This report describes the results of a micropalaeontological examination of rock samples from the lower Minilya area.

The primary aim of the investigation was to determine the reserves and distribution of monazite in the deposits of heavy mineral sands along the East Coast. These deposits contain most of the known world reserves of zircon and rutile for which they are being exploited at various localities, mainly from North Stradbroke Island in Queensland to Ballina in New South Wales. Monazite forms little more than 0.5 per cent of the mixed concentrates, but can be recovered as a by-product from the separation of the other minerals. The monazite forms a source of supply of cerium and also of thorium. The thorium content of the monazite is determined on the basis of its radioactivity. This report gives an account of the field and laboratory work carried out. The results of the laboratory work, which included the separation and examination of minerals, the radiometric determination of quantities of monazite, and the investigation of the thoria content of monazite, are described in this report.

Previous investigators in the area have interpreted the Nerrima Dome as a dome closed by folding (Wade, 1936), a dome closed against a transverse fault at the eastern end (Kraus, 1942), and as a westward plunging anticlinal fold probably closed by transverse faulting (Reeves, 1949). The purpose of the present survey is to determine by detailed geological mapping the true structure of the Nerrima Dome.

This report describes the results of a micropalaeontological examination of samples, collected from bores nos. Z.18, T.29, HH.57, and PP.59, in the Moorlands Coalfields.

A sample of diatomite was submitted for palaeontological examination. The results are of the examination are recorded in this report.

This is the second progress report of the coal drilling programme near Ashford in the Parishes of Macdonald and Myall, County of Arrawatta. The first report (Record 1949/106) covered the drilling of D.D.H's 1-5. Drilling was continued to test the coal measures lying between old Ashford Colliery and the Severn River. Five more holes were drilled through the coal seam, north of No. 2 D.D.H. An account of the drilling work is set down in this report, together with a description of local geology, and estimates of the coal reserves in the field.

The discovery of the radioactive minerals carnotite and torbernite, in the vicinity of Rum jungle, was reported by Mr. Jack White on the 7th September 1949 in a letter to the Director of Mines, Alice Springs. Officers of the Department of Mines, Alice Springs confirmed his conclusions. The area was visited by J. Daly, J.F. Ivanac of the Bureau of Mineral Resources, and M. Sneddon of the Mines Department, Alice Springs late in September. They suggested that detailed geophysical and geological work should be carried out. H.J. Ward and G.F. Joklik made a detailed geological investigation in October and prepared a map which covers an area approximately half a mile by a quarter of a mile. A general reconnaissance of the country in the vicinity of Rum Jungle was also carried out. In conjunction with the geological work D.F. Dyson made a Geiger-Muller survey of the torbernite-carnotite deposit. An account of this investigation and its findings is set down in this report.

Consequent upon instructions received from the Superintending Geologist, Mr. C.J. Sullivan, the copper-gold deposit at Yeuralba was visited and inspected on the 9th, 10th, and 11th May, 1950. This geological report gives an overview of the inspection and its findings. The situation, history, workings, general geology, orebody, mineralisation, and production history of the deposit are briefly described.

Following a report by Mr. McDougall of the existence of sulphur deposits, possibly of large dimensions, on New Britain, deposits at Lolobau, Pangalu and Kasolali were examined in the early part of June, 1950, by the Chief Geologist, accompanied by A.K.M. Edwards, Senior Geologist, Port Moresby and G.A. Taylor, Vulcanologist, Rabaul. This report gives an account of the examination and its findings.

The deposits of heavy mineral sands along the East Coast of Australia are being investigated primarily to determine their content of monazite. These deposits contain most of the known world reserves of zircon and rutile for which they are being exploited at various localities. Monazite, a phosphate of cerium, lanthanum, praseodymium and other rare earths, with thorium silicate, is utilised commercially as a source of cerium and of thorium. In this investigation, the thorium content on the monazite is being determined on the basis of its radioactivity. Two deposits in the Tweed-Fingal area were examined. The geology of the area, methods of testing, and the results of the investigation are discussed in this report.