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Deposit Synonyms
Mc 4597; Mc 4598; Mc 4599; Mc 4600; Mc 4601
Mineral District
Deposit Summary
deposit of manganese oxide-iron-oxide grade <10%Mn, which capped a faulted contact between Adelaidean Pound Quartzite, and overlying Cambrian limestone, and located on the E limb of a N-plunging anticline. Resources estimated at < 305,000t.
Deposit Description
ARROWIE GORGE, several leases taken out in 1964 on deposits of manganese oxide bearing iron-rich gossan trend NNE from Arrowie Gorge, and over an area of ~40Ha. The area contains several deposits of low-grade manganese ore being a manganiferous iron-oxide capping a fault contact (Teatree Fault) between Adelaidean Pound Quartzite, and overlying Cambrian Wilkawillina Limestone. Local structure is east limb of a N-plunging anticline. Sampling determined that apart from small replacement-like pockets in the limestone of higher grade material, the overall grade was <10% Mn, and ~40%Fe, with total gossan resource estimated at < 305,000 tonne for an average thickness of 1.2m. Samples returned values variable from 44.4% to 0.2% Mn. Similar occurrences are documented near Blinman, and at the same stratigraphic level. The fault is also associated with small pockets of copper mineralisation. To the south the Teatree Fault joins the Mount John Fault near Ironstone Bore.
The manganiferous ironstone is surficial, thickness from a few cm to 2.5m thick, and resting on soft, weathered rock. Limestone is the preferred host, in particular as infill of joints and cavities. The ironstone can be massive, banded or brecciated, and is commonly slickensided, with MnO-rich botryoidal and colloform masses as replacement of host limestone. Most exposures demonstrate the relationship of MnO-rich skins to a more dominant inner Fe oxide-rich core. Copper mineralisation is quite localised, with prospecting pits and dozer cuts developed at the S end of the area. Green malachite staining is observed in the Pound Quartzite close to the fault.
Discovery Year
< 1959
Commodities
Manganese, Copper, Iron
Ore Minerals
Iron oxide (non specific), Malachite, Manganese Oxide
Gangue Minerals
Carbonate
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