Deep crustal-scale structure, geological evolution and multi-commodity prospectivity analysis in the Halls Creek Orogen, Kimberley region, WA

The Challenge

Many geochemical investigations have been undertaken across the Halls Creek Orogen, but the utility of these in exploration terms is limited in the absence of uniformity and systematic coordination of the available data.

Key Findings

This work produced a new approach for integrating geodynamic models and Lu/Hf analysis to constrain tectonic evolution. Sm/Nd analysis of the region is also shown to provide a proxy for fertility.

This technique delivered new insight into the tectonic evolution of the Halls Creek Orogen, and the structural controls on gold and nickel mineral systems across this region.

These insights delivered new gold and nickel prospectivity models for the Halls Creek Orogen.

Benefit to WA

The new methodologies and prospectivity insights delivered through this work will assist the exploration industry in finding new mineral deposits in Western Australia.

Access to the thesis is available through the UWA Profiles and Research Repository.

Keywords: geodynamic modelling, mineral systems, isotope analysis, Halls Creek Orogen, geophysical interpretation, prospectivity modelling