Aphrodite IOCG project (sa)

The Aphrodite Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) target is 35km south-east of the Olympic Dam mine and 13km south-east of the Wirrda Well Prospect within the highly prospective zone along the eastern margin of the Gawler Craton.

Figure: Minotaur’s three tenements (granted and under application) in the Olympic Dam region

The Aphrodite gravity anomaly is considered highly prospective for Carrapateena-style, hematite-rich IOCG mineralisation, within one or more sub-vertical breccia pipes.  Previous drillholes AS09D03 and AS10D04 intersected rock types of insufficient density to explain the geophysical anomaly, though some alteration encountered in the drill core suggests close proximity to a hydrothermal IOCG-style mineralising system.  A 2D magnetotelluric profile across Aphrodite was successful in delineating conductive basement units and now a 3D magnetotelluric survey will be undertaken in early 2012 to assist delineation of any breccia pipe present (part financial assistance through the SA state government PACE exploration initiative).

Figure: The Aphrodite gravity anomaly with respect to the Carrapateena gravity anomaly (same scale)

In addition to the geophysical survey at Aphrodite, a 3D magnetotelluric survey is also being considered for west of the Acropolis where access looks possible again after several years of restriction by the Department of Defence.  The target in this region is IOCG mineralization of the same style as at Prominent Hill and Olympic Dam.

Project details last updated January 2012