Authors / CoAuthors
Blewett, R.S.
Abstract
Due to extensive cover by Mesozoic and younger sedimentary basins and regolith, the geology of the southern Thomson Orogen is poorly understood. Small outcrops of the Thomson Orogen are exposed along the Eulo Ridge (south Qld) and in the southwest around Tibooburra (NSW). Proximal to these regions the average thickness of cover is estimated to be <200 m, which is within exploration and mining depths. The southern Thomson Orogen is true greenfields' country. Although the mineral potential of the region is largely unknown, the northeastern Thomson Orogen is well mineralised (e.g., Thalanga, Charters Towers), as is the similar-aged Lachlan Orogen to south (e.g., Cadia, Cobar, Tibooburra). In order to attract investment (exploration) into the southern Thomson Orogen, Geoscience Australia, the Geological Survey of Queensland and the Geological Survey of New South Wales have commenced a three-year collaborative project to collect new (and synthesise existing) pre-competitive data. The first year and half of the project will synthesise existing datasets across the state borders to create a revised solid geology map. This map will form the basis of a 3D model (map), which will utilise pre-existing government and industry seismic and drilling data. In support of the 3D map, several programmes of geophysical data acquisition, processing and interpretation will be undertaken. These include: airborne electromagnetic (AEM), broad-band magnetotelluric (MT) and gravity data, amongst others. In order to understand the nature of the cover rocks and their relationship to basement, a surface geochemical survey will also be completed to provide higher resolution infill of the existing National Geochemical Survey of Australia (NGSA) dataset. In addition, the potential mineral systems of the region will be assessed and a gap analysis conducted, with these results and the 3D and cover maps informing a planned drilling programme to be conducted in 2014-15. The drilling methods will be informed by the results of a similar drilling project in the Stavely Zone of western Victoria. Prior to drilling, a series of geophysical experiments will be conducted in the vicinity of the proposed holes to aid selection and improve prediction of expected cover depths. The actual drill holes will test the predictive capacity of the various pre-drilling geophysical experiments - a useful outcome in itself. The recovered core will be analysed with a range of geochemical, geochronological, geophysical and geological techniques. The combined results will be synthesised and integrated into a pre-competitive geoscience data package for exploration investment. Interim products and datasets will be released throughout the project, with the final results delivered to industry in 2016.
Product Type
nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
78520
Contact for the resource
Custodian
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
ACT
2601
Australia
Keywords
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- External Publication
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Earth Sciences
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- Published_Internal
Publication Date
2013-01-01T00:00:00
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unknown
Topic Category
geoscientificInformation
Series Information
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Unknown
Parent Information
Extents
[-30.0, -26.0, 142.0, 148.0]
Reference System
Spatial Resolution
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