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Deposit Synonyms
ML 4332; ML 4333; ML 4334; ML 4335; ML 4336
Mineral District
Deposit Summary
stratabound Cu mineralisation in host shale of the Tapley Hill Formation. Estimated production was 40,000 tonne @ 5%Cu.
Deposit Description
PRINCE ALFRED, mine developed in 1866 on a narrow, 0.5m wide, lenticular lode of copper mineralisation, with the lode for the most part orientated parallel to local bedding of host shale of the Tapley Hill Formation in places clearly with a low angle cross-cutting relationship. Lode was siderite-malachite-quartz-abundant chalcopyrite in brecciated, sheared shale. Mineralisation occurred as tiny disseminated chalcopyrite, and pyrite in grey siltstone. Calcite, specular hematite, secondary malachite is common, with rich pods of secondary ore formed. An 8cm chalcocite vein was visible at surface in a northern shaft. D. T. Miller (2002) suggested that the deposit formed by metasomatic processes during the Delamerian Orogeny. The mineralisation was traced for ~ 425m along strike, maximum width 6m. In the first 6 months of 1902 ~1634 tonne recovered at 3%Cu. Estimated production was 40,000 tonne @ 5%Cu. Excellent descriptions of the lode geology and mining history are presented in Wade and Wegener, 1952.
A literature search by Geo Developments PL in 1998 indicate 18 percussion holes were drilled at the mine site on Cam's Leases in 1968. No reports with drill information have been located. In 1970 Metals Mining & Metallurgy exploited stockpiled tailings. 2 stockpiles of fine tailings left at the mine site are the residue from their activity. These, and tailings used as infill of mine stopes carry >1%Cu, predominantly as copper carbonate minerals in host gangue of carbonate rock (making treatment of tailing by acid leach impractical due to high volume of acid consumed).
The mineralised lode is associated with thin bands of calcareous grit, and a persistent band of siderite in the lower section of the Tapley Hill Formation. In fact there are numerous prospecting pits excavated along strike on mineralisation developed along bedding at this stratigraphic level.
Discovery Year
? 1866
Commodities
Copper
Ore Minerals
Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Malachite
Gangue Minerals
Calcite, Quartz, Siderite
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