Gum Creek
Gum Creek (E51/1235, E51/1236; E 53/1340) — Yilgarn Region, Western Australia
Location:
The Gum Creek Project is located in the northern Yilgarn Region, Western Australia, approximately 75km east of Meekatharra, 80km west of Wiluna and 50km northwest of Yeelirrie, Australia's largest surficial uranium deposit.
Brief geological description:
The Yilgarn palaeo-drainage system is marked by lacustrine and playa sediments, a series of lakes (Lake Miranda, Lake Darlot, Lake Carey and Lake Minigwal) and deposits of valley calcrete that are exposed intermittently within the palaeo-drainage. Thermal remote sensing (NOAA AVHRR) data indicate that the palaeochannel that hosts the Yeelirrie uranium deposit extends 100 km further to the west than implied by the publicly available geological data.
The project areas cover an approximately 55 km-long portion of this inferred extension, which is covered by recent colluvium, sheetwash and eolian sand. Bedrock exposure is limited within the project areas and restricted to scattered outcrops of Archaean granite and gneiss. The apparent palaeochannel meanders around these outcrops. Mafic and ultramafic rocks of Archaean age are exposed nearby.
Expected styles of mineralisation:
The project areas are prospective for surficial uranium deposits.
Exploration model:
The project area incorporates ingredients that are essential for the generation of surficial uranium deposits: potential sources of potassium, uranium (Archaean granites of the Yilgarn Region) and vanadium (Archaean mafic and ultramafic rocks of the Yilgarn Region) and fluid pathway (palaeochannel). Favourable host media (deposits of valley calcrete and clay) are likely to be present within the 55 km-long section of the inferred upstream section of the palaeochannel that hosts 52,500 t U3O8 at Yeelirrie.
