This report describes the results of a micropalaeontological examination of three rock samples from the Poole Range area.

An inspection of radioactive minerals was conducted in the Marble Bar area. The localities of Wodgina, Mount Francisco, Pilgangoora, Alisa Downs, Trig Hill and Cooglegong were visited. Occurrences of monazite, yttrotantalite, pilbarite and radio-active columbite were investigated and samples collected for further examination. An account of the inspection and subsequent findings is given in this report.

This report provides an overview of copper mining production in the Northern Territory between 1885 and 1947. Production, distribution, and economic considerations are generally discussed, and the principle copper producing mines are described in some detail. This description includes details of the geology and working of the lodes, ore grade, and recorded production figures.

A deposit of heavy minerals on a beach near Cape Everard was reported by Mr. H. Smith of Noorinbee, and it was examined by Dr. D.E. Thomas, Chief geologist, Victorian Mines Department, and the writer on 5th and 6th January, 1949. The beach sand deposits were examined, and samples were taken for analysis. The results of these investigations, and subsequent conclusions, are described in this report.

Geophysical surveys were conducted by the Bureau at Mt. Lyell during the period March-July, 1948. Geophysical surveys were made on the Gormanston and adjacent areas. Methods of survey used comprised Equipotential Line, Self-Potential and Gravity. Concurrently with these operations the results of the 1934-38 geophysical surveys were examined. Field operations were resumed in January, 1949. The principal purpose of this Progress Report is to briefly describe the survey results obtained in 1948 and to state recommendations for testing.

On 29th September, 1948, the writer, assisted by K.R. Fleischman, spent one day examining the rocks of the Cotter River Valley in the neighbourhood of the dam and mapping geological features which would have a bearing on the proposed extensions. Representative rocks were collected from the quarries on the right bank of the River below the dam. The mapping was done by chain, compass and Abney level. Aspects of general geology and engineering geology are discussed in this report. Two accompanying geological plans are included.

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.

This report is a summarised account of an investigation into the heavy mineral content of three bores, put down by the Roma Blocks Oil Company. The positions of the bores and a short account of the geology of the area are given, together with results of the work to date, and an evaluation of the prospects of correlation by petrological means.

The Northern Australian Development Committee nominated the region of the Ord and Victoria rivers to be surveyed by the Northern Australian Regional Survey, when the Barkly Region had been completed. The immediate objectives of the Survey are "to accurately record the nature of the country, to establish a sound basis upon which the production possibilities of the Region may be appraised and to make general recommendations concerning development and further investigations." It was decided that the region should include the Army Four Mile Map Sheets of Delamere, Victoria River Downs, Wave Hill, Birrundudu, Limbunya, Waterloo, Auvergne, Port Keats, Medusa Banks, Cambridge Gulf, Lissadell, Dixon Range, and Gordon Downs, and that the field work would be commenced during the 1949 dry season. The techniques and methods used to complete this survey work are noted. The stratigraphy, pedology, and economic geology of the area are described in some detail.

The presence of bauxite in the Territory was first reported in 1908. This supposed bauxite occurrence at Mounts Roe and Bedwell at the head of Port Essington was examined and sampled by the writer in June, 1949 with negative results. Subsequent to the visit to Port Essington, many specimens of lateritic material from the northern portion of the Territory have been received. Some were collected from inland localities and others from various points on the Arnhem Land coast and adjacent islands. These samples were submitted for visual examination and preliminary testing. The results of these tests, together with the interpretations and conclusions that have been drawn with regard to the search for bauxite, are summarised in this report.