Matrix Exploration is sponsoring a University of Western Australia (UWA) student, Ms. Haylee Cuzens, to conduct an Honours research project on the genesis and spatial distribution of PGEs in the Coronation Hill Au-PGE-U deposit, Northern Territory. This research highlights our commitment to develop cutting-edge tools which will help develop new exploration targeting parameters at a range of scales. A synthesis of the project is provided below:

The Genesis and Spatial Distribution of PGE mineralisation in the Coronation Hill Deposit, Northern Territory, Western Australia.

This research project aims to investigate the petrographic and geochemical features of the gold-platinum group elements (PGE)-uranium deposit at Coronation Hill, in the Northern Territory. Specifically, the minerals associated with and hosting the PGE will be documented. From this, the genesis of the deposit will be inferred, as it has not yet been classified.

Core logging and sampling of drill hole CHDDH100 has already been undertaken, with thin sections and mounts currently being prepared. The thin sections will be used to determine paragenesis and petrology, and the SEM with microprobe will allow quantitative analysis of the minerals within the host rocks and specifically where mineralisation occurs. The sample geochemistry is being analysed for exact concentrations of the Au and PGE.

Mernagh et al. (1994) have proposed a model for Coronation Hill, where mineralisation occurs by the reaction of acidic, oxidized basinal brines from the cover sequence of sandstone and breccias with the reducing rocks of the basement. However, this model does not answer the fundamental question of the origin of these transported PGE. The answer to this question will be provided by the methods outlined above, which will contribute not only to academic knowledge but also to the possible implementation of exploration parameters for more of these deposits.