Innovative geochemical research delivers new exploration insights in the Capricorn region of WA

MRIWA-sponsored research in project M0436 by scientists from CSIRO, The Centre for Exploration Targeting, and Curtin University has developed new understanding of the mineral endowment of Western Australia’s Capricorn region.

The team gathered new insight into the evolution of the region, and developed innovative approaches using groundwater chemistry and sulfur isotope data to recognise potential mineralisation buried beneath barren cover rocks.

Through detailed investigation of the age and chemistry of the ancient rocks of the district, the researchers also showed that the Capricorn bears important geological links to the adjacent richly–endowed Yilgarn and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, including sharing tectonic events associated with major mineralisation. 

Wider application of these methods may encourage mineral exploration investment in other under-explored parts of Western Australia where ancient rocks known to host world-class ore deposits are covered by sediments and other later rocks that shield the highly-endowed geology from view. 

Read the technical report summarising the findings of this research.