Metallic mineral deposits of the Pieman-gordon region and the likelihood of new discoveries

The metallic ore deposits of west ern Tasmania occur in Lower Palaeozoic rocks which appear to represent two tectonic phases or cycles , described here as the Tyennan and Ordovician-Devonian phases . Reconstruct ions indicate that during each phase Tasmania formed part of Andean - type continental margins flanking the AustraliaAntarctica craton. Comparisons with the mineralization of the Andean and similar orogenic belts imply a potential in western Tasmania for porphyry coppers magnetite skarns polymetallic veins , massive sulphides, tin- silver, and carbonate-lead- zinc deposits. Post-Palaeozoic erosion probably reduces the list to the last three oretypes , each of which is already recognised. The probability of further discoveries is reviewed , particularly in the light of new ideas , on the genesis of massive-sulphide deposits .