1887
Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits
  • ISSN: 2202-0586
  • E-ISSN:

Abstract

The sandstone-type uranium deposits in the Frome Embayment and Eucia Basin, South Australia, are characterised by uranium-oxide mineralisation in the form of roll-fronts at redox boundaries. The host rocks are Tertiary clastic sediments deposited in palaeochannels, but now covered by up to 150 m of cover. None of the deposits are associated with surface radiometric anomalies. These deposits were discovered in the 1970s, but Government policy prevented exploitation at that time. With mining now permitted, there is renewed interest in these deposits and exploitation is underway, or imminent, and new resources are being sought.

The comparatively low cost of drilling restricted the use of geophysical techniques during initial exploration, with downhole logging being the most extensively used method. Nevertheless, reconnaissance geophysical surveys were used to locate the prospective palaeochannels, with resistivity soundings proving most useful. Recent TEMPEST airborne EM surveys over the Billeroo/Curnamona and Yarramba palaeochannels, located in the Frome Embayment, have demonstrated that this method allows detailed mapping of the palaeochannels, despite the thickness of the cover. The electromagnetic response is attributed to the conductivity of contained saline groundwater

Once the palaeochannel sequence had been located, alteration zoning within the host sandstones, associated with characteristic responses on downhole logs, was used to locate the redox interface. An understanding of the channel stratigraphy and sedimentary environment, specifically the likely location of prospective permeable formations, was also largely based on downhole logs. Attempts to use electrical methods to detect areas of increased pyrite content, associated with the redox boundary, and to determine the redox state of the host sandstones, met with mixed success.

A comparison of the use of geophysics in South Australia with exploration for similar deposits in the United States shows some aspects in common, in particular the use of downhole logging to map alteration. However, care must be taken when making comparisons, since variations in the type of deposit can significantly affect their geophysical signatures.

© ASEG 2003
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1071/ASEGSpec12_18
2003-12-01
2026-01-22

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/10.1071/ASEGSpec12_18
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Journal -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Adams, S.S., 1991. Evolution of genetic concepts for principal types of sandstone uranium deposits in the United States. In, Hutchinson, R.W. and Grauch, R.I.. (Eds), Historical Perspectives of Genetic Concepts and Case Histories of Famous Discoveries. Economic Geology Monograph, 8, 225-248.
  2. Adler, H.H., 1973. Exploration for uranium in sandstones: Geochemical, remanent magnetic and sulphur-isotope applications. In, Uranium Exploration Methods. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 155-166.
  3. Adler, H.H., 1974. Concepts of uranium-ore formation in reducing environments in sandstones and other sediments. In, Formation of Uranium Deposits. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 141-168.
  4. Applegate, J.K., Emilia, D.A., Neitzels, E.B. and Donaldson, RR., 1982. Geophysics, 47, 1355-1374.
  5. Bampton, K.F, Haines, J.B., and Randell M.H., 2001. Geology of the Honeymoon uranium project. Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Proceedings, 306, 17-27.
  6. Benbow, M.C., Lindsay, JM. and Alley, N.F, 1995. Eucla Basin and palaeodrainage. In. Drexel, J.F and Preiss, W.V, (Eds), The Geology of South Australia, Volume 2 The Phanerozoic. South Australia Geological Survey Bulletin, 54, 178-186.
  7. Binks, P. J. and Hooper, G.J., 1984. Uranium in Tertiary palaeochannels "West Coast Area" South Australia. Proceedings of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 289, 271-275.
  8. Brunt, D.A., 1978. Uranium in Tertiary stream channels, Lake Frome area, South Australia. Proceedings of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 266, 79-90.
  9. Callen, R.A., Alley, N.F. and Greenwood, D.R., 1995. Lake Eyre Basin. In, Drexel, J.F. and Preiss, W.V, (Eds), The Geology of South Australia, Volume 2 The Phanerozoic. South Australia Geological Survey Bulletin, 54, 188-194.
  10. Childers, M.O. and Bailey, R.V, 1979. Classification of uranium deposits. Contributions to Geology, 17, 187-199.
  11. Cossey, S.P.J. and Frank, H.J, 1983. Uranium mineralization and use of resistance log character in deltaic point bars: Franklin mine, Karnes County Texas. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 67, 131-151.
  12. Curtis, J.L., Brunt, D.A. and Binks, PL, 1990. Tertiary palaeochannel uranium deposits of South Australia. In, Hughes, F.E., (Ed.), Geology of the Mineral Deposits of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Monograph Series, 14, 1631-1636.
  13. Dahl, A.R. and Hagmaier, J.L., 1974. Genesis and characteristics of the Southern Powder River Basin uranium deposits, Wyoming USA. In, Formation of Uranium Deposits. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 201-215.
  14. Dahlkamp, FL, 1978. Classification of uranium deposits. Mineralium Deposita, 13, 83-104.
  15. Dobrzinski, I, 1997. Beverley and Honeymoon uranium projects. MESA Journal, 5, 9-11.
  16. Drexel, J.F. and Preiss, W.V, 1995. The Geology of South Australia, Volume 2 The Phanerozoic. Geological Survey of South Australia, Bulletin 54.
  17. Dunn, PR., Battey, G.C., Miezitis, Y. and McKay, A.D., 1990. The distribution and occurrence of uranium. In, Glasson, K.R. and Rattigan, J.H., (Eds), Geological Aspects of the Discovery of Some Important Mineral Deposits in Australia. Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Monograph Series, 17, 455^462.
  18. Ellis, G.K., 1980. Distribution and genesis of sedimentary uranium near Curnamona, Lake Frome region, South Australia. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 64, 1643-1657.
  19. Granger, H.C. and Warren, C.G., 1974. Zoning in the altered tongue associated with roll-type uranium deposits. In, Formation of Uranium Deposits. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 185-200.
  20. Harshman, E.N., 1974. Distribution of elements in some roll-type uranium deposits. In, Formation of Uranium Deposits. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 169-181.
  21. Haynes, R.W., 1975. Beverley sedimentary uranium orebody, Frome Embayment, South Australia. In, Knight, C.L., (Ed.), Economic Geology of Australia and Papua New Guinea, 1, Metals. Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Monograph Series, 5, 808-813.
  22. Howies, S.R., 2000. Beverley uranium project - groundwater resources, management and monitoring. MESA Journal, 17, 4-6.
  23. MacKenzie, R.J. and Strive, P.N., 1978. Magnetic prospecting for roll front uranium deposits in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Contributions to Geology, 16, 67-77.
  24. Melin, R.E., 1964. Description and origin of uranium deposits in Shirley Basin, Wyoming. Economic Geology, 59, 835-849.
  25. Nash, J.T., Granger, H.C. and Adams, S.S., 1981. Geology and concepts of genesis of important types of uranium deposits. Economic Geology, 75th Anniversary Volume, 63-116.
  26. Nelson R.G., 1971. An Experimental Survey Using Geophysical Methods to Outline Bedrock Relief. SML’s 543 and 544. South Australia. Department of Mines and Energy, Report Book, 71/122.
  27. O’Connor, L.J. and Smith, B.D., 1978. Magnetic and electrical study of a roll-front uranium deposit in the Denver Basin, Colorado. In, Pruit, J.D. and Coffm, P.E., (Eds), Field Conference - Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists. Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, Denver, 153-159.
  28. Rackley, R.I., 1972. Environment of Wyoming Tertiary uranium deposits. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 56, 755-774.
  29. Rackley, R.I., 1976. Origin of western-states type uranium mineralisation. In, Wolf, K.H., (Ed.), Handbook of Strata-bound and Stratiform Ore Deposits, II, Regional Studies and Specific Deposits, Volume 7, Au, U, Fe, Mn, Hg, Sb, W and P Deposits. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 89-156.
  30. Reade, H.L., 1976. Grover uranium deposit: a case history of uranium exploration in the Denver Basin, Colorado. The Mountain Geologist, 13, 21-31.
  31. Reif, T., 2000. Honeymoon uranium project update. MESA Journal, 19, 4-7.
  32. Rubin, B., 1970. Uranium roll front zonation in the Southern Powder River Basin. Wyoming Geological Association Earth Science Bulletin, 3, 5-12.
  33. Sanford, R.F., 1985. Origin of sandstone-hosted uranium deposits, Frome Embayment, South Australia. In, Geological Environments of Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, .297-314.
  34. Scott, J.H. and Daniels, J.J., 1976. Non-radiometric borehole geophysical detection of geochemical haloes surrounding sedimentary uranium deposits. In, Exploration for Uranium Ore Deposits. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna. 379-390.
  35. Smith, B., Cady, J.W., Campbell, D.L., Daniels, J.J. and Flamgan, V.J., 1976. A case for "other" geophysical methods in exploration for uranium deposits. In, Exploration for Uranium Ore Deposits. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna. 337-351.
  36. Smithson, S.B., Shive, R and Smith, B., 1977. A high-resolution seismic reflection study of a uranium roll-front in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Geophysics, 42, 1541.
  37. Smyth, E.L. and Barrett, DM., 1994. Geophysical characteristics of the Tertiary palaeochannels in the Yilgarn Block, Western Australia. In, Dentith, M.C., Frankcombe, K.F, Ho, S.E., Shepherd, J.M., Groves, D.I. and Trench, A., (Eds.), Geophysical Signatures of Western Australian Mineral Deposits. Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Special Publication 7, Geology and Geophysics Department (Key Centre) and UWA Extension Publication 26, 417^126.
  38. Walker, S., 1999. Beverley uranium project - in situ mining approved. MESA Journal, 13, 8-10.
/content/journals/10.1071/ASEGSpec12_18
Loading
  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): airborne; Callabona Basin; Childara SH53-14; Curnamona SH54-14; downhole logging

Most Cited This Month Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error