ASEG Extended Abstracts

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Geophysical characteristics of shear zone-hosted

Proterozoic gold, Nuckulla Hill, South Australia

A. John Parker

To cite this article: A. John Parker (2003) Geophysical characteristics of shear zone-hosted
Proterozoic gold, Nuckulla Hill, South Australia, ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2003:3, 67-76, DOI:
10.1071/ASEGSpec12_06

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1071/ASEGSpec12_06

Published online: 11 Feb 2019.

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 Geophysical characteristics of shear zone-hosted
Proterozoic gold, Nuckulla Hill, South Australia
A. John Parker1
Keywords: Childara SH53-14, Gawler Craton, gold, induced polarisation, magnetics, Myall, Sheoak,
Yarlbrinda shear zone

ABSTRACT
Inferred margin
135
of Gawler Craton
Gold mineralisation was discovered at the Sheoak and Myall
prospects in the Nuckulla Hill region of the central Gawler Craton
in December 1995 and at the Bimba Prospect in early 1997,
following regional calcrete sampling and subsequent RAB/aircore 0 200

drilling. The region was selected by Equinox Resources NL for KILOMETRES

copper-gold exploration in 1993 based on structural interpretation
of South Australian Exploration Initiative aeromagnetic data. That
30
interpretation identified the Yarlbrinda shear zone as a major
craton-scale shear zone active at the time of emplacement of
Hiltaba Suite granites ca. 1595-1585 Ma and hence potentially
mineralised. Subsequent detailed aeromagnetic and ground
magnetic surveys have accurately defined the nature and location NH
of the Yarlbrinda shear zone. Calcrete gold anomalism in the
Sheoak-Myall area is coincident with an intense demagnetised

bd yts

n
zone and there is a subtle ground magnetic anomaly associated

ai
Su Nu
om
with bedrock gold mineralisation at the Sheoak prospect.
Gradient-array IP data reflect the depth of weathering and nature
of the ~40 m thick regolith developed over the shear zone.

INTRODUCTION Hiltaba Suite Adelaide

In 1993, based on detailed and regional structural interpretation
of aeromagnetic data generated during the South Australian
Exploration Initiative (SAEI), Equinox Resources NL identified
several areas in the western Gawler Craton of South Australia as
having considerable potential for Proterozoic Ernest Henry-
Olympic Dam-style copper-gold mineralisation and/or structurally
controlled gold mineralisation. Previous exploration had been
severely restricted by the extensive surficial cover of Cainozoic
fluvial and aeolian sediments combined with deep weathering of
the bedrock. However, the SAEI aeromagnetic data provided new
opportunities for companies with the appropriate expertise to
interpret and unravel the complex geology of the region and
generate exploration targets.
One of the key areas identified by Equinox was the Nuckulla
Hill area in the central Gawler Craton (Equinox Resources, 1995).
It is located along, and immediately west of, the western edge of
the Gawler Ranges (Fig.1) and contains a number of intense semi-
circular aeromagnetic anomalies which were considered to be
potential targets for Ernest Henry-style copper-gold
mineralisation. Also of particular interest in the Nuckulla Hill area
was the presence of several major shear zones intimately
associated with the emplacement of large magnetic granite
batholiths interpreted to be part of the ca. 1585 Ma Hiltaba Suite.
The most regionally important of these structures has been named
the Yarlbrinda shear zone (YSZ). The YSZ is clearly defined by
the SAEI aeromagnetic data (Fig.2) and extends for more than 170
1
Geosurveys Australia Pty Ltd
334 Glen Osmond Road
Myrtle Bank
South Australia 5064
Australia
Gawler Range Volcanics
Fig.1. Location of the Nuckalla Hill (NH) area in relation to major
geological features in the region. Based on maps in Parker (1993) and
Flint (1993).
km along the western edge of the Gawler Ranges (Equinox
Resources, 1996a and b; Parker, 1996; Ferris, 1996).
The Nuckulla Hill exploration license area was granted in
December 1994 and since then Equinox Resources has made
considerable progress in exploring the area. In early- to mid-1995,
a stream sediment and mapping program was undertaken in the
eastern part of the project area where there is extensive outcrop of
the ca. 1592 Ma Gawler Range Volcanics (GRV). However, west
of the Gawler Ranges there is little outcrop and only rare drainage.
Therefore, a broadly spaced calcrete regolith sampling program
was commenced. In conjunction with the geochemical exploration
program, ground magnetic surveys were conducted over several of
the high-priority aeromagnetic targets.
Calcrete was systematically sampled on a regional 1.5 km-
spaced grid over much of the western area, but because of the
perceived potential of the YSZ, the sample spacing was reduced to
1 km in this area. An 18-ppb Au anomaly was first discovered at
the Myall prospect within the YSZ in late 1995 and shortly
thereafter a 78-ppb Au anomaly was discovered at the Sheoak
prospect, also on the YSZ (Fig.2). Follow-up close-spaced calcrete
sampling at 50-100 m spacing over both prospects defined
significant anomalies, with a peak assay of 340 ppb Au at Sheoak
(Equinox Resources, 1996a and b).
A reconnaissance RAB/aircore drilling program was completed
at both Sheoak and Myall in late 1995 and resulted in the discovery

Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits 67

Parker Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill

Fig.2. SAEI aeromagnetic data (pseudocolour shaded-relief TMI) over the Yarlbrinda shear zone, including the Nuckulla Hill
region. The white line shows the extent of Figure 3. Co-ordinates are AMG zone 53.

68 Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits

Parker
of gold mineralisation along, and just above, the contact between
fresh basement and weathered saprolite at a depth of around 40 m.
Since 1995, several RAB/aircore, RC and diamond-core drilling
programs have been conducted at the Sheoak and Myall prospects
and also other prospects identified from calcrete gold anomalies
along the YSZ, e.g. Bimba (Fig.2). An aeromagnetic survey was
flown over the shear zone in the vicinity of Myall and Sheoak
prospects, and orientation ground magnetic and gradient-array IP
surveys have been conducted over the Sheoak prospect.
This paper reviews the geology and geophysical signature of
the YSZ near Nuckulla Hill, with particular emphasis on the
Sheoak prospect.
GEOLOGICAL SETTING
The Gawler Craton in southern South Australia is an early
Precambrian crystalline basement terrain flanked on all sides by
significantly younger sedimentary basin successions (Parker,
1990; Flint, 1993). The oldest known rocks in the craton are latest
Archaean to earliest Proterozoic, but these are overlain and/or
intruded by extensive Palaeo- and Mesoproterozoic
metasediments, metavolcanics and granitoids. The Archaean and
Palaeoproterozoic rocks have been variably deformed and
metamorphosed by the Sleafordian (ca. 2400 Ma), Kimban (ca.
1845-1710 Ma) and Kararan (ca. 1680-1610 Ma) Orogenies, while
the Mesoproterozoic units have only been locally deformed within
relatively narrow shear zones.
The Gawler Craton can be subdivided into a number of tectonic
subdomains on the basis of structure and tectonostratigraphic
history. The Nuckulla Hill area straddles the boundary between
the Gawler Ranges Volcanic Province and the Nuyts Subdomain
(Fig.1). The Nuyts Subdomain is poorly defined, but is dominated
by 1690-1610 Ma granitoids and possibly local relics of Archaean
gneiss. It is overlain by relatively unmetamorphosed bimodal
mafic and felsic volcanics and associated clastics of the GRV and
intruded by Hiltaba Suite granites (ca. 1595-1585 Ma) and later
Neoproterozoic mafic dykes.
The Nuyts Subdomain, west of the YSZ comprises large, little
disrupted, batholiths of St Peter Suite (ca. 1630-1610 Ma), Hiltaba
Suite and/or Spilsby Suite (ca. 1540 Ma) granite intruding
granitoids, orthogneisses, augen gneisses and amphibolites
possibly equivalent to the Palaeoproterozoic Lincoln Complex (ca.
1850-1710 Ma) and/or Ifould Complex (ca. 1685-1670 Ma; Daly
et al., 1998; Parker and Flint, in press).
The YSZ is concealed by Cainozoic sediments for most of its
length. At its northern extremity, the shear zone swings around to
a northwesterly orientation before merging with similar
generation, but east-west to eastsoutheast-westnorthwest trending,
structures. However, it is up to 2.5 km wide in the Nuckulla Hill
region and comprises a number of major north-south structures,
many of which appear to be truncated by Hiltaba Suite granite,
with narrow sinuous demagnetised zones anastomosing around
thin slithers of less deformed gneiss, granite and amphibolite.
Relationships between granites and the YSZ suggest that this
structure partly pre-dates the Hiltaba Suite. However, it was
probably active during and after granite emplacement, providing
not only a source for mineralising fluids and hydrothermal
alteration, but also potential fluid pathways and accommodation
space.
The geology in the Nuckulla Hill region (Fig.3) is dominated
by poorly exposed late Palaeoproterozoic granitic gneiss and
Mesoproterozoic Hiltaba Suite granite in the west and outcropping
GRV in the east (Blissett, 1980). Overlying the Precambrian
Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill
basement in the west of the region is a blanket of Tertiary and
Quaternary sediments (Blissett, 1980; Benbow et al., 1995).
Immediately north of Childera OS, there are several salt lakes
containing gypsiferous lacustrine mud and often rimmed on their
eastern flanks by soft white powdery gypsum lunettes. Lake
sediments normally overlie deeply weathered bedrock or saprolite
that is sometimes exposed around lake margins, along with rare
outcrops of relatively fresh basement granite and gneiss.
The weathering process has formed a carapace, up to 40 m
thick, of white to mottled yellow-brown saprolite that is strongly
leached, although usually retaining relic textures of the original
bedrock despite most of the primary mineralogy being destroyed.
Generally there is a Tertiary silcrete or ferricrete caprock
developed directly on the saprolite.
Overlying weathered basement in parts of the central western
Nuckulla Hill region are fluvial and alluvial sediments of possible
Tertiary age, that are possibly equivalent to the lignitic and
sometimes pyritic Pidinga Formation. These comprise black to
dark brown subangular to well rounded sand and grit and fine- to
medium-grained orange to pale brown quartz sand.
Quaternary sediments are relatively thin northwest of Childera
OS and throughout much of the Gawler Ranges. They comprise
thin aeolian sand and soil regoliths in which calcrete is well
developed.
In sand dune complexes south and west of Childara Dam,
Quaternary sands can be several tens of metres in thickness. The
sand occurs in aeolian seif dunes up to 10 m high and
approximately northwest-southeast trending, and is mixed with
clay and soils in interdunal corridors. Soft biscuity calcrete is
locally developed at depths up to several metres.
LOCAL GEOLOGY
At Yarlbrinda Hill (Fig.3), mapping has identified a suite of
highly deformed rocks including augen gneiss, mylonite and
breccia. The main mylonitic foliation is variably oriented due to
overprinting effects of a later northwest-trending structure, but
southeast of Yarlbrinda Hill and north in the Childera area, the
principal mylonitic foliation is approximately north-south oriented
and subvertical. In the latter area, granite gneiss and ca. 1670 Ma
rhyolite dykes are highly deformed and foliated with elongate
feldspar augen and ribbon quartz. Elsewhere, there is clear
evidence of Hiltaba Suite granite cross-cutting mylonitic fabrics,
but with local north-south fractures and alteration veins developed
within granite. Therefore, it is inferred that the main 'high-grade'
or ductile mylonite deformation preceded granite emplacement
and occurred ca. 1670-1595 Ma, but that granite emplacement and
later more brittle deformation were broadly concurrent ca. 1595-
1585 Ma.
Alteration associated with mylonitic deformation in the YSZ is
manifest in outcrop by patchy quartz-epidote-sericite domains,
quartz-epidote veins, red haematite, chlorite and, locally,
magnetite and pyrite. The recognition of this alteration was
important in identifying the YSZ as a priority target for gold and
base-metal exploration.
Granitic gneiss, outcropping immediately west of the YSZ and
northwest of the Myall prospect, ranges from pale grey coarse-
grained foliated granite and augen gneiss to a dull pinkish-red
haematite (± epidote ±silica) altered augen gneiss referred to by
Helix Resources NL geologists (A. Martin, pers. comm.) as the
Tunkillia augen gneiss (TAG). It is a quartz-feldspar-mica gneiss
of granitic composition with coarse pink K-feldspar phenocrysts
Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits 69
Parker Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill

Fig.3. Regional geological interpretation of the Nuckulla Hill region.

70 Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits

Parker
Fig.4. Interpreted geological cross section across Sheoak prospect. Co-ordinates are AMG zone 53. See figure 7 for location.
that are now preserved as either elongate augen or aggregates or
ribbons of recrystallised grains. The main foliation is defined by
mica (biotite ± chlorite ± sericite), quartz ribbons, recrystallised
feldspar and by a local banding that is strongly developed in the
more highly deformed and recrystallised mylonitic gneiss.
Cross-cutting the main penetrative foliation in augen gneiss
outcrops northwest of the Myall prospect, are narrow (1-5 m wide)
dark grey quartz-mica mylonitic schist zones that represent zones
of intense strain and recrystallisation. The fine-grained phyllitic
schist is intensely silica-sericite ± chlorite ± pyrite altered, quartz
veined and brecciated with ovoid relics of sheared granite and
gneiss. There is local gold anomalism in the schist (commonly ca.
10-50 ppb Au), but little or no gold in the host augen gneiss,
indicating a close association between chlorite-sericite-silica
alteration and gold mineralisation. The mica-schist shear zones
trend ~15° (magnetic) at a slight angle to the regional foliation,
which trends about 000-010° (magnetic). The mylonitic foliation
dips approximately 70-85° west, with a lineation plunging steeply
to the westsouthwest.
Southwest of the Sheoak prospect, foliated granite gneiss
(interpreted as TAG equivalent) is intruded by porphyritic rhyolite
dykes that have been variably deformed and recrystallised to form
spectacular quartz-ribbon mylonites. Preliminary U-Pb SHRIMP
zircon dating of little deformed rhyolite has indicated an intrusive
age ca. 1670 Ma, which places a minimum age on the TAG.
Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill
The Sheoak and Myall prospects are both located within the
YSZ in a pronounced demagnetised zone 1-2 km wide,
approximately 15 km long and trending 007° relative to AMG grid
north. Mineralisation is developed in strongly altered, brecciated
and mylonitic basement, below ca. 35-45 m of weathered basement
and saprolite, overlain by about 5-8 m of white to reddish brown
terrazzo-style silcrete and massive, hard, cream calcrete with a thin
(<0.5 m) cover of rubbly soil (Fig.4). The depth of weathering is
slightly deeper (5-10 m) above the zone of mineralisation, probably
reflecting the higher intensity of associated alteration.
Initial aircore drilling on both targets identified significant gold
anomalism, with the best bottom-hole intersection 9 g/t Au in drill
hole NHAC26 at the Sheoak prospect, in a 7-m interval averaging
3.1 g/t Au [52-59 m]. Subsequent follow-up RAB, RC and core
drilling on both prospects extended the strike length and depth
extent of mineralisation with intersections at Sheoak of 22 m [113-
135 m] of 1.1 g/t Au in drill hole NHRC-1, 8 m [125-133 m] of 0.4
g/t Au and 1 m [147-148 m] of 78.1g/t Ag in drill hole NHDDH-1.
Diamond core drill hole NHDDH-1 was drilled at -60° to the west
across the target structure to a depth of 271.5 m and intersected:
• 40-128.4 m. Pinkish-grey, strongly altered, brecciated and
stockwork-veined protomylonitic gneissic granitoid with bands
of pink coarse-grained granite and local gold mineralisation up to
1.44 g/t Au (92-93 m). Microcrystalline magnetite with
chalcopyrite and rare pyrite occurs locally.
Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits 71
Parker Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill

Depth Interval (m) Susceptibility Range Dominant Lithology Comments

(x 10-5 SI)
40-68 10-70 pink granite
68-71 95-505 mylonitic breccia max. 480-505 at 68.8 m
71-76.5 15-45 granite
76.5-79.5 40-420 mylonitic breccia quite variable over centimetre range
79.5-82 10-15 granite
82-88 110-750 mylonitic breccia and gneiss magnetite associated with thin black
stylolitic-like stringers and veinlets
85-89 m - 4 m @ 0.3 g/t Au
88-101 25-520 granite and mylonitic breccia 92-93 m - 1 m @ 1.44 g/t Au
101-105.2 45-2400 mylonitic breccia max. 2400 in dark grey mylonitic
breccia/gneiss
105.2-111.6 10-80 pink granite
111.6-118.5 50-910 mylonitic breccia
118.5-124.3 5-3800 interbanded granite breccia very variable over centimetre
and mylonitic range; max. in dark grey gneiss
124.3-135 15-160 pyritic mylonitic schist 130-133 m - 3 m @ 0.9 g/t Au
135-136 740-1250 pyritic schist
136-147 5-135 pyritic mylonitic schist
147-187.6 <5-45 pyritic mylonitic schist 147-148 m - 1 m @ 78 g/t Ag
187.6-271.5 <5-40 green-grey protomylonitic
granite gneiss

Table 1. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (x 10-5 SI) for drill hole NHDDH-1

• 128.4-187.6 m. Fine-grained quartz-sericite-chlorite mylonitic
schist with 2-5% disseminated pyrite, minor base-metal sulphide
(galena + sphalerite + chalcopyrite) and local gold mineralisation
(generally >10 ppb Au, but up to 1.78 g/t Au (131-132 m)).
• 187.6-271.5 m. Pale greenish-grey protomylonitic granite gneiss
with extensive epidote-sericite alteration and veining.
The locations of various drill holes, intersections and a
geological cross-section of the Sheoak prospect are shown in
Figure 4.
Intense shearing and brecciation are evident throughout the
Sheoak and Myall prospects. Early sericitisation and quartz
veining were apparently followed by calc-silicate veining with
epidote, accompanied by chlorite, adularia, quartz and, in some
samples, fluorite or calcite. Late-stage sericite to quartz-rich veins
and shear zones and also local prehnite and/or tremolite (± epidote
± chlorite) indicate a long history of veining and alteration.
Pontifex and Associates (unpublished confidential report, 1996)
have suggested that shearing involved a succession of fluids with
temperatures from greenschist to zeolite facies (possibly 350 to
<100 °C) and different pH and XCO2 levels, the latter apparently
low. The temperature range overlaps that of epithermal deposits.
PETROPHYSICS
Magnetic susceptibility measurements were undertaken on
drillcore from NHDDH-1 and are listed in Table 1. Background
values range from <5-50 x 10-5 SI, but magnetic susceptibility
increases steadily over the interval 68-136 m to peak values of
3800 x 10-5 SI at about 124 m. While this interval contains some
of the best gold intersections in the drill hole, there is not a direct
one-to-one correlation.
By comparison, relative magnetic susceptibility measurements
for various units in the GRV, as measured in outcrop, are:
• basalt and dacite from the basal GRV (immediately northeast of
Childera OS), 1500-3100 x 10-5 SI.
• dacite, e.g. Mangaroongah Dacite, Bunburn Dacite, 300-2400 x
10-5 SI.
• rhyodacite, e.g. Yantea Rhyodacite, 40-800 x 10-5 SI, but
typically 200-350 x 10-5 SI.
• rhyolite, e.g. Wheepool Rhyolite, <5-150 x 10-5 SI, but usually
<50 x 10-5 SI.
• pyroclastics, e.g. Waurea Pyroclastics, <5-35 x 10-5 SI.
Typical Hiltaba Suite granite from outcrops west of Childera
OS has magnetic susceptibilities in the range 5-250 x 10-5 SI
(commonly <50 x 10-5 SI), but the more magnetic parts of the
Kondoolka Batholith (Fig.3), as seen on aeromagnetic images
(Fig.2), have measured susceptibilities up to 600-2000 x 10-5 SI.
Mylonitic gneiss from Yarlbrinda Hill is typically non-
magnetic, with susceptibilities in outcrop about 15-80 x 10-5 SI.
However, local protomylonite southeast of Yarlbrinda Hill has
susceptibilities up to 1500-2550 x 10-5 SI.
Lincoln Complex or Ifould Complex granite and augen gneiss
southwest of Sheoak and northwest of Myall are generally non-
magnetic, with susceptibilities ranging from <5-100 x 10-5 SI.
Outcropping gabbro anorthosite from Arburee South (Fig.3) is also
relatively non-magnetic (10-220 x 10-5 SI), but amphibolite and
ultramafic float are often very magnetic (>1000 x 10-5 SI). Mafic
drill hole samples (RAB/aircore chips) from Arburee South also
have high magnetic susceptibilities.
GEOPHYSICAL METHODS
Since the SAEI aeromagnetic survey was flown along north-
south flight lines 400 m apart parallel to the trend of the YSZ,
Equinox Resources commissioned a closer spaced low-level
aeromagnetic survey, along east-west flight lines, over the
Childera region in July 1996. This was flown at a nominal 60 m
above ground level, with flight lines 100 m apart over the
Sheoak and Myall prospects and 200 m apart over adjoining
areas. Tie-lines were spaced at 1500 m. The survey was flown
by Tesla Airborne Geoscience in a Cessna 210n aircraft fitted
with a Scintrex caesium vapour model CS2 magnetometer
(resolution 0.001nT). Navigation was by Novatel GPS
differentially post processed and the recording interval was 0.1
s (about 7 m).

72 Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits

Parker
Reconnaissance ground magnetic surveys have been conducted
over several aeromagnetic anomalies in the Nuckulla Hill region.
At the Sheoak prospect, ground magnetic data were acquired along
east-west grid lines 100 m apart, with a 10 m station spacing. Four
100 m-spaced north-south grid lines, immediately over the main
zone of mineralisation, were also surveyed. Data were acquired
using an Austral PPM-1 proton precession magnetometer with the
sensor height set at approximately 2.5 m. Diurnal variations were
measured on a regular basis (approximately hourly). Diurnal
corrections have been applied to the data, but no micro-leveling
has been performed.
A reconnaissance electrical ground geophysical survey (gradient
and dipole-dipole-array IP/resistivity) was carried out at the Sheoak
and Myall prospects in November 1996. The gradient-array survey
was undertaken by Search Exploration Services over the main zone
of mineralisation at Sheoak, to determine if this technique could be
used to delineate zones of mineralisation. Data were collected
using 25 m dipoles along east-west grid lines 100 m apart, with
local in-fill along two lines adjacent to the main zone of
mineralisation. Two lines of dipole-dipole data were conducted,
one across each of the Sheoak and Myall prospects. The surveys
used 50 m dipoles and were conducted along east-west lines across
the full width of the calcrete anomalism and the demagnetised zone.
Aeromagnetics
As well as the original SAEI 1:250,000 scale aeromagnetic
images, 1:100,000 scale aeromagnetic colour contour maps of
TMI were acquired for detailed interpretation. Airborne
radiometric data have also been examined using various image
processing algorithms, but due to the extensive Cenozoic cover
over the YSZ no significant anomalies or features can be related
directly to bedrock geology.
The complex nature of the magnetic patterns over the Hiltaba
Suite granites and GRV necessitated interpretation of the SAEI data
at detailed (1:100,000) and semi-regional (1:250,000) scales
simultaneously. This allowed the distinction of gross, large-scale
relationships and structures, whilst at the same time allowing high
levels of precision and accuracy. Although many targets have already
been identified, the interpretation of the data and the integration of
field observations are continuing. Aeromagnetic interpretation has
revealed a complex distribution of geological units and structures
throughout the project area and many features have neither been
previously recognised nor shown on published geological maps.
Major points obtained from the geophysical interpretation of the
SAEI data shown in Figure 2 are outlined below:
At Nuckulla Hill, the YSZ is clearly defined by an intense,
linear, demagnetised zone, up to 2.5 km wide, that can be traced to
the north and south for a total length of about 170 km. It is not a
single shear zone, but comprises a number of discrete, relatively
narrow, anastomosing shears varying up to several tens of metres in
width, but traceable on detailed aeromagnetics for several tens of
kilometres in length. In both drillcore and outcrop, these shears are
manifest as fine-grained recrystallised zones of intense sericite-
silica-chlorite (± pyrite) alteration that has formed quartz-veined
phyllitic schist with pervasive elevated low-level (10-50 ppb Au)
gold anomalism. The schist is generally non-magnetic and calcrete
gold anomalism at both the Sheoak and Myall prospects is tightly
constrained within the zone of demagnetisation.
In the eastern part of the Nuckulla Hill project area (dominated
by GRV):
• Throughout much of the western Gawler Ranges, the regional
structural fabric is westnorthwest-trending, but is defined by
Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill
many short, discontinuous, segments separated by major,
continuous, northeast-trending lineaments, possibly representing
original transfer faults.
• Most westnorthwest-trending anomalies have sharp southern
gradients, suggesting shallowly northnortheast-dipping structure.
This has been confirmed by field observations that show that the
regional dip of GRV units is almost universally shallow (10-30°)
to the northnortheast.
• Along the western edge of the Gawler Ranges, a series of
moderately high amplitude aeromagnetic anomalies curve
around from northnorthwest, to north, then northeast trends.
The anomalies coincide with outcrops of lower GRV basalt and
dacite, which have field magnetic susceptibility measurements in
the range 200-3000 x 10-5 SI.
• Well-exposed rhyolite over prominent magnetic anomalies at ca.
AMG 500,000E 6,498,000N and 510,000E 6,480,000 is no
more magnetic than the average rhyolite, i.e. 10-150 x 10-5 SI,
suggesting that the anomalies are due to a magnetic unit (either
magnetic Palaeoproterozoic or Archaean basement, basal GRV or
magnetic Hiltaba Suite intrusives) shallowly buried beneath the
rhyolite.
In the western part of the Nuckulla Hill project area (dominated
by Lincoln or Ifould Complex gneisses and Hiltaba Suite granite
batholiths):
• There is a complex inter-relationship between linear structures
and granites, suggesting contemporaneous faulting and granite
emplacement.
• The magnetic signature of granite varies from very high to very
low amplitudes, and the batholiths often appear to comprise a
series of composite plutons.
• The Kondoolka Batholith is one such composite Hiltaba Suite
batholith, with magnetic early phases and less magnetic later
phases. It is elliptical in form, but anomalies have steep gradients
on their southwestern sides, suggesting that the batholith may
actually be lopolithic and composed of a series of relatively flat-
lying sheets dipping shallowly to the northeast beneath GRV.
Magnetic susceptibilities of outcropping granites vary, but
show good correspondence between high susceptibilities (up to
2000 x 10-5 SI) and granites with high regional magnetic anomalies.
• At Arburee South, in the vicinity of a large, high-amplitude,
composite aeromagnetic anomaly, layered anorthositic gabbro
and metadolerite are draped over by sand dunes. The western
edge of the anomaly is sharply truncated by the YSZ, while to the
east the anomaly is offset by a similar north-south fault. Further
southeast, it is intruded by a late Hiltaba Suite pluton. The lack
of a tectonic foliation and the good preservation of primary
textures suggest a post-Kimban Orogeny age, implying intrusion
ca. 1710-1670 Ma (?Ifould Complex).
• On the western edge of the YSZ, 10 km northwest of Arburee
South, there is a narrow linear aeromagnetic high trending
approximately north. It is truncated on its southern end by an
interpreted Hiltaba Suite pluton and may represent the
continuation of either the Arburee South gabbro or an early
magnetic Hiltaba Suite intrusion. This linear feature appears to
be a feeder 'dyke' to a mushroom-shaped granite pluton on the
northern edge of the Nuckulla Hill project area. This pluton is
intruded by non-magnetic granite (?Hiltaba Suite) and is
truncated along its eastern margin by the YSZ. Therefore, it
could be of Ifould Complex age. It is suggested that the
'mushroom' granite and Arburee South gabbro represent a highly
differentiated intrusive complex connected by the narrow dyke-
like intrusive feature.
• The major north-south trending set of structures that comprise
the YSZ are truncated at their southern end by the Kondoolka
Batholith, inferring that they partly pre-date Hiltaba Suite granite
intrusion. However, several less penetrative, but apparently
Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits 73
Parker
Fig.5. Detailed low-level aeromagnetic data (pseudocolour shaded-
relief TMI) over the Yarlbrinda shear zone in the Nuckulla Hill region
(Sheoak-Myall prospects). Co-ordinates are AMG zone 53.
related, north-south structures cut across that batholith,
suggesting that the shear zone may have been active or re-
activated during granite emplacement.
The detailed low-level aeromagnetic data flown over Sheoak
and Myall prospects show a number of very interesting features
(Fig.5). The main bounding fault on the eastern edge of the YSZ
is very sharply defined and also defines the eastern edge of calcrete
gold anomalism at both the Sheoak and Myall prospects (Fig.6).
The peak calcrete gold anomaly at the Sheoak prospect is located
about 700-800 m west thereof, in an area of low magnetic
intensity, and is bounded on its western side by a weak northerly
trending structure that truncates a northeast-trending dyke-like
magnetic horizon. Note there were a number of northeast-trending
veins and shear zones in drillcore from NHDDH-1.
74 Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits
Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill
Fig.6. Gridded calcrete gold geochemistry colour-draped over detailed
aeromagnetic data (greyscale) in the vicinity of the Sheoak and Myall
prospects. Co-ordinates are AMG zone 53.
West and north of the Myall prospect, there is a swarm of
northnortheast-trending features that are probably mafic dykes.
One anomaly coincides with subcropping amphibolite.
Ground Magnetics
Ground magnetic data collected over the Sheoak prospect have
been gridded and analysed, using ModelVision and TerraScan
software to produce various greyscale and pseudocolour TMI
images for interpretation. Although there are some levelling
irregularities, the data confirm the observations from the detailed
aeromagnetic survey and clearly define the eastern edge of the
shear zone, which is bounded by a linear magnetic anomaly
ranging from 58,250 to 58,440 nT (Fig.7). The total intensity
range of ground magnetic data across the Sheoak prospect is
Parker Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill

Fig.7. Ground magnetic data for Sheoak prospect, showing the position of drill hole NHDDH-1. Co-ordinates are AMG zone 53.

(a) (b)

Fig.8. Gradient-array IP/resistivity data for the Sheoak prospect. a) Resistivity (data range 33-422 Ω.m), b) chargeability (data range 0.07-3.57). Co-
ordinates are AMG zone 53.

57,990-58,440 nT and in the vicinity of mineralisation the
background is about 58,070-58,110 nT.
There are numerous short wavelength (20-40 m) magnetic
anomalies along most grid traverses, but these appear to be more
common in areas where there is scattered ferruginous terrazzo
silcrete float. The anomalies are of low amplitude (about 5-20
nT), but are significant relative to the low-amplitude basement
anomalism. They are interpreted to be caused by shallow sources
within the upper 10 m of the regolith. Unfortunately, near drill
hole NHDDH-1, the ground magnetic data immediately over the
main zone of observed basement mineralisation have been
disturbed by an intense anomaly resulting from the casing.
Nevertheless, there is a subtle, low-amplitude (about 30-40 nT),
anomaly that trends approximately 015° through the zone of
mineralisation. This anomaly is not clearly evident on
aeromagnetic data, but coincides with the presence of local
magnetite alteration in drillcore, as manifest by relatively high

Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits 75

Parker Shear-zone hosted gold, Nuckulla Hill

magnetic susceptibilities over the interval 68-136 m (Table 1). The
magnetic low on the western side of that anomaly coincides with
the silica-sericite-chlorite-pyrite mylonitic schist and its
orientation is consistent with the orientation of observed
retrograde shears northwest of the Myall prospect.
As noted above, the zone of high magnetic susceptibility in drill
hole NHDDH-1 coincides with the maximum gold anomalism in
that drill hole. The associated subtle ground magnetic anomaly is
also broadly coincident with observed RAB/aircore bottom-hole
bedrock gold anomalism, thus suggesting that the anomaly
coincides with the zone of gold mineralisation at Sheoak.
Gradient-Array IP/Resistivity
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This paper is published with permission of Equinox Resources
NL. Two anonymous reviewers are thanked for their comments.
REFERENCES
Benbow, M.C., Lindsay, J.M. and Alley, N.F., 1995. Eucla Basin and palaeodrainage.
In, Drexel, J.F. and Preiss. W.V., (Eds), The Geology of South Australia, Volume
2 The Phanerozoic. South Australia Geological Survey, Bulletin, 54, 178–186.
Blissett, A.H., 1980. CHILDARA, South Australia, sheet SH53-14. South Australian
Geological Survey. 1:250 000 Series – Explanatory Notes.
Daly, S.J., Fanning, C.M. and Fairclough, M.C., 1998. Tectonic development and
exploration potential of the Gawler Craton, South Australia. AGSO Journal, 17,
145–168.

The gradient-array resistivity map from the Sheoak prospect
(Fig.8a) defines a strong linear zone of low resistivity trending
north-south. This flanked by a high-resistivity zone to the west
and a moderate-resistivity ridge to the east, before going into
another low-resistivity zone. The main low-resistivity zone has a
sharp western boundary that exactly coincides with the edge of the
calcrete gold anomaly and the position of the edge of the
demagnetised YSZ. The moderate resistivity ridge coincides with
an area of relatively low calcrete gold anomalism and, based on
bedrock drilling intersections, a bedrock high. Therefore, it has
been concluded that the gradient-array resistivity data are
reflecting the depth and nature of weathering and groundwater
movement or salinity in saprolite.
The chargeability map (Fig.8b) has not proved to be
particularly informative, since chargeability was relatively low
(probably reflecting the conductive overburden). Nevertheless,
there are some interesting low-order anomalies and patterns that
appear to approximately correspond with known mineralisation
and calcrete gold anomalism. The single dipole-dipole
IP/resistivity traverse across the Sheoak prospect confirmed the
results of the gradient survey and reflects the strong influence of
weathering, saprolite development and groundwater.
Equinox Resources NL, 1995. Annual Report 1995. Equinox Resources NL. Annual
Report, September 1995.
Equinox Resources NL, 1996a. Progress Update to April, 1996. Equinox Resources
NL. April 1996.
Equinox Resources NL, 1996b. Annual Report 1996. Equinox Resources NL. Annual
Report, September 1996.
Ferris, G., 1996. The Yarlbrinda shear zone – a new exploration focus for the western
Gawler Craton. MESA Journal, 3, 29–31.
Flint, R.B., 1993. Mesoproterozoic. In, Drexel, J.F., Preiss, W.V. and Parker, A.J.,
(Eds), The Geology of South Australia, Volume 1 The Precambrian. South
Australia. Geological Survey, Bulletin, 54, 106–169.
Parker, A.J., 1990. Gawler Craton and Stuart Shelf – regional geology and
mineralisation. In, Hughes, F.E., (Ed.), Geology of the Mineral Deposits of
Australia and Papua New Guinea. Australasian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy, Monograph Series, 14, 999–1008.
Parker, A.J., 1993. Palaeoproterozoic. In, Drexel, J.F., Preiss, W.V. and Parker, A.J.,
(Eds), The Geology of South Australia, Volume 1 The Precambrian. South
Australia. Geological Survey, Bulletin, 54, 51–105.
Parker, A.J., 1996. Shear zone hosted Proterozoic gold, Nuckalla Hill. In, Preiss,
W.V., (Compiler), Resources '96, Adelaide, 1996. Abstracts. Mines and Energy
South Australia, 102–105.
Parker, A.J. and Flint, R.B., in press. YARDEA, South Australia, sheet SI53-3. South
Australian Geological Survey. 1:250 000 Series - Explanatory Notes.

CONCLUSIONS

Gold mineralisation at the Myall and Sheoak prospects in the

Nuckulla Hill region is hosted by brecciated and mylonitic gneiss
within a major alteration/shear zone system. The substantial extent
of this mineralised alteration system confirms the high prospectivity
of the YSZ for gold and possibly other mineralisation including
silver and copper. It is one of several major Proterozoic shear zones
in the western Gawler Craton that represent an important exploration
target zone with considerable economic potential.

The YSZ is clearly seen on aeromagnetic images as a linear

demagnetised zone up to 2.5 km wide and about 170 km in length.
East of the YSZ, the magnetic character changes appreciably,
reflecting the predominance of GRV over Hiltaba Suite granite and
Lincoln Complex or Ifould Complex granite and augen gneiss.
Within the broad demagnetised zone identified on aeromagnetics,
ground magnetic data have delineated a narrow, subtle, low-
amplitude anomaly over Sheoak prospect. The anomaly coincides
with observed higher magnetic susceptibilities in drillcore and
probably defines the zone of gold mineralisation at Sheoak.

Orientation gradient and dipole-dipole array IP/resistivity

surveys at Sheoak did not shed any light on the distribution of
mineralisation within the basement. The nature of the schist
compared with host gneisses has led to intense weathering and
deeper or thicker saprolite development and it is this thicker
saprolite which appears to be reflected in the IP data, particularly
in regard to resistivity.

76 Geophysical Signatures of South Australian Mineral Deposits