Geophysical discovery and evaluation of the West Peko copper-gold deposit, Tennant Creek

Abstract

A drill hole magnetometer developed to assist exploration for gold and copper bearing magnetite bodies (ironstones) has aided in the discovery of two large mineralised ironstones at depths between 400 m to 650 m below surface in the Tennant Creek area of the Northern Territory. These bodies are surrounded by a broad zone of sediments containing magnetite, the magnetic response of which dominates the surface anomaly. A 600 metre wildcat hole was drilled and subsequently surveyed using the magnetometer which detected a large magnetic anomaly towards the bottom of the hole. Follow up drilling and interpretation of magnetic surveys successfully guided exploration in the definition of significant bodies of ironstone.