Review of 2009 Acreage Release

The paper discusses the results from the GA-302 2D seismic survey and GA-2436 (RV Tangaroa) marine reconnaissance survey over the Capel and Faust basins, northern Tasman Sea. The integration of seismic, potential field and bathymetric data sets in 3D space at an early stage in the project workflow has assisted in the visualisation of the basin architecture, the interpolation of data between the seismic lines, and the iterative refinement of interpretations. The data sets confirm the presence of multiple depocentres, as previously interpreted from satellite gravity data, with a maximum sediment thickness of 5-7 km. Preliminary interpretation of the seismic data has identified two predominantly Cretaceous syn-rift and two Upper Cretaceous to Neogene sag megasequences overlying a heterogeneous pre-rift basement. The comparison of seismic facies and tectonostratigraphic history with offshore New Zealand and eastern Australian basins suggests the presence of possible Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous coaly and lacustrine source rocks in the pre- and syn-rift, and fluvio-deltaic to shallow marine reservoir rocks in the syn-rift to early post-rift successions. Preliminary 1D basin modelling suggests that the deeper depocentres of the Capel and Faust basins are within the oil and gas windows. Large potential stratigraphic and structural traps are also present.

Abstract for initial submission; see Geocat 71429 for conference paper version

Phosphate deposits in the vicinity of Canowindra, Molong, Wellington and Borenore were examined in company with members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Rural Industries on the 27th and 28th February, 1943. Two slightly different types of deposit occur in these localities. These deposits are described herein.

Wellington is a small town on the Macquarie River about 200 miles north-west of Sydney (see Plate 1). These are several old mine workings - shafts, pits, costean, etc. - about 7 or 8 miles south-east of the town. Massive sulphide ore has been found and developed in one of these workings, namely, the main shaft of the Commonwealth Mine. A fairly big dump, which shows signs of good ore and some smelted material, is evidence that there was once a good bit of mining activity in the area. In 1951, the Consolidated Zinc Corporation became interested in the abandoned mine and arranged for the lease owner, Mr. George Wilkins, to de-water it. As pointed out in the report of the Company's geologist, nothing is known from the numerous old workings regarding the extent of the sulphide orebody. The purpose of the geophysical investigation was to determine if there is any extension to the known orebody and to provide the Company with drilling targets. The geophysical work was carried out from the end of July to the beginning of September, 1952, and it covered the whole of the old mining area, some 6,000 feet in length. The Consolidated Zinc Corporation carried out the necessary surveying work, such as pegging and levelling traverses, and the Company's drilling party assisted where necessary. The general results of the survey were discussed with representatives of the Company as soon as the field work was completed.

The areas included in the geophysical survey, namely the Laloki, Moresby-King and Dubuna leases, are among those held by Mandated Alluvials N.L., and lie in the Astrolabe Mineral Field. The positions of the leases held by the Company are shown in Plate G73-1. Laloki, the main producer of copper, is situated 20 miles by road from Port Moresby, near the junction of Sapphire Creek with the Laloki River. The Bureau was requested by Mandated Alluvials to carry out a geophysical survey in the vicinity of the known deposits and in adjacent areas. Both Laloki and Moresby-King mines has been in production up to the time when the war in New Guinea caused a suspension of operations. During the war the mine workings and much of the plant were completely destroyed. When consideration was given to the best method of reopening the mines it was decided that, if a large enough tonnage or ore could be proved sufficiently close to the surface, it would be most profitable to continue open-cut mining, and possibly install a flotation concentrator to avoid the troubles that had always accompanied smelting. The aim of the geophysical survey was, therefore, to locate a body of ore large enough to justify the adoption of these mining and treatment methods.

Report on the activities of the administrative and technical sections in the Katherine-Darwin area, December, 1954. A brief account is given of geological and geophysical operations.

A seismic reflection survey was carried out in the Parish of Darriman, Victoria. The survey was planned to investigate a gravity anomaly, which may be an indication of a structure within the sedimentary section favourable to the accumulation of oil or natural gas. For the most part reflections were exceptionally good, and it was possible to trace one reflecting layer over most of the area. Contouring showed the presence of an anticlinal structure, plunging to the east, but rising and broadening to the west. On the flat crest of the structure, there is probable closure in two places. The thickness of the Tertiary sediments may be a maximum of 6,000 feet, but may be only 3,000 feet on the crest of the structure and 4,000 feet on the flanks.

Report on the activities of the administrative and technical sections in the Katherine-Darwin area, to July, 1954. A brief account is given of geological and geophysical operations. The results of prospecting and development work are summarised.

Report on the activities of the administrative and technical sections in the Katherine-Darwin area, to August, 1954. A brief account is given of geological and geophysical operations. The results of prospecting and development work are summarised.