Unconformity-related uranium in SA ? geophysical analysis of the Cariewerloo Basin

Abstract

Unconformity-related uranium deposits form some of the largest and richest deposits in the world. The Cariewerloo Basin, overlying the eastern margin of the Gawler Craton, South Australia, meets many of the geological criteria considered essential in the deposition and preservation of these mineral systems. This style of deposit is found in close proximity to the unconformity surface, either above or below it, and therefore accurate mapping of this surface is important for exploration efforts. Within the Cariewerloo Basin the unconformity surface lies at the base of the Pandurra Formation. Numerous attempts have been made to accurately map this surface with varying success. A combination of drill-hole data and magnetic modelling is described in this paper. These datasets will be further refined in the coming months and complemented by a number of AEM traverses across the basin.