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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 69 (1985)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 853

Last Page: 853

Title: Potential Exploration Targets for Roxby Downs-Olympic Dam Type Mineral Deposits: ABSTRACT

Author(s): A. Kwarteng, L. Salazar, P. Goodell, G. R. Keller

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The Olympic Dam deposit near Roxby Downs, central South Australia, appears to be another type of sediment-hosted stratabound ore deposit. It contains copper, gold, silver, uranium, and rare earths, and in terms of present market prices, is valued at over $100 billion, making it one of the world's most valuable deposits. When brought on line in 1988, the projected production of 4,000 tons/year of U3O8 as a by-product will have a significant impact on the world uranium market.

The deposit is hosted in middle Proterozoic rocks in a deep, small basin within the Gawler craton, and is overlain by 350 m (1,148 ft) of unmineralized late Proterozoic miogeoclinical Adelaidean sediments on the Stuart shelf. The nearest host rocks are no closer than 150 km (93 mi). According to Western Mining Corporation, the discovery resulted from regional considerations, with target selection being decided by nearly superimposed gravity and magnetic highs identified from detailed geophysical studies.

The present study is a synthesis and integration of large amounts of geological, geophysical, and geochemical data available from the South Australian Department of Mines and Energy, mining companies, and universities. The presence of a probable analog deposit at Mt. Painter, approximately 270 km (168 mi) east-northeast of Olympic Dam, available for field study and sampling, makes possible the testing of ideas and hypotheses. The exposed Gawler craton and surface and drill core samples from Mt. Painter have supplied materials for further study.

Plate tectonic reconstructions of the Gawler craton make it possible to apply Olympic Dam genetic models to other continents. The present study undertakes this application to the United States resulting in several areas being interesting targets.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists