5620 2015/ 00124 " 2015/ 00085 5604 00087 00129 2015/00109 5609 5603 2015/ 2015/00092 5632 5613 5591 5612 00112 5626 5611 5606 5612 2015/00130 " Port 5592 5624 5609 Augusta 5610 5607 2015/ 2015/00079 5602 2015/00076 5590 2015/00071 00102 5616 5615 5617 " 2015/00114 Port Pirie 5608 2015/00113 5601 2015/00082 5618 2015/00107
0 100 200km
" Port Lincoln 5628 " ADELAIDE 2015/00094 5627
Active mineral exploration licences Granted 1 April to 30 June 2015 Active exploration licence (EL) Active exploration licence application (ELA) ELA submitted 1 April to 30 June 2015 ERA application
Open-ground application Mount Gambier "
204627-001
www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig
Figure 1 Mineral exploration licences granted and applied for in South Australia for the period 1 April to 30 June 2015.
76 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Minerals
Reference Applicant Received Area EL Licensee Commodity Expiry Area (km2) (km2) Subsequent licence application 5605 Wentworth Base metals, Cu, 29/04/16 3 Metal Group Au, iron ore, 2015/00082 Lymex Tenements Pty Ltd 20/04/15 600 Pty Ltd Pb, Zn 2015/00083 Southern Coal Holdings 22/04/15 818 5606 Australian All minerals, 29/04/16 128 Pty Ltd Tailings Group base metals, 2015/00087 Exco Operations (SA) 27/04/15 343 Pty Limited iron ore – Ltd; Polymetals (White magnetite Dam) Pty Ltd 5607 Australian Base metals, 29/04/16 142 2015/00088 Panda Mining Pty Ltd 29/04/15 237 Tailings Group diamonds, Au, Pty Limited heavy mineral 2015/00093 Monax Mining Limited 07/05/15 391 sands, iron 2015/00095 Iluka (Eucla Basin) 14/05/15 1160 ore – magnetite, Pty Ltd Ag, U 2015/00096 Iluka Resources Limited 14/05/15 382 5608 Australian Base metals, 29/04/16 86 Tailings Group coal, diamonds, 2015/00097 Iluka Resources Limited 14/05/15 126 Pty Limited heavy mineral 2015/00098 Perilya Limited 15/05/15 21 sands, Fe, iron ore – magnetite, 2015/00099 Teck Australia Pty Ltd 19/05/15 477 manganese 2015/00100 Leigh Creek Magnesite 25/05/15 542 5609 Thornton Metals Base metals, 29/04/16 714 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd Cu, diamonds, 2015/00101 Sturt Exploration Pty Ltd 27/05/15 106 Au, Fe, iron ore, Pb, Zn 2015/00102 Wentworth Metal Group 27/05/15 21 Pty Ltd 5610 Thornton Metals Diamonds, Au, 29/04/16 153 Pty Ltd heavy mineral 2015/00123 Renascor Resources 18/06/15 148 sands, iron Limited ore – magnetite, 2015/00124 Wentworth Metal Group 19/06/15 174 mineral sands, Pty Ltd Ag, U 2015/00131 Challenger Gold 25/06/15 104 5611 Thornton Metals Base metals, 29/04/16 104 Operations Pty Ltd; Pty Ltd coal, diamonds, Coombedown Resources heavy mineral Pty Ltd sands, Fe, iron ore – magnetite, manganese, mineral sands 5612 Yerka Minerals All metals, coal, 29/04/16 134 Pty Ltd diamonds, Au, heavy mineral sands, Ag, U Table 2 ELs granted 5613 Yerka Minerals Base metals, 29/04/16 12 Pty Ltd iron ore – EL Licensee Commodity Expiry Area magnetite (km2) 5616 Cronje Iron Base metals, 06/05/17 205 New licence Pty Ltd diamonds, Au, 5586 Renascor Cu, Au 06/04/17 372 heavy mineral Resources sands, iron ore, Limited Ag 5587 Apollo Iron Ore Cu, Au, iron ore, 09/04/17 346 5619 Tarcoola Metals Base metals, Cu, 20/05/17 15 No 2 Pty Limited Ni, U Pty Ltd iron ore, Pb, Zn 5588 Southern Iron Cu, Au, iron 09/04/17 81 5620 Doray Minerals Au 20/05/17 770 Pty Ltd ore, U Limited 5591 Westernx Pty Ltd Cu, Au, U 21/04/17 131 5621 Uranium One U 28/05/17 452 Australia Pty Ltd 5592 Tasman Au 21/04/17 12 Resources 5622 Uranium One U 28/05/17 652 Limited Australia Pty Ltd 5596 ARP TriEnergy Coal 26/04/16 942 5623 Uranium One U 28/05/17 334 Pty Limited Australia Pty Ltd 5597 ARP TriEnergy Coal 26/04/16 351 5624 Tasman Au, Ag 28/05/17 75 Pty Limited Resources Limited 5598 ARK Energy Coal 26/04/16 673 Pty Ltd 5629 Panda Mining Cu, Au, iron ore 08/06/17 124 Pty Ltd 5599 Westernx Pty Ltd Cu, Au, U 26/04/17 24 5630 Panda Mining Cu, Au, iron ore 08/06/17 217 5600 FMG Resources Cu, Au, U 26/04/17 74 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd 5631 Panda Mining Cu, Au, iron ore 08/06/17 184 5603 Wentworth Base metals, Cu, 29/04/16 3 Pty Ltd Metal Group Au, iron ore, Pty Ltd Pb, Zn 5632 Panda Mining Cu, Au, iron ore 22/06/17 784 Pty Ltd 5604 Wentworth Base metals, Cu, 29/04/16 3 Metal Group Au, iron ore, 5633 Macallum Cu, Au, Pb, Ag, 22/06/16 987 Pty Ltd Pb, Zn Group Ltd U, Zn
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 77 Tenement activity
4780
Marla 5247 " 5288 5279 " Oodnadatta 5290 5409 5289 " Moomba 5291 4481
4717 5208 " Coober Pedy 5226
3174 Marree " 5101 4405 See 5479 enlargement
4927 5114 5115 5438 2948, 4625 3831 5414 4622 5275 4584 5490 4882 4586 4585 3397 5412 3168,4235 3169, 3399,4599 4236 5489 3400,4600 3398, 3286,4477 4598 5080 4524 5258 5519 4651 5006 3167,4234 5249 3415 " 4763 5413 Ceduna 3400 3416 4762 3416,4692 " Port Augusta 5218 4724 5257 3416 5431 4920 4781 Whyalla " " 5270 Port Pirie 0 100 200km
4895 4919 4482 Renmark 3875 4840 "
" Port Lincoln 3875 Enlargement 2921 " ADELAIDE
4572
4521 5275 Non-active mineral tenements 5570 Exploration licence (EL) expired or 5318 5570 surrendered 1 April to 30 June 2015 5416 5415 5570 5570 Non-active exploration licence (historical) 5318 5318 Company exploration reports added to SARIG 5318 Mount Gambier " 0 10 20km Mineral exploration licence (EL)
204627-002
www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig
Figure 2 Mineral exploration licences expired or surrendered in South Australia for the period 1 April to 30 June 2015 and new company exploration reports in SARIG.
78 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Minerals
EL Licensee Commodity Expiry Area Table 3 ELs surrendered or expired (km2) EL Licensee Commodity Surrender/ Area 2 5634 Christopher Base metals 22/06/16 269 expiry (km ) William Reindler Surrendered Subsequent licence 4482 SA Exploration Manganese 01/05/15 661 5589 Southern Au 01/02/17 48 Pty Ltd Exploration Pty 4521 Marmota Energy U, Au, Cu 05/06/15 20 Ltd; Marmota Limited Energy Limited 4572 Marmota Energy U, Cu, Au 05/06/15 110 5590 Trafford Pb, Ag, Sn, Zn 20/01/17 408 Limited Resources Limited 4584 Renascor Resources U 05/06/15 407 Limited 5593 Havilah Base metals, 09/03/17 176 Resources Cu, Au 4585 Renascor Resources U 09/06/15 404 Limited Limited 5594 Golden Cross Cu, Au, rare 26/01/17 626 4586 Renascor Resources U 09/06/15 571 Operations earths, U Limited Pty Ltd 4622 Perilya Limited Zn, Pb, Ag, 09/06/15 80 5595 Australian Cu, iron ore 16/12/16 248 Au, Cu Metals Group Limited 4625 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 74 Limited 5601 Phoenix Copper Cu, Au 20/01/17 396 Limited 4762 BHP Billiton Au, U, 01/04/15 827 Olympic Dam industrial 5602 Tasman Au 26/04/17 145 Corporation minerals, Resources Pty Ltd Cu Limited 5614 Kelaray Pty Cu, Au, Pb, 17/08/19 295 4763 BHP Billiton Cu, Au, U 01/04/15 840 Ltd; Straits rare earths, Ag, Olympic Dam Exploration U, Zn Corporation (Australia) Pty Ltd Pty Ltd 4780 NiCul Minerals Cu, Ni 09/06/15 1382 5615 Peninsula Cu, Au 24/03/17 42 Limited Resources 4781 Olliver Geological Au, Cu, 14/05/15 147 Limited Services Pty Ltd; base metals 5617 South Australian Fe 14/03/17 155 Peninsula Resources Iron Ore Group Limited Pty Ltd 4840 SA Exploration Barite 01/05/15 128 5618 Ausmin Graphite 28/01/17 690 Pty Ltd Development 4882 Hiltaba Gold Au, iron ore 21/04/15 73 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd – magnetite, 5625 Westernx Pty Ltd U 05/04/17 508 iron ore, Cu 5626 Westernx Pty Ltd U 16/05/17 296 5627 Hillgrove Cu, Au, Pb, 21/10/15 4 4895 Lymex Tenements Zn, Ni, Au 09/06/15 91 Resources Ag, Zn Pty Ltd Limited 5006 BHP Billiton Au, Cu, U, 01/04/15 988 5628 Hillgrove Cu, Au, Pb, 16/12/15 489 Olympic Dam Ag Resources Ag, Zn Corporation Limited Pty Ltd 5101 Fleurieu Mines Cu, U, Au 09/06/15 909 Pty Ltd 5114 Woomera Cu, Au, U 09/06/15 769 Exploration Ltd Exploration licences – 5115 Woomera Au, U, Cu 09/06/15 421 surrendered and expired Exploration Ltd 5226 Vale Australia EA Au, 10/04/15 296 Thirty-nine ELs were surrendered and 23 expired, of Pty Ltd rare earths, which 7 are under subsequent licence application Cu, U (Table 3; Fig. 2). 5247 Maximus Resources Au 21/04/15 238 Limited Tenement areas expired, fully surrendered or 5257 Peninsula Resources Cu, Au, 01/05/15 139 cancelled are held as ‘unavailable’ awaiting Limited base metals subsequent gazettal and release as exploration 5275 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 121 release areas (ERAs). Partially surrendered areas Limited revert to open ground unless otherwise determined 5289 Norsa Exploration U, mineral 04/06/15 994 Pty Ltd sands by the Minister’s delegate. ERA notices are placed 5290 Norsa Exploration U, mineral 04/06/15 324 on the Department of State Development Minerals Pty Ltd sands website
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 79 Tenement activity
Marla ") ") Oodnadatta Geodynamics Innamincka (Geothermal) " Nappamerri Trough (Shale gas,Tight gas) "" Arckaringa (CTL) Cooper Basin JV (Shale gas,Deep coal gas) " COOPER-EROMANGA BASIN (!") Moomba (Gas, Oil, LPG, Condensate) " Senex Energy (Shale oil,Shale gas,Deep coal gas) Coober Pedy ") Beach Energy " CAIRN HILL (Fe, Cu, Au) (Shale gas,Deep coal gas) (! " Snaefell (Fe) " PECULIAR KNOB (Fe) Southern Cooper (! (Shale gas,Deep coal gas) (! PROMINENT HILL ") Marree CHALLENGER (Au) (! (MALU, ANKATA) " (Cu-Au-Ag) BEVERLEY Hawks Nest (Fe) FOUR MILE (U)(!(!NORTH (U) OLYMPIC DAM MC 4377 (!" Paralana " LEIGH CREEK (Cu-U-Au-Ag) (! (coal) (! BEVERLEY Shallows MC 4376 Tarcoola (U) (Geothermal) "") Olympic Dam Flinders (Zn) " Atacama (HM) Expansion (! " Tarcoola (Au) BELTANA (Zn) JACINTH-AMBROSIA (HM)(!" Sonoran (HM) (Cu-U-Au-Ag) MC 4384,T02993 Typhoon (HM) " Khamsin "" Tunkillia (Au-Ag) (Cu-Au-Ag) Carrapateena North Portia (Cu,Au,Mo) " Tripitaka (HM) (Cu-Au) PORTIA (Au)(!" Kalkaroo (Cu-Au-Mo) "(! " HONEYMOON (U) Ceduna " Junction ^_") EML 6448 Crocker Well (U) Dam (U) WHITE DAM (Au)(! Menninnie Dam MC 4385,T02999 Mutooroo (Cu-Co) " Paris (Ag) (Zn-Pb-Ag) ") Port Augusta Maldorky (Fe) " " " " " " Poochera (kaolin) Olary Creek (Fe) Mutooroo " (! Walloway UCG Magnetite (Fe) WILCHERRY HILL (Fe) MC 4378,T02992^_ (Syngas) MIDDLEBACK RANGE (Fe)(! ^_ ^_ " Central " MC 4383,T02994 (! " Samphire (U) Razorback (Fe) Eyre (Fe) IRON CHIEFTAIN (Fe) " 0 100 200 km Campoona (graphite) " (! Bungalow^_ WILGERUP (Fe) (Fe) ^_ MC 4387,T02997 MC 4380 Renmark MC 4386,T02996 MC 4381,T02991 ") " Fusion (Fe) ^_ ^_ T02990 Kookaburra Gully (!HILLSIDE (Cu-Au-Fe) Gum Flat (Fe) " ") ^_ (graphite) MINDARIE (! ^_ EML (! (HM) ULEY Port Lincoln ADELAIDE 6446 (graphite) ^_ ") " Bird-in-Hand (Au) ML 6447(!KANMANTOO MC 4379 ANGAS (Pb, Zn, Cu, Au, Ag) (! (Cu, Au, Ag) ML 6451, EML 6450 EML 6449 (! Major operating/approved mine and producing basins " Developing mineral, petroleum and geothermal projects
Production tenements EML 6444 Commodity Application submitted 1 April - 30 June 2015 EML 6445 " Mineral claim application (MCA) Ag Silver Au Gold MC 4382 Co Cobalt Otway Basin Gas Granted 1 April - 30 June 2015 (Shale gas,Basin-centred gas) " CTL Coal to liquid fuel " Mineral claim (MC) Cu Copper ") " Mount Gambier 204627-003 Extractive minerals lease (EML) Fe Iron (! " OTWAY BASIN Mineral leaseML) ( HM Heavy mineral sands (Gas, Condensate) Mo Molybdenum Infrastructure Pb Lead ") Town Railway U Uranium ^_ Port Highway Zn Zinc
www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig
Figure 3 Major operating mines and development projects in South Australia and production tenements granted for the period 1 April to 30 June 2015.
80 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Minerals
EL Licensee Commodity Surrender/ Area Production tenements – applications and 2 expiry (km ) granted 5318 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 53 Limited Eight production tenement applications were received, all mineral claims (MCs; Table 4; Fig. 3). There were no mineral lease (ML), 5409 Panda Mining Coal 10/04/15 509 extractive minerals lease (EML), miscellaneous purposes licence (MPL) Pty Ltd or retention lease (RL) applications. 5412 Quondong Cu, Au 01/05/15 203 Minerals Pty Ltd Twenty production tenements were granted: 12 MCs, 2 MLs and 6 5413 Quondong Precious 01/05/15 96 Minerals Pty Ltd metals, EMLs (Table 5; Fig. 3). No MPLs or RLs were granted. base metals 5414 Panda Mining Au, Cu 09/06/15 40 Pty Ltd Table 4 Production tenement applications 5415 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 21 Reference Applicant Commodity/ Location Received Area (ha) Limited purpose 5416 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 48 Mineral claim application Limited T02990 Limerock Limestone Dublin 14/04/15 32.87 5438 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 30 Holdings Pty Ltd Limited T02991 Cave Quarries Limestone Tumby Bay 27/04/15 9.76 5479 Fleurieu Mines U, Au, Cu 09/06/15 92 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd T02992 Kimba Gap Iron Iron ore – Cooyerdoo 27/04/15 6563.70 5489 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 24 Project Pty Ltd hematite Limited DSO, iron ore – magnetite 5490 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 316 DSO Limited T02993 Tunkillia Gold Cu, Au, Ag Wilgena 28/04/15 2251.94 5519 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 167 Pty Ltd Limited T02994 IRD Mining Iron ore – Warramboo 12/05/15 8458.00 5570 Marmota Energy U 05/06/15 116 Operations magnetite Limited Pty Ltd Expired* T02996 White Lakes Gypsum Kapinnie 14/05/15 7.25 4481 Red Metal Limited Cu, Au 02/05/15 12 Pty Ltd 4524 Westernx Pty Ltd U 19/06/15 280 T02997 White Lakes Gypsum Kapinnie 14/05/15 13.22 Pty Ltd 4717 Currie Resources Fe, U, Cu, 03/04/15 758 Pty Ltd Au T02999 Clay & Mineral Sand Wami Kata 05/06/15 31.70 Sales Pty Ltd 4724 Sunshine Alliance Base metals 06/04/15 618 Resources Pty Ltd 4919 Paul Christopher Au, Ag 17/06/15 17 Jenner; James Table 5 Production tenements granted Nicholas Said Lease Lessee Commodity/ Location Expiry Area 4920 Matthew Reilly; Au, Cu, Ag 17/06/15 363 purpose (ha) James Nicholas Mineral claim (MC) Said; Paul Christopher Jenner 4376 Tarcoola Gold Cu, Au, Ag Out of 31/03/16 725.35 Pty Ltd Hundreds – 4927 UXA Resources Cu, U, Au 18/06/15 285 Tarcoola Limited (Subject to Deed of Company 4377 Tillite Pty Ltd Au Leigh Creek 23/04/16 65.49 Arrangement) Station 5080 Cristal Mining Heavy 27/05/15 88 4378 Kimba Gap Iron Iron ore – Cooyerdoo 29/04/16 6563.70 Australia Limited mineral Project Pty Ltd hematite sands DSO, iron ore – 5208 Madam Resources U, Cu 11/04/15 325 magnetite Pty Ltd concentrate, 5218 Panda Mining Au, Cu 18/04/15 23 iron ore – Pty Ltd magnetite DSO 5249 Iluka Resources Ilmenite, 17/06/15 136 Limited zircon, rutile 4379 Michael Jericho Sand Petwood 29/04/16 22.22 5258 GNC Homes Pty Base 28/05/15 88 4380 Moonta Twins Sand ~2 km north 10/05/16 37.87 Ltd metals, Cu, Pty Ltd of Moonta Au 4381 Cave Quarries Limestone Tumby Bay 11/05/16 9.76 5270 Gawler Resources Au, Ag 12/06/15 148 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd 4382 Gambier Earth Limestone Allotment 400 25/05/16 10.49 5279 Crossland Mines Rare earths, 20/06/15 740 Movers Pty Ltd DP 17359 Hd Pty Limited mineral Comaum sands 4383 IRD Mining Iron ore – Warramboo 26/05/16 8458.00 5288 Norsa Exploration Zn, Cu, Au, 24/06/15 937 Operations Pty Ltd magnetite Pty Ltd Pb 4384 Tunkillia Gold Cu, Au, Ag Wilgena 31/05/16 2251.94 5431 Fun for the Future Fe, base 19/06/15 167 Pty Ltd Pty Ltd metals * Excludes expired ELs that have a subsequent EL application.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 81 Tenement activity
Lease Lessee Commodity/ Location0 Expiry Area (ha) ELs 3174 and 4405 purpose Tasman Resources Ltd; Fission Energy Ltd Ferguson Hill (part of the Lake Torrens Project). Final 4385 Clay & Mineral Sand Wami Kata 25/06/16 31.70 Sales Pty Ltd report at licence surrender, for the period 10/3/2004 to 19/2/2014. 4386 White Lakes Pty Ltd Gypsum Kapinnie 25/06/16 7.25 Province: Gawler Craton; Olympic Domain. 4387 White Lakes Pty Ltd Gypsum Kapinnie 25/06/16 13.22 Target: Proterozoic IOCG. Mineral lease (ML) Work performed: No field work was undertaken; 6447 Billabong Valley Ironstone 7 km east of 28/05/36 2.85 geophysical modelling. Farm Pty Ltd Mount Barker SARIG reference: Env 12550 (3 MB). 6451 Sand & Loam Silica sand Mount 25/06/36 21.90 Pty Ltd Compass ELs 3286 and 4477 Extractive minerals lease (EML) Afmeco Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd; Areva Resources Australia Pty Ltd 6444 Earthworx Calcrete, Western Flat 14/05/27 5.28 Erudina Woolshed. Data release at the subsequent Earthmoving limestone Contractors surrender of jointly reported project tenements (including EL 4477) : annual reports submitted until the 6445 C & J Dicker Sand Kingston SE 18/05/36 8.25 commencement of joint reporting as part of the Curnamona Earthmoving Pty Ltd Project, for the period 2/12/2004 to 26/4/2012. Province: Lake Eyre Basin; Callabonna Sub-basin. 6446 HF Betts & Co Limestone 11 km north 21/05/27 4.78 of Mindarie Target: Tertiary U. 6448 Montague Thomas Gravel Ceduna 10/06/36 6.25 Work performed: TEMPEST and HoistEM airborne EM Collins (natural), surveys; drilling (27 rotary mud for 3403 m). limestone, SARIG reference: Env 11098 (43 MB). sand 6449 Warwick Steen Gravel Tooperang 10/06/36 118.00 ELs 3397, 3398, 3399, 3400, 3415, 4598, 4599, Meyer (natural), 4600 and 4651 sand, Southern Cross Resources Australia Pty Ltd; sandstone Uranium One Australia Pty Ltd; Mitsui and Co. 6450 Sand & Loam Sand Mount 25/06/36 21.90 Uranium Australia Pty Ltd Pty Ltd Compass Yeltacowie, Hesso, Charlinga, Bowen Hill and Kangaroo Bluff (the Stuart Shelf Project). Joint annual reports and final report to licences’ joint surrender, for the period 16/8/2005 Exploration data added to SARIG to 14/2/2014. The following open file company exploration data has recently been Province: Cariewerloo Basin; Gawler Craton; Stuart Shelf. added to SARIG. The ‘SARIG reference’ links to the abstract and Target: Paleoproterozoic U. downloadable file. Refer to Figure 2 for tenement locations. Work performed: Helicopter-assisted gravity and ground magnetic surveys; drilling (7 precollar diamond for 3179 m; assays; geophysical logging). ELs 2921 and 3875 Avoca Resources Limited; Rex Minerals (SA) Ltd SARIG reference: Env 11476 (30 MB). Minlaton (part of the Moonta South Project). Fourth partial relinquishment ELs 3416 and 4692 report, for the period 19/4/2002 to 28/9/2008. Minotaur Operations Pty Ltd; Toro Energy Ltd; Province: Gawler Craton; Olympic Domain. Trafford Resources Limited Target: Proterozoic and Cambrian IOCG. Pandurra. Annual reports to commencement of Pandurra JV Work performed: Calcrete geochemistry; gravity survey. Project licences’ joint reporting, for the period 16/9/2005 SARIG reference: Env 11686 (1 MB). to 23/2/2012. Province: Gawler Craton; Spencer Domain; Cariewerloo ELs 2948 and 3831 Basin. PlatSearch NL; James Fraser Allender; Anthony John Hosking; Target: Mesoproterozoic IOCG; Proterozoic U. Newcrest Operations Limited Poverty Lake (part of the Benagerie JV Project). Annual reports and final report Work performed: Gravity survey; field reconnaissance and to licence expiry/surrender, for the period 17/5/2002 to 11/7/2012. examination and assaying of existing drillhole samples. Province: Curnamona Province; Benagerie Ridge. SARIG reference: Env 11356 (5 MB). Target: Paleoproterozoic IOCGU and Ag–Pb–Zn; Tertiary U. Work performed: Ground magnetic and gravity surveys; drilling (1 precollar diamond – no technical data recorded). SARIG reference: Env 09929 (17 MB).
ELs 3167, 3168, 3169, 4234, 4235 and 4236 Afmeco Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd; Areva Resources FURTHER INFORMATION Australia Pty Ltd Erudina, Stickhole and Lake Namba. Combined annual reports and final report SARIG
82 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Petroleum and geothermal
Petroleum and geothermal tenement activity
1 April to 30 June 2015
Drilling Seismic Drilling activity is summarised in Table 1. Eighteen Two seismic surveys were undertaken and one petroleum wells were drilled: 1 completed (oil), previous seismic survey became open file (Tables 12 suspended (8 gas, 4 oil), 2 abandoned and 2–3). 3 under review. No gas resource play or geothermal wells were drilled.
Table 1 Drilling activity Well Basin/province Tenement Operator Spudded Rig Type Status TD (m) released Petroleum Coonatie 22 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 131 Santos Ltd 14/03/15 01/04/15 Gas Suspended 3184 Narie 4 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 17 Santos Ltd 15/03/15 10/04/15 Gas Suspended 2808 Spinel 1 Cooper–Eromanga PEL 513 Santos Ltd 22/03/15 11/04/15 Gas Suspended 3282 Perlubie 3 Eromanga PPL 247 Beach Energy Ltd 30/03/15 06/04/15 Oil shows Abandoned 1427 Coonatie 23 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 131 Santos Ltd 03/04/15 25/04/15 Gas Suspended 3210 Dunoon 3 Eromanga PRL 16 Senex Energy Ltd 10/04/15 18/04/15 Oil Single 1268 completion Pennington 4 Eromanga PRL 163 Beach Energy Ltd 11/04/15 20/04/15 Oil Suspended 1836 Swan Lake 13 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 101 Santos Ltd 15/04/15 07/05/15 Gas Suspended 3101 Emery 1 Cooper–Eromanga PEL 513 Santos Ltd 16/04/15 06/05/15 Gas Suspended 3262 Callawonga 10 Eromanga PPL 220 Beach Energy Ltd 25/04/15 02/05/15 Oil Suspended 1482 Morris 1 Eromanga PRL 83 Senex Energy Ltd 28/04/15 05/05/15 Oil Suspended 1486 Callawonga 11 Eromanga PPL 220 Beach Energy Ltd 06/05/15 13/05/15 Oil Suspended 1733 Swan Lake 16 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 101 Santos Ltd 09/05/15 23/05/15 Gas Suspended 3242 Moonanga South 1 Cooper–Eromanga PEL 513 Santos Ltd 10/05/15 27/05/15 Gas Suspended 3177 Sensation 1 Eromanga PRL 98 Beach Energy Ltd 18/05/15 27/05/15 Dry Abandoned 1937 Swan Lake 15 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 101 Santos Ltd 24/05/15 09/06/15 — Under review 3269 Tirrawarra 84 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 20 Santos Ltd 04/06/15 28/06/15 — Under review 3036 Swan Lake 14 Cooper–Eromanga PPL 101 Santos Ltd 10/06/15 26/06/15 — Under review 3156
PEL petroleum exploration licence; PPL petroleum production licence; PRL petroleum retention licence.
Table 2 Seismic survey activity Survey Tenement Operator Contractor Commenced Completed Proposed length (2D)/area (3D) Cooper Basin Jasmine 3D Seismic Survey PEL 182 Senex Energy Ltd Terrex Seismic 22/03/15 13/04/15 315 km2 Mudrangie 3D Seismic Survey PEL 638 Senex Energy Ltd Terrex Seismic 15/03/15 29/04/15 147 km2
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 83 Tenement activity
See enlargement
")Marla Oodnadatta ")
Moomba ")
Coober Pedy ")
") Marree
557 559 156 Olympic Dam ") 206 ") Leigh Creek 565 571 294 564 295
181 572 486 563
Port Augusta ") Playford " Northern
") Whyalla " Hallett 0 100 200km
Mintaro 573 "
266 574 ") "Angaston Berri Enlargement " 266 Port Lincoln ") Port Lincoln Pelican Point " Torrens Island Quarantine"" Osborne ")Dry Creek ADELAIDE
382
386
316
267 Geothermal tenements 658 6 11 Exploration licence (GEL) 498 9 4 7 12 5 214 8 3 10 268 Exploration licence application (GELA) 498 Ladbrook 657 Grove " Retention licence (GRL) 291 223 211 Snuggery " Surrendered licence 611 20") 23 269 ") Moomba 22 21 24 Mount Gambier 320 " 655 Power station 273 378 Transmission line 656 317
0 50 km S.A. Qld
204627-006
www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig
Figure 1 Geothermal tenements in South Australia, 30 June 2015.
84 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Petroleum and geothermal
Table 3 Seismic surveys that have recently become open file Survey Tenement Operator Contractor Commenced Completed Length (2D)/ SARIG area (3D) reference Cooper Basin Munathiri 3D Seismic Survey PEL 513 Drillsearch Western Geco 30/03/13 22/04/13 327 km2 Env 12702 Energy Ltd
Tenements Table 8 PEL variations PEL Licensee Effective Geothermal exploration licences 145 Greenpower Energy Limited 20/02/14 Applications and surrenders. Four geothermal 638 Stuart Petroleum Cooper Basin Oil Pty 11/06/15 exploration licence applications (GELAs) were Ltd; Origin Energy Resources Limited; Planet Cooper Basin Pty Ltd received and six licences were surrendered (Tables Note: Further details of the variations are available from the DSD Petroleum 4–5). Resources Division website
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 85 Tenement activity
77 569 619 568 332 88 159 160 290 87 620 570 612 613 616 617 424 333 PSL 33 289 621 444 288 PL 20 ")499 618 583 604 614 615 Marla 638 580 582 138 117 625 334 335 331 624 630 576 577 148 605 623 351 622 PL 5 147 581 PL 18 303 578 579 532 445 121 447 71 PSL 33 ") PL 17 600 500 604 561 112 Moomba PL 15 639 PL 9 118 81 122 641 532 566 PLs 7,8 548 635 94 95 599 118 580 560 515 521 642 549 119 533 596 598 123 608 549 640 96 140 594 517 253 590 119 597 549 592 534 ") 142 511 607 141 595 582 Marree 146 See 589 591 535 539 643 588 581 579 Fig. 3 593 124 545 PSL 28 520 547 538 143 585 544 485 PL 12 587 546 537 647 518 650 586 609 644 543 536 538 626 577 584 567 628 553 554 519 542 541 540 555 529 552 556 550 551 530 601 631 627
578
") Ceduna 602 Port Augusta ") PL 1 PL 2 145 0 100 200km Moomba – Port Bonython Moomba – Adelaide liquids pipeline gas pipeline Port Whyalla ") ") Bonython ") Peterborough ") Port PSL 34 153 126 Pirie ") 120 Burra 43 649 37
44 ") PL 11 Berri Port Lincoln 38 ") PL 6 Riverland 39 ") gas pipeline 40 ADELAIDE 45 S15-1 41 PL 13 42 Gas from Iona
Enlargement Petroleum exploration licence Current (offshore EPP; onshore PEL) See PL 13 Suspended licence enlargement Surrendered licence Kingston ") Under application (PELA) Gazetted offshore release block - bids close 21st April 2016 ") 629 Gas from Petroleum production licence Mount Gambier Iona Robe ") 186 Current (PPL) — 13 individual licences not shown Petroleum pipeline licence 494 32 Under application (PPLA) Gas pipeline 186 PL 19 PL 16 154 654 Gas and liquids pipeline 27 Petroleum retention licence PRL 2 168 Current (PRL) — Liquids pipeline 629 62 202 individual licences not shown Gas storage ") 155 Millicent PL 3 Under application (PRLA) Current (GSEL) PL 4 Associated activities licence Suspended licence Current (AAL) Under application (GSELA) 154 ") Under application (AALA) Retention licence (GSRL) 0 50km Mount Gambier 629 21 Preliminary survey licence Selected well (in text) Current (PSL) Gas Dry 82 204627-004 Under application (PSLA) Oil Under review Oil shows Special facilities licence Current (SFL) Coongie Lakes control zone – Under application (SFLA) no access
Figure 2 Petroleum tenements in South Australia, 30 June 2015. www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig
86 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 Petroleum and geothermal
Table 10 GSELs granted Cooper Basin subcrop limit GSEL Licensee Term Expiry Area (years) (km2) 619 568 653 Beach Energy 5 16/04/20 406.14 88 569 Limited; Great Artesian Oil 87 and Gas Pty Ltd; Drillsearch Gas Pty Limited 620 652 Acer Energy 5 26/04/20 153.24 570 Pty Limited; Mid Continent Equipment 424 110 (Australia) Pty 444 PL20 Ltd 621
90 100 76 Table 11 GSELs suspended Jasmine 652 AALA GSEL Licensee Suspension Suspension Expiry 232 630 182 135 77 start end 638 652 652 652 AAL AAL 226 225 180659 612– Stuart 02/06/15 01/06/16 31/05/21 Coonatie 22,23 76 331 103660 625 Petroleum 630 77 182 Mudrangie 181 Pty Ltd 648 625 512 AAL 231 PPLA 260 Tirrawarra 84 PL5 Narie 4 633 634 Pennington 4 Table 12 PRL applications AAL Swan Lake 13,16 156 Sensation 1 Swan Lake 14,15 PRLA Applicant Received Area Callawonga 10,11 645 (km2) 646 PL18 PSLA 36 Perlubie 3 Munathiri 637 Spinel 1 180 Acer Energy Pty Limited 27/05/15 100 Moonanga South 1 Emery 1 Moomba PL17 175 ") 179 177 181 Acer Energy Pty Limited 27/05/15 76 71 176653 178 516 PSL 28 182 Acer Energy Pty Limited; 27/05/15 56 179 PL15 513 Bengal Energy (Australia) 112 PL9 Pty Ltd 639 637
93 515 516 516 516 Table 13 PRLs granted 636 Dunoon 3 641 AAL 229 PRL Licensee Term Expiry Area Morris 1 95 PLs7,8 (years) (km2) 94 175 Beach Energy 5 15/04/20 37.77 515 Limited; Great 642 560 Artesian Oil and Gas Pty Ltd; Drillsearch Gas Pty Limited
96 176 Beach Energy 5 15/04/20 91.64 640 Limited; Great Artesian Oil and 0 25 km Gas Pty Ltd; Drillsearch Gas PL2 PL1 Pty Limited 643 146 607 204627-005 177 Beach Energy 5 15/04/20 81.05 Limited, Great Petroleum exploration licence Preliminary survey Selected well (in text) Artesian Oil and Current: onshore (PEL) Current (PSL) Gas Oil Gas Pty Ltd; Suspended licence Under application (PSLA) Oil shows Drillsearch Gas Under application (PELA) Associated activities licence Dry Pty Limited Under review Petroleum production licence Current (AAL) 178 Beach Energy 5 15/04/20 97.92 Current (PPL) Under application (AALA) 3D Seismic Limited; Great Survey activity Artesian Oil and Under application (PPLA) Special facilities licence Survey open file Gas Pty Ltd; Petroleum retention licence Current (SFL) Drillsearch Gas Current (PRL) Under application (SFLA) Pty Limited Coongie Lakes Under application (PRLA) Gas storage tenements control zone – no access 179 Beach Energy 5 15/04/20 97.78 Petroleum pipeline Current (GSEL) Limited; Great Gas pipeline Under application (GSELA) Artesian Oil and Gas and liquids pipeline Suspended licence Gas Pty Ltd; Liquids pipeline Drillsearch Gas Pty Limited Figure 3 Petroleum tenements, drilling and seismic activities, Cooper Basin, 1 April to 30 June 2015.
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 87 Tenement activity
Table 14 PRL renewals Table 19 AAL applications PRL Licensee Expiry Area AALA Applicant Adjunct Area Received (km2) tenement (km2) 2 Adelaide Energy Pty Ltd 27/04/20 1.69 232 Santos Ltd; Vamgas Pty Ltd; PPL 156 163 21/05/15 Santos (NARNL Cooper) Pty Ltd; Delhi Petroleum Pty Ltd; Origin Energy Resources Ltd Table 15 PRL variations PRL Licensee Approved Table 20 AALs granted AAL Licensee Adjunct Area Expiry 76, 77 Stuart Petroleum Pty Ltd 25/06/15 tenement (km2) 135 Victoria Oil Exploration (1977) Pty Ltd; Acer 26/06/15 225 Victoria Oil Exploration (1977) PRL 135 2.26 04/12/19 Energy Pty Limited Pty Ltd; Acer Energy Pty Limited 226 Acer Energy Pty Limited; Mid PRL 174 4.70 16/02/20 Continent Equipment (Australia) Table 16 PPL applications Pty Ltd PPLA Applicant Received Area 229 Stuart Petroleum Pty Ltd PRL 83 0.22 14/06/16 (km2) 231 Outback Energy Hunter Pty Ltd; PEL 570 182.96 23/06/16 260 Beach Energy Limited; Great Artesian 19/06/15 0.68 Ambassador Exploration Pty Ltd; Oil and Gas Pty Ltd New Standard Energy PEL 570 Pty Ltd
Table 21 AAL renewals Table 17 PSL applications AAL Licensee Expiry Area 2 PSLA Applicant Received Area (km2) (km ) 156 Victoria Oil Exploration (1977) Pty Ltd; 05/05/16 752 36 KJM Contractors Pty Ltd 07/04/15 6.45 Permian Oil Pty Ltd; Springfield Oil and Gas Pty Ltd; Impress (Cooper Basin) Pty Ltd
Table 18 PSL renewals FURTHER INFORMATION www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig PSL Licensee Expiry Area (km2) www.petroleum.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au www.geothermal.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au 28 Senex Energy Limited 26/03/16 4368
The South Australian branches of AIG, ASEG, AusIMM, GSA, SACOME and principal supporters DSD and Paydirt invite you to the: 12thSA Exploration and Mining Conference Friday 11 December 2015
20 PRESENTATIONS ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTRE, • New companies • Exploration projects NORTH TCE, ADELAIDE • Feasibility studies • Mining operations • Sessions in Hall L • Catering breaks and displays in Halls M and N KEYNOTE ADDRESSES • Opening address (TBA) • DSD Review • Registration 7.30 am to 8.30 am • Conference 8.30 am to 5.00 pm • Drinks to follow 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm WRAP UP • Q&A session, chaired by Derek Carter REGISTRATION – $185 • Students – $15 (all GST incl.) Includes coffee breaks, lunch and closing drinks NETWORKING Registration available via website: www.saexplorers.com.au • Four hours of networking in five sessions WORKSHOPS Principal supporters: • Breccia Workshop, • Monograph 30 9 –10 Dec, AIG Roadshow – Resource Roger Taylor (2 days) and Reserve Estimation, Organised by: • Seismic & MT 10 Dec, AusIMM/AIG Workshop, 10 Dec, (1 day) Geological Survey of • McLaren Vale Wine Tour, SA (half day) 12 Dec, AIG (1 day) Follow us #SAEMC15 Keep up with
88 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 People
People
Industry At Investigator Resources Peter Harding-Smith has replaced Garry Gill as chief financial officer. Changes at Arrium include the appointment of Doug Ritchie and Denise Goldsworthy to the board Leonard Math is acting company secretary for Iron and resignation of Graham Smorgon. Former Road following the death of Graham Anderson. company secretary Kara Nicholls has been replaced Kingsgate Consolidated has appointed Greg Foulis by Louise Hicks, and Matthew Reed has replaced as chief financial officer. Greg Waters as chief executive mining. Changes at Kingston Resources include the Neil Gibbins is acting chief executive officer of appointment of Barry Bourne to the board and Beach Energy following the resignation of managing resignation of company secretary Matthew Whyte. director Robert Cole. Kee Guan Saw and Alex Hooi Kiang Lim have At BHP Billiton Margaret Taylor has replaced resigned from the board of Lincoln Minerals. Jane McAloon as group company secretary. Keith Rumble has resigned as a director and Colin Rose has been elected chairman of Marmota Anita Frew has been appointed as an independent Energy following the resignation of founding non-executive director. Carlos Cordeiro will retire as chairman Robert Kennedy. Founding director Glenn a director of the board in November. Following the Davis has also resigned. David Williams has been recent death of director Sir John Buchanan, current appointed company secretary, replacing Virginia director Baroness Shriti Vadera has been appointed Suttell, and Peter Thompson appointed as a non- senior independent director for BHP Billiton plc executive director. and a member of the nomination and governance John Atkins has resigned from the board of committee. Minotaur Exploration due to his appointment as Recent changes to the board of Boart Longyear agent general for Western Australia in London. include the appointment of Deborah O’Toole and At Monax Mining Gary Ferris has stepped down Jeffrey Long, and the departure of Tanya Fratto, as managing director but remains a non-executive David McLemore, Bruce Brook and Conor Tochilin. director. Additionally, chief executive officer and president Richard O’Brien has resigned. Trish Farr has replaced Donald Stephens as company secretary of Musgrave Minerals. Robert Hair has replaced Chris Powell as company secretary for Carpentaria Exploration. As part of its relocation from Melbourne to Adelaide, OZ Minerals has recruited several new At Hillgrove Resources Steven McClare has senior executives: Luke Anderson as chief financial been appointed chief executive and managing officer, replacing Andrew Coles; Damon Hunt director, replacing Greg Hall. Paul Kiley has been as head of corporate affairs; Mark Rankmore as appointed interim chief financial officer following head of human resources; Robert Mancini as head the resignation of Russell Middleton, as well as of legal and company secretary, replacing Paul company secretary, replacing Shanthi Smith. Lynch. Bob Fulker has been appointed to lead the Douglas Sneddon has resigned as a director. Prominent Hill operation following the resignation of general manager Brian Kilgariff. Centrex Metals director Binqiang Lu has resigned and is no longer managing director of Wugang At Rex Minerals founding director Richard Laufmann Australian Resources Investment, Centrex’s joint has been appointed as chief executive officer and venture partner on the Eyre iron magnetite project. managing director following the resignation of
MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 89 People
chairman Steve Olsen who will remain a consultant. that are making a positive difference to our state’s Mitch Hooke has been appointed as a non-executive land access policies and engagement with regional director. communities. Mining agencies in other Australian Santos managing director David Knox has jurisdictions and the COAG Energy Council working announced his resigation; he will step down once a groups acknowledge Helen’s leadership and her successor has been appointed. team in all aspects of access to land for resource exploration and development as a model of leading Robert Mencel has joined Valence Industries as chief practice and empathetic engagement with industry, operating officer. communities and state and federal government agencies. Department of State Development Mining Regulation Mineral Tenements and Exploration Three new appointments have been made in Cassandra Bailey has returned to her role in the the Mining Compliance and Regulation team. Exploration Assessment Team following extended Greg Smith has commenced as a senior mining leave. Shaan Lamey, who was back filling assessment officer, responsible for the assessment of Cassandra’s position, has joined the Mineral mining proposals for new mining lease applications and the assessment of programs for environment Tenements Production team as a tenements officer, protection and rehabilitation (PEPRs). Greg has replacing Rachelle Cooper who has resigned. worked as an environmental scientist in the gold Leanne Westwood has been appointed tenements industry where he was responsible for the auditing of officer – finance. Leanne was formerly with Call gold mines against the cyanide code. He is also an Direct, a part of the SA Ambulance Service. experienced ecologist.
Kyle Rice has been appointed as a senior mining Mark Howe has transferred to the Mineral regulator and will be the key regulatory contact for Tenements Exploration team as a tenements officer, many of South Australia’s major mining operations. replacing Kirsty Farquhar who has been seconded Kyle is an environmental engineer and brings to another agency. expertise to the team from his previous roles in Brenton Hobbs has resigned from the Mineral the Brukunga Remediation program and from his experiences working on mine waste projects in the Tenements Systems team to pursue new Canadian mining industry. opportunities. Brenton joined the Mineral Resources Division in 2004, initially as an administrator in the Terry Menadue has accepted a position as regulator Regulation and Rehabilitation Branch before moving (mining) and will be the department’s key regulatory to Mineral Tenements as the project officer assigned contact for a number of South Australia’s extractive to manage the then newly implemented Tenement operations in the Adelaide Hills, Metro, Fleurieu Management System (TMS). Brenton was responsible Peninsula and South East regions. Terry is an for the administration and coordination of the environmental scientist who has spent the past year working with the department on the development of ongoing development of TMS. an air quality policy for the South Australian mining sector. Resource Information Dave Marsh and Ray Paxton, mining compliance After extended leave Tania Davies has returned to officers for South Australia’s extractive operations, her role as Manager, Resource Information Delivery retired at the end of June. Ray commenced in 1999 Strategy, and secretariat for both the South Australian and Dave in 2003. Both have provided valuable Minerals and Petroleum Expert Group and Minerals contributions to the Mining Regulation Branch during and Energy Advisory Council. Jayne Osborne, who this time, and their knowledge and experience will be was back filling Tania’s position, has left to take up a greatly missed. position in the private sector.
Resource Land Access Strategy Energy Resources Division Helen Thomas has resigned as Director Resource Hrvoje Videka has joined the Energy Resources Land Access Strategy (RLAS) following a long and Division as a compliance officer, with a focus on well distinguished career in the department, including senior management and strategic leadership roles in data. Hrvoje previously worked in the data repository the Mineral Resources Division over the past decade. at Geoscience Australia where he was part of the Helen was appointed to the new role of Director team that manages offshore well and seismic data. RLAS in 2011–12 where she brought together a Hrvoje completed a BSc (Earth Science) at Flinders high performance team of dedicated professionals University.
90 MESA Journal 77 Issue 2 – 2015 People
After two and a half years working in Mineral Awards Tenements team as the finance officer, The Australian Institute of Energy has named Janine Bollmeyer has taken up a role in the Terry Kallis South Australia’s Energy Professional of Resource Royalties team as accounts and finance the Year in recognition of his leadership in promoting officer. Her previous experience gained in the awareness of energy issues and his contribution to mineral sector will be beneficial in further developing the development of responsible energy policies in the role with a strong focus on streamlining the South Australia. The innovation and entrepreneurship collection of royalties from mineral and petroleum Terry has brought to the energy sector and his clients. contribution to the sustainable development of the state’s energy resources was also acknowledged. South Australian Museum Terry is executive director of Petratherm geothermal Ben Grguric has been appointed as Head of Earth exploration and development company, and Sciences at the South Australian Museum. Ben has principal of Kallis & Co power project development a BSc in Geology from the University of Adelaide and consultancy company. He is a South Australian and a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University Chamber of Mines and Energy councillor and former of Cambridge, and has spent much of his career Chairman of the Australian Geothermal Energy working in the mining industry. His experience will Association. During his 30-year contribution to the boost the contribution the Museum can make with South Australian energy sector he has helped shape regard to research and public programming in Earth energy reforms and led a variety of innovative Sciences. renewable, geothermal and biomass energy projects including co-development of the CERES windfarm on Yorke Peninsula which has 197 turbines (each 3.2 MW) and a submarine high-voltage direct current connection to Adelaide.
Geological Survey of South Australia
Stop 9
At this location the brecciated Balcanoona Formation has been altered and cemented by silica-rich meteoric waters circulating through the fractured or brecciated rocks. This differs from Stop 7 where the brecciated Balcanoona Formation was altered but no later silicification took place. These silicified rocks are scattered along the Field guide to understanding eastern (right) side of the track representing an expression of the Paralana Fault Zone. the geological landscape
Stop 10 (Photo 414415)
These two boulders are locally referred to as the Jasper Twins. They are very similar to Stop 9 as they are also brecciated Balcanoona Formation which has been altered and cemented by silica-rich fluids. of Arkaroola It is also most likely that they are not in their original position, and they have rolled downslope. The newly published first edition Geological field excursion guide from Arkaroola to Paralana Hot Springs is the perfect introduction for Stop 11
Wooltana Volcanics occurs along the west (left) side (Photo 414416)
of the track with the creek mimicking the contact Arkaroola to Paralana Hot Springs Hot Paralana to Arkaroola those travellers who have an interest in the geological characteristics with the much younger Balcanoona Formation (which been silicified in part) on the east side of the track. The amount of stratigraphy missing between the Wooltana Volcanics (~830 Ma) and the of the Arkaroola region. The authors Stephen Hore and Steven Hill, Balcanoona Formation (~650 Ma) highlights the amount of displacement along this section of the Paralana Fault Zone. geologists with the Geological Survey of South Australia, collectively The satellite imagery (opposite page) highlights the bluish hue of the Wooltana Volcanics which continues along the western side of the track as far as an area just north of the Welcome Copper Mine. have more than 40 years of experience in the area, which includes geological mapping and interpretation, the education of tertiary (Photo 414417)
GEOLOGICAL FIELD EXCURSION GUIDE students and presenting numerous geological excursions associated 13 with national and international conferences. GEOLOGICAL FIELD EXCURSION GUIDE (a)
Mount Babbage Billy Springs Inlier D
Mt Fitton D Corridor Stop 21 inna 18.1 km Terrap The emphasis of the excursion guide is to introduce visitors to the Namba Formation (349700E 6648630N)
6680000 D Adelaidean sediments Parabarana Several hundred metres to the north of geological landscape immediately accessible along the 32 km track Stop 20 is another but more dominant rise ier Inl which is readily identified as it has been one er t Z nt ul ai Fa colonised by curly mallee (Eucalyptus gillii). P a t n M la a Haematite r from Arkaroola Tourist Complex to the Paralana Hot Springs. The Pa The 150 m walk from the track to the Valley exposed cliff face, on the south side of the 6660000 )"" Paralana Hot Springs rise, provides a cross-section of some of the D Radium Ridge D sediments and weathered materials similar Mt Painter Beverley )"" track winds its way past many fascinating geological features allowing to Stop 21 but at this location the rise is Mt Gee )"" Cenozoic capped by a carbonate layer containing stromatolites.
)"" D users to investigate these interesting locations at their own pace. Arkaroola Livelys Find
340000 360000 (b) 340000 19.2 km Stop 22 380000 360000 Wooltana Volcanics 380000 (349210E 6649550N) Mount Babbage Inlier The 38 page book includes progressive ‘strip-maps’ of each section, Again a small walk is required to the low rise some 80 m from the western (left) side of the track. The rise consists of Wooltana Volcanics. Although not as weathered as the similar 0 Adelaidean sediments
rocks at Stop 19, these rocks have also been 668000 an image and geological description of each of the 36 stops along subjected to alteration, here in the form of ier silica replacement. Inl nter Pai Mt the route, distance from Arkaroola and GPS coordinates.
" Before reaching the next stop (Stop 23) the Paralana Hot Springs 0 20.2 km track currently being traversed is joined from the west (left) by the Echo Camp Back-track. 666000 This track is one-way and must be approached Cenozoic from the western end via the track which The excursion guide is published by the Geological Survey of South leads to Echo Camp Waterhole from Arkaroola
Village. (At each end of the back-track there " D Livelys Find is a locked gate and a key can be gained from Arkaroola Arkaroola Village Reception). Cenozoic Australia in association with the Arkaroola Education and Research Cretaceous Cambro–Ordovician Ordovician– British Empire Granite ?Pliocene Radium Ridge Breccias and Mt Gee Sinter Adelaidean 0 5 10 Kilometres Proterozoic MGA Zone 54 Fund Pty Ltd with all proceeds from sales going into the education Figure 3 (a) Generalised geological map of the Arkaroola region. (b) Enhanced colourPIRSA satellite 202746_011 imagery of the Arkaroola region. 36 and research fund. The guide was launched at the Broken Hill Resources Investment Symposium in May 2015. 22
The excursion guide retails for $25 and is available from the Arkaroola Tourist Resort, phone +61 8 8648 4848,
DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE, RESOURCES AND ENERGY GROUP; Mineral Resources Offices CHIEF EXECUTIVE, Division OLYMPIC DAM TASK FORCE CUSTOMER SERVICES Paul Heithersay EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (general inquiries) [email protected] Ted Tyne Level 7, 101 Grenfell Street, Phone: +61 8 8463 4153 [email protected] Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: +61 8 8463 3033 GPO Box 320, Adelaide SA 5001 [email protected] OLYMPIC DAM TASK FORCE Phone: +61 8 8463 3000 Peter Bradshaw DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; Fax: +61 8 8463 6518 [email protected] MINERAL TENEMENTS and Phone: +61 8 8303 2507 EXPLORATION Pru Freeman GLENSIDE DRILL CORE LIBRARY [email protected] David Groom STRATEGY and GOVERNANCE Phone: +61 8 8463 3091 23 Conyngham Street Julianne Cirson Glenside SA 5065 [email protected] GPO Box 1264, Adelaide SA 5001 Phone: +61 8 8463 3749 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY of [email protected] SOUTH AUSTRALIA Phone: +61 8 8379 9574 Steve Hill STRATEGIC PROJECT Fax: +61 8 8338 1925 [email protected] COORDINATION and SUPPORT Phone: +61 8 8226 2992 Sam Walker JAMESTOWN [email protected] Peter Talbot Phone: +61 8 8303 2289 PACE 17 Irvine Street Miles Davies Jamestown SA 5491 [email protected] [email protected] Energy Resources Phone: +61 8 8463 3159 Phone: +61 8 8664 1408 Division Fax: +61 8 8664 1405 MINING PROJECTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Martin Reid OPAL FIELDS Barry Goldstein [email protected] Peter Lane [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8463 3090 [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8463 3200 TAFE campus, Hutchison Street Fax: +61 8 8463 3229 MINING REGULATION PO Box 475 Coober Pedy SA 5723 Greg Marshall ENGINEERING OPERATIONS [email protected] Michael Malavazos Phone: +61 8 8463 3105 Coober Pedy [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8672 5800 Fax: +61 8 8672 5788 Phone: +61 8 8463 3245 RESOURCE INFORMATION Andrew Rowett GEOLOGY and EXPLORATION [email protected] Andamooka Phone: +61 8 8672 7017 Elinor Alexander Phone: +61 8 8463 3037 Fax: +61 8 8672 7010 [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8463 3211 RESOURCE LAND ACCESS STRATEGY Marla Phone: +61 8 8670 7005 Phone: +61 8 8303 2202 GEOPHYSICAL OPERATIONS Fax: +61 8 8670 7191 Dave Cockshell [email protected] MINING REGISTRAR Phone: +61 8 8463 3233 Junesse Martin www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au [email protected] www.petroleum.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au RESOURCE ROYALTY Phone: +61 8 8463 3097 www.geothermal.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au Nick Panagopoulos Fax: +61 8 8463 3101 www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sarig [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8463 3147 Fax: +61 8 8463 3229 Follow us @PACE2020 https://twitter.com/PACE2020 LICENSING and LEGISLATION Joe Zabrowarny [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8463 3203 Fax: +61 8 8463 3229