Identifying Potential Mineralisation Targets Through Airborne Geophysics — The Western Papua New Guinea Case Study

Abstract

Over the last few years exploration activity in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has declined to alarming lows that the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has introduced initiatives to acquire new geo-scientific datasets to enhance exploration in the country. One such initiative has been the 30,000 plus line kilometre airborne magnetic and radiometric survey over the western part of the country. The airborne survey was strategically located between the large Ok Tedi porphyry copper-gold mine and the advanced Frieda River porphyry copper-molybdenum prospect. The airborne datasets were acquired at a north-south line spacing of 500m with a Tie-line spacing of 5km and at nominal terrain clearance of 100m.

The main aim of the airborne geophysical survey was to identify magnetic and radiometric anomalies that may be further investigated for their mineral potential. Preliminary results of the airborne survey show large deep-seated NW-trending fault systems cross-cut by north-east trending transfer structures that may have contributed to mineral deposition in the region. Several magnetic and radiometric anomalies located within the periphery of existing prospects also have the potential to substantially increase resource values, while isolated anomalies may indicate new targets for further exploration.

While this paper highlights some of the interesting magnetic and radiometric features defined from the WPAGS, the release of the datasets now ensures investors have an extra layer of information to build on the mineral potential of the surveyed area. It is anticipated that the results from the survey will not only boost interest to explore in the area, but also drive exploration activities in the area to new heights, hopefully resulting in the identification of new mineral prospects.