The exploration potential of Australia?s meteorite impact craters

Abstract

Resource-forming processes can be linked to approximately 25% of all terrestrial impact structures world-wide, either as a direct result of the impact event or through subsequent modification of the target rocks. Australia?s 30 recognised impact structures are generally poorly evaluated for their resource potential. The most prospective structure for hydrocarbons is the Tookoonooka structure in Queenland. The world-class Century deposit, also in Queensland, borders the Lawn Hill structure. Part of the Century mineralisation may have been displaced by faulting caused by the impact and is concealed inside the structure. In Western Australia, the Yallalie structure has potential for significant water resources, whilst the Shoemaker structure may be associated with small deposits of hydrothermal mineralisation. The likelihood of deposits of impact-related diamonds is considered to be small, due to a lack of suitable target rocks.