cr125268

This study provides a provisional review of the mineral prospectivity of the eastern Mt Isa Block using groundwater geochemistry, defining new areas of interest requiring further investigation.

In the eastern Isa Block region groundwater samples were collected from 321 sites, including wells and bores used for livestock and human consumption. Samples were derived from groundwater with the water table generally deeper than 5 m (maximum depth of 89 m). The collection sites were selected to provide samples from different geological units and different groundwater zones. Samples were also taken from water bores near some known mineral deposits to provide examples of the geochemical signature associated with mineralisation in the region.

Field measurements included pH, Eh, EC and temperature. Robust statistical methods were applied to combine bailed and flowing samples using a derived contamination factor that is tailored to the individual measured parameters. Rescaling normal or log-normal data and the creation of indices for lithology discrimination, and Au, U and sulfide mineralisation improved the utility of hydrogeochemical data.

Reference: N. Reid, R. L. Thorne, J. Tang, D. Purdy, D. Brown, C. Plet, B. Kamber, T. Pinchand, 2021.
Hydrogeochemistry of Eastern Isa Block. Queensland Geological Record **2021/03**, CSIRO Report **EP2021-1969**

ISBN 978-1-9256-0928-8
ISSN 2206-0340