BASE-METAL EXPLORATION OF THE MOUNT-READ VOLCANICS, WESTERN TASMANIA .1. GEOLOGY AND EXPLORATION, ELLIOTT BAY

The major types of deposits in the Mount Read Volcanics are: 1) lead-zinc-rich polymetallic (Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag-Au) ore deposits such as Rosebery, Hercules, Que River, and Hellyer, and 2) copper-rich massive and disseminated ore deposits such as Prince Lyell and North Lyell. The polymetallic ores average 21% combined Pb+Zn plus 160g/metric ton Ag and 3g/metric ton Au and the mean size is about 10 million metric tons; therefore, they represent an extremely attractive exploration target. Mineral exploration in the remote, and previously little-explored, S part of the Mount Read Volcanics at Elliott Bay has revealed a geologic setting and mineralization styles similar to those in the main part of the volcanic belt between Mount Darwin and Que River. A combination of geologic mapping (with particular emphasis on alteration styles), gold distribution in stream sediments and pan concentrates, and base metal soil geochemistry has proved successful in locating several types of mineralization in various horizons of the volcanic pile.-from Authors