The Oakover Project - The Pilbara
The Oakover project consists of a single exploration licence application (ELA 45/2376) located approximately
90 kilometres northeast of the town of Nullagine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The Pilbara Craton is similar in size, age and structure to the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa which hosts many kimberlite pipes.
Diamond and chromite indicator minerals have been recovered in the region by previous explorers and two stream sediment samples taken on behalf of Gemstar produced 346 chromite grains. Analysis of the mineral chemistry of some of the chromite grains indicated the chromites to have high chrome contents and a single grain was confirmed as being derived from the diamond stability field (that part of the mantle where diamonds exist as a stable form).
Additionally, petrological examination of a rock specimen collected during an initial reconnaissance survey has been identified asa pyroclastic breccia and has produced both leucoxene and altered phlogopite mica indicator minerals (refer Independent Geologists Report Section 4). Upon granting of the tenement, the brecciated areas already identified will be mapped and sampled.
This will quickly facilitate the location of drilling and bulk sampling sites. Streams draining other parts of the tenement will also be sampled for indicator minerals. The tenement lies between Yilgalong Creek and the Oakover River and is easily accessible. The small tenement size reflects Gemstar’s strategy of cost effective and rapid evaluation of focussed exploration targets.
