A review of the Jaguar Cu-Zn-Ag volcanogenic massive sulphide discovery and subsequent geophysical trials

Abstract

Jaguar is an Archaean volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit is located approximately 250km NNW of Kalgoorlie, and about 4 km south of the historic Teutonic Bore Cu-Zn-Ag mine. The current mining reserve is 1.6mt @ 3.1% Cu, 11.7% Zn, 0.72% Pb and 120g/t Ag. Jabiru Metals Limited began mining the deposit in May 2007 via a 1.8 km long decline that reaches the top of the orebody, which is 300m below the surface. The underground operation has a planned life of five years. The Canadian company Inmet Mining Pty Ltd entered a joint venture with Jabiru?s predecessor, Pilbara Mines Ltd, to explore for VMS deposits in 2001 and discovered the Jaguar deposit in February 2002. Their exploration programme included a large FLEM survey that covered most of their tenure. The discovery drillhole, TBD-202, was the second of two holes drilled into an 1800m long FLEM conductor. The initial holes were planned 600m apart as Inmet Mining were chasing large targets. Following the technical success provided by the FLEM survey a range of electrical geophysical techniques were trialled over the Jaguar deposit. The results of these surveys are reviewed here.