Stratigraphic and structural setting of iron mineralisation at E Deposit (East),Area C,Hamersley Province,Western Australia

Abstract

E Deposit is located at Area C iron ore operations in the central region of the Hamersley Province, Western Australia. It is hosted by the Marra Mamba Iron Formation, the lowermost unit of the Archaean to Lower Proterozoic Hamersley Group. Mineralisation at E Deposit East is contained within the Mount Newman Member of the Marra Mamba Iron Formation and extends into the lower West Angela Member of the overlying Wittenoom Formation. Use of a combination of geological and geophysical techniques has enabled the geological setting of the deposit to be better understood. Interpretation of detailed mine face mapping, downhole geophysics, geochemistry, geological logging and photography has identified D₂-related thrust faulting with substantial south-over-north displacement. Similarly, in-pit mapping at the nearby C Deposit has revealed intense localised D₂ deformation including overturning and thrust faulting. The interpreted structure illustrates that iron ore deposits in the central Hamersley Province can be intensely deformed; and they require detailed geological investigation using technical data from mapping and drilling to create robust grade-models for the mining operation.

Keywords

GEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION STRUCTURAL SETTING GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS

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