A geological field party was engaged in this area from 9th May to 30th September, 1948. This report provides an account of the field operations undertaken throughout this period and describes personnel involvement.

A major purpose of the study, as it appears to me at this time, is to ascertain the presence of geochemical anomalies in the area of (copper) mineralization. Such anomalies, if established, may be correlated with the dispersion train phenomena and with the dispersion halo of the ore, in an area known as mineralization. A comparable study may be undertaken then, depending on the advice of the team, in an area of suspected but not known, mineralization. Further investigations, beyond the reconnaissance stage, may be projected, in consultation with the team, on completion of the orientation study. This report contains the author's tentative remarks on a proposed reconnaissance in South Australia. Objectives, background to the work, methods, and proposed operations are discussed.

Systematic testing of South Stradbroke Island was started on 5th January, 1948. The boring and concentrating of samples were carried out by Associated Minerals Pty. Ltd., Southport. Sitting, levelling and mapping of boreholes was carried out by the Bureau of Mineral Resources. Between January and June, boring was directed towards the high active dunes adjacent to the east coast, and the areas of fixed, vegetated dunes west of the active dunes. The results of the testing work are recorded in this report. The occurrence of heavy minerals has been tabulated. Eight accompanying locality, section, and contour plans are included.

This was the first study of its kind, by the Commonwealth team. The study included demonstrations of the dithizone tests for traces of some heavy metals in the field environment, of operational and sampling procedures, and geochemical reconnaissance. Several reconnaissance traverses were sampled and examined. Extractable forms of copper and, in a very presumptive manner, extractable forms of lead and zinc were sought in the test materials. In addition, tests for copper, lead and zinc were made in some ignited and fused specimens. The testing procedure and results are described in this report.

The field season in the Kimberley Division of Western Australia for the year 1948 extended from May 2nd to October 15th. It is estimated that about four weeks of this time was spent in activities not directly related to geological work. Three distinct areas were covered during the season, these being Dampier Land, Mt. Ramsay Area, and Nerrima Structure. An account is given of the personnel involved and the work completed within each area.

The four field parties and the Airborne Geophysical Section continued operations in the area during the quarter ending 30th September, 1953. This report provides a summary of the geological and geophysical operations carried out during this period, and an overview of the staff and housing situation.

The Trough Area extends parallel to and 200 to 300 feet west of the eastern beach from approximately 4800 feet north of the zero line shown on the locality plan, to 6000 feet south of the zero line. It has a flat sandy floor 150 to 200 feet wide, and a foot or two below water level. The "trough" is bounded on the east by the fore-dunes, and on the west by an area of shifting sand which rises sharply to elevations of 25 to 35 or 40 feet. Deposits of heavy minerals occur at or near the surface at several localities along the western edge of the trough. This report gives an estimate of the quantities of heavy minerals occurring from 2100 feet north to 1100 feet north.

The features of the single-point resistance log, obtained in A.A.O. No. 2 Bore, Roma, are described. Single-point resistance, self-potential and geological logs of the lower section of the boreholes are shown. The results indicate that electrical logging can be effectively used for correlation problems and that salt water sands in the reservoir rocks can be detected with reasonable certainty.

This report covers the results of the experimental electrical logging of eight bore holes in the Maitland Coalfields, New South Wales. The theory of the single point resistance and self-potential methods is outlined and the reactions of the coal and other formations are described. The experiments were inconclusive in deciding whether or not electrical logging can be used for correlation. Because there are many vertical and lateral gaps in the stratigraphical sequence of the coal measures it is considered unlikely that electrical logging could be used for correlation in the Maitland Coalfields. However, electrical logging has been recommended for adoption as a routine procedure in the drilling programme to check the recovery of cores in the coal zone. This procedure may results in a saving on drilling costs.

The "Trough" area extends parallel to and 200 to 300 feet west of the eastern beach from approximately 4800 feet north of the zero-line shown on the locality plan, to 6000 feet south of the zero line. A previous report (Record 1948/067) has given an estimate of the quantities of heavy mineral occurring from 2100 feet north to 1100 feet north. The following report deals with the remaining areas. The area was sampled during 8th and 9th September, 1948. Where the heavy minerals were at or close to the surface, samples were obtained from shovel holes. Where the mineral was at some depth below the surface, the samples were obtained from bores put down with a post-hole digger. Estimates of the quantities and grades of heavy mineral concentrates, the quantities of overburden, and the quantities of each of the heavy minerals are tabulated in this report. The data sets from which these estimates are derived are appended.